Richard Hayden Driscole, Sr., “Papa,” 84, of Tunkhannock, PA., died surrounded by his family on Sept. 12, 2017.

He was born Dec. 2, 1932, to the late John Franklin (Frank) and Blodwyn Sickler Driscole. His beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Wilverding Driscole, predeceased him in Oct. 2011.

He is survived by sons Jack (Rita) Driscole, of New Milford, PA; Richard, Jr. (Melissa) Driscole of Falls; and Howard (Pattie) Driscole of Tunkhannock; nine grandchildren: Michele (Matt) Stehle and Kristen (Kyle) Gibson of Richmond, VA; Kelly Driscole of Cape Charles, VA; Sean (Tiffanie) Driscole, of Forest City; Dylan Kerzetski, Abigail Driscole and Daniel Driscole, of Tunkhannock; Madison Driscole and Hayden Driscole of Falls; and five great-grandchildren: Will & Mary Hayden Stehle of Richmond, VA,  and Kolt, Austin & Trey Driscole of Forest City. Also surviving him are a sister, Dianna Wilkins of Nicholson; brother-in-law Robert Conklin of Factoryville, sister-in-law Gerry Novak of Scranton, son-in-law David Werner of Ashland, VA., and many nieces, nephews and friends, including fellow Yankees and NY Giants fans.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Lorraine, brothers Howard (Harriet) Driscole, Jack (Barbara) Driscole, sister Martha (Marty) Conklin and brothers-in law Jerome (Carolyn) Wilverding, George Wilverding, Erwin “Butch” Wilkins.

Prior to living in Tunkhannock, he and his wife lived at Newton Lake, Glenburn and many years in Factoryville, where they raised their children. He was involved in youth sports as a coach and attended many sporting events through the years.

He was a retired truck driver and had earned the National honor of Ryder’s “Driver of the Year” in 1980 as he had driven safely over one million miles. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne.

He enjoyed wintering in Florida, bird watching and being with his family. He loved cars, trains tractors, airplanes and jelly beans.

Papa was a loving man and will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his smile and friendly “one of a kind” personality, always joking and making people smile, a big kid at heart.

A special thank you to the United Methodist Homes and The Garden’s in Tunkhannock for their compassionate care over the past 18 months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a favorite charity.

Funeral Service will be Saturday at 11am from Anthony P. Litwin Jr. Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 Reynolds St. Factoryville with Pastor Carol Folk officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday 4-8pm and on Saturday an hour before service time. Interment at Evergreen-Woodlawn Cemetery.