Robert E. (Bob) Driscoll, 85, a nearly lifelong resident of Melrose, died on November 28th at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading. Driscoll was predeceased in 1996 by his devoted wife of 42 years, Joan (Gullage) of Melrose, a former guidance counselor at Melrose High School and Latin teacher at Malden High School. The fifth in a family of ten, Bob succumbed one year after his older brother and best friend, Jim. Active in church and athletic activities in Melrose, Bob was a graduate of St. Mary's School, Melrose High in 1944 (voted Best Natured) and, after serving in the Army, the University of Massachusetts/Amherst in 1951. He was the 160-pound starting guard on the famous undefeated/unscored-upon Melrose football team of 1943, intercepting six passes during the season. At UMass he was a linebacker and defensive captain. He later coached Pop Warner football for several years in Melrose. At St. Mary's of the Annunciation in Melrose he was longtime treasurer. Driscoll was born in Westfield, the son of Frank and Mary Driscoll, on July 5, 1926. He lived in Springfield until age 3 when the family, that then included six children, moved to California, journeying by steamship through the Panama Canal. They lived in Hollywood and Glendale, before returning by automobile cross country in 1933 and settling in Melrose when he was seven. Majoring in landscape architecture in college, Driscoll worked for George DeCoste & Sons landscaping company in Melrose for several years after graduation, then joined his father's company as a hearing aid salesman on Bromfield Street in Boston. He later acquired the Byrnes Audophone Company on Temple Place in Boston, then relocated his company to Wakefield, from where he retired 20 years ago. He volunteered almost weekly at the Perkins School for the Blind. He leaves three children, Mark of Melrose, Rosemary Dissel, wife of Keith Dissel of Reading, and Kevin, husband of Lauren, and their two children, Spencer and Donovan. He also leaves three sisters, Eileen Scott of Ocala, Florida, Jean Cain of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and Betty Connolly, wife of Francis, of Melrose, and two brothers, John S., husband of Dolores of Rye, N.H., and David, husband of Kathy of Melrose. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Moya Gullage, of Peabody. He was predeceased by three sisters, Kay Bistany of Fitchburg; Mary Sheehan of Eugene, Oregon; and Patricia Scarpa, wife of Domenic of Andover, and one brother, James F. Driscoll Jr. of Melrose. In the year 2000 Driscoll collaborated with is brother Jim about a story for the local seniors' online website, The Melrose Mirror about the drama surrounding the birth of the tenth Driscoll. When it came time for his mother to go to the hospital, the car wouldn't start. His father woke Bob to inform him. They lived at 163 Upham Street, about a half mile from the Melrose Hospital. Bob started pushing the car. Part of the trip was slightly downhill and part was flat. Attempts by his father to jump start the car failed. Bob got them to a hill that gave the car enough momentum to get near the hospital, but it needed another push from Bob to finally make it. He and his father walked home after his mother was admitted. After she had her last baby, David Paul, she returned home with her baby before the car got there. With some helps from friends, it was finally hauled home. Just another day in the family of ten but also another illustration of Bob's strength. During his retirement years he enjoyed time with his grandchildren and often played golf at the Mt. Hood Golf Club where he was known through the years for carrying his own bag. No cart, pulled or driven, for him. Beloved husband of the late Joan M. (Gullage) Driscoll. Devoted father of Mark J. Driscoll of Melrose, Kevin R. Driscoll & his wife Lauren of Norton and Rosemary Dissel & her husband Keith of Reading. Cherished grandfather of Spencer & Donovan Driscoll. Loving brother of Eileen Scott of FL, Jean Cain of PA, Betty Connolly & her husband Francis of Melrose, John S. Driscoll & his wife Dolores of NH, David Driscoll & his wife Kathy of Melrose and the late Kay Bistany, Mary Sheehan, Patricia Scarpa and James F. Driscoll Jr. Brother-in-law of Moya Gullage of Peabody. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Friday, December 2nd at 10:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. WWII Army Veteran. In Lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St. Reading, MA 01867 on behalf of Bob. For obituary, directions or to view online tribute to Bob please visit www.gatelyfh.com