[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO C. FRANCIS DRISCOLL

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to speak in memory of C. 
Francis Driscoll, of New London, CT, who passed away on August 8 at the 
age of 68.
  Although Frank Driscoll was born in New York, he would become one of 
New London's most influential and devoted public servants, committing 
his time and energy, for over 30 years, to making life better for the 
people of that city.
  Frank Driscoll's first work on behalf of New London came from 1961 to 
1967, when he was the executive director of the Redevelopment Agency, 
and a driving force in New London's urban renewal. But after 2 years 
working in Washington at the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development he returned to New London to take the job that he would 
hold for the next 23 years, the position of city manager--the top 
executive post in the city.
  As city manager, Frank Driscoll became known as a man who was very 
careful with how he spent city funds. A child of the Great Depression, 
he understood that these were the hard-earned tax dollars of working 
men and women, and he was always careful to spend those dollars wisely. 
At the same time, he was also tireless in his efforts to obtain Federal 
funds to improve the quality of life in New London. In fact, during the 
1970s, New London won more money in Federal aid than it raised in local 
property taxes. These critical funds helped New London improve and 
renovate its schools, revitalize its business district, and ensure the 
integrity of its water supply.
  Frank Driscoll was a skilled, dedicated, and effective leader. But 
those who knew him or worked with him will probably remember him even 
more as a deeply caring and compassionate individual. He treated every 
city employee as part of an extended family. And when it came to his 
own family, Frank Driscoll's devotion was second to none.
  He was also a man of faith who was a vital member of his community. 
At St. Joseph's Parish in New London, he was a member of the parish 
council as well as the church choir. Frank was a man whose faith helped 
shape every aspect of his life, both public and private.
  I know that everyone who has lived in New London since the 1960s 
feels fortunate that they had Frank Driscoll working on their behalf. 
And I feel privileged to have had him as a friend.
  I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Frank's wife Caroline, to 
their eight children, nine grandchildren, and to everyone else who knew 
Frank Driscoll. He will be deeply missed.

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