Obituary of William J. Driscoll

William "Bill" J. Driscoll, age 78, of Bloomingburg, peacefully passed from this world to the next Sunday, January 7, 2024 at home, surrounded and supported by the love of his family. Bill was born May 15, 1945 in Jersey City, NJ, Margaret Hague Hospital. He is the son of the late Gerald J. Driscoll and the late Martha V. Driscoll [Griffin]. Bill spent his primary years in Jersey City, NJ, and from grammar school until the age of 21, in Dumont, NJ. Bill spent the entirety of his adult life in the Hudson Valley, and 41 of those years, on the bank of his beloved Shawangunk Kill. Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marie C. Mannion, his brothers, James B. Driscoll and Thomas P. Driscoll, his daughter, Joanna Driscoll Hanson, son-in-law, William Hanson, granddaughter, Chloe Hanson, daughter, Christy Larkin [Driscoll], son-in-law, Roland Larkin, granddaughters, Madeline and Catherine Larkin, daughter, Lisa Mannion, son-in-law, Kenneth Haskins, and granddaughters, Sophia Haskins and Willow Council, as well as his first wife, Jennifer Gerard [Parker], brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Martha Driscoll, his sister, Patricia A. Presta [Driscoll], his brother, Robert D. Driscoll, and nephew, Gerald D. Driscoll.. Bill, an outdoor enthusiast, was passionate about nature. (This earned him the nickname "Huckleberry", which he was lovingly called by his Jersey boy brothers.) The wonders of the natural world filled Bill's heart, mind, and soul from the time he was a boy. This led him to study environmental science, which he built upon over the course of his lifetime. Bill was largely a self taught naturalist. He gained expansive knowledge and expertise about birds, trees, plants, and animals which he would readily share with anyone seeking answers to questions about the flora and fauna of North America, and beyond. Bill was also a veteran of the US Army, and his love of driving brought him to a career of both city and long haul trucking. Born with an adventurous spirit, Bill traveled the world with his wife, Marie, and throughout the entirety of his life, Bill devoted his time and energy to his family, which was the center of his universe. His generosity of spirit was extended to all those in his life; he was a stand up person with a willing, and ready helping hand. Bill was a non-religious man of deep faith, and his relationship with God was his spiritual anchor. He embraced life with fearlessness and wonder. He loved, and was loved by countless people who surrounded him with tenderness and light over the final months of his life. A scofflaw by nature, he lived and died on his own terms. He could be as loud as sudden thunder, and as gentle as the softest rain. His laughter and love will be missed by so many, but his spirit will continue to live on in the beautiful memories he leaves behind. Visitation will be Thursday, January 11 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. The Funeral Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 1:30 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in William's name to The National Wildlife Federation. There is ample parking on the street, in front of the funeral home and on the side of the funeral home, as well as local lots behind the funeral home.