1889 – 1945 (February 6)
Francis Augustine Driscoll was born on April 15, 1889, on Staten Island, New York, to Daniel Driscoll and Emma Biery. For a time, his family were members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, where Francis received the Sacrament of Confirmation on December 10, 1901. After graduating from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, he was received into the novitiate on July 4, 1905. He professed simple vows on July 5, 1906, and solemn vows on July 7, 1909. A natural athlete from his high school days, he was no less proficient in studies, being awarded the gold medal for English literature by Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He earned a B. A. in 1908 and an M. A. in 1912, both from Villanova. He did theological studies at Villanova and was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1912.
Father Driscoll's first assignment was in 1912 as an instructor in Mathematics at Villanova. He was named Vice-President of Villanova College in 1914, and appointed Prefect of Studies in 1918. In 1920 he became President of Villanova College. In 1921 Duquesne University conferred on him an honorary LL. D. Degree. During the presidency of “Father Frank”, as he was universally known on campus, several major building projects at Villanova were completed, summer school was inaugurated, the curriculum was organized by departments, engineering courses were added, the School of Commerce and Finance was established, and the Alumni Association was reorganized. In 1925, he was asked to help expand the Augustinian educational ministry further west. He was sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma to organize and construct Cascia Hall. As he began that task, he was appointed in 1925 Diocesan Superintendent of Schools for the Oklahoma City and Tulsa regions. When Cascia Hall opened its doors in 1926, Father Driscoll was its first Headmaster.
He continued to serve at Cascia Hall until declining health made hospitalization necessary in 1944. He died February 6, 1945. Father Driscoll is buried in the Augustinian Cemetery at Villanova.
