Richard C. O'Driscoll Jr.
Richard “Rick” O’Driscoll, 71, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 30, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend whose life was marked by love for his family and a deep passion for the outdoors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Elizabeth (nee Rentko); his children: Katherine (Timmy Vocke) and Kenneth (Ashley Saltzman) and predeceased by his son, John, and his parents Richard and Sophia O'Driscoll. He is further survived by his adored grandchildren: Samantha and William; his sister, Kathleen O’Connell, brother, Brian O’Driscoll; loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Rick was a man of many talents and interests. His early career as a union carpenter (LU1856), spurred his interest to build his own family home in Langhorne. Professionally, Rick later served as a school librarian for grades K-12, where he curated a diverse collection of books to inspire a love of reading and life-long learning. He took pride in introducing students to hand-picked authors whom he invited to the schools. During the summers, Rick dedicated himself to mentoring and inspiring young minds as a summer camp leader for the Bucks County Community College's "Kids on Campus" program at Tyler State Park. His commitment to education and environmental stewardship was furthered through his volunteer work at the Roving Nature Center and the Lenape Village at the Churchville Nature Center.
As a devoted grandfather, Rick treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. Whether it was fishing by the canal or stargazing in the backyard, he delighted in sharing his love for the outdoors.
His love for nature was evident in his various pursuits, from bicycling throughout Bucks County, fishing and camping in state and county parks, where he found solace and joy, sharing time with his wife, children and friends. A devoted angler, Rick found great pleasure in freshwater fishing, using traditional rods and reels and fly fishing. He shared this life-long interest with his children and grandchildren. His curiosity about nature extended to the night sky and he encouraged family and friends to view meteor showers and compare notes.
Rick had a passion for history, particularly the American Revolutionary War, which he avidly studied. His knowledge and appreciation for this pivotal period in American history were vast, enriched by his understanding of the role that many sites in Bucks County played. In retirement, he combined his professional skill as a librarian and knowledge of the Revolutionary War, as a volunteer librarian at The Moland House, one of George Washington's headquarters.
Rick leaves behind a legacy of a deep appreciation for the world around him. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, as his life continues to inspire others to cherish the moments spent with loved ones and embrace nature. As he approached his death, he reminded us to think of him in the last words of George Washington, “Tis well.”
A celebration of Rick's life will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9:30am until his Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 225 Bellevue Avenue Penndel, PA 19047. His interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Moland House Museum, 1641 York Road Warminster, PA. 18974.
Morning Visitation
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AMOur Lady of Grace Church
225 Bellevue Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047Funeral Mass
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
10:30 AMOur Lady of Grace Church
225 Bellevue Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047Interment
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
Our Lady of Grace Cemetery
1215 Old Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047