Joseph V. Driscoll Sr. is celebrating his 100th birthday today.
Driscoll was born March 20, 1924, near Broad Street and Erie Avenue in Nicetown. He attended St. Stephen Grammar School and Roman Catholic High School (class of 1942).
At Roman, he was a two-time All-Catholic forward on the basketball team for legendary coach Billy Markward. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Sports Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War II in the South Pacific.
He and his wife, Betty, a Little Flower graduate, raised four children in Oxford Circle. Today, he still lives on Cheltenham Avenue and has 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Every Sunday, he attends Mass at St. Martin of Tours.
Joe is proud of his Irish descent and traces his roots to County Cork. He was recognized in the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade’s prestigious Ring of Honor.
Joe is a Philadelphia sports fan and has spent past birthdays at the Phillies’ spring training home in Clearwater, Florida.
Among those sending him birthday cards were President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. ••
