Paul Driscoll, a prominent former journalist and newsroom leader known for his coverage of pivotal events like the civil rights movement and the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, passed away on Friday at the age of 91.
He died peacefully at his home in Cadyville, New York, with his wife of 35 years, Lindsey Tanner, a retired journalist with the Associated Press, by his side. Diagnosed with bladder cancer in July, Driscoll had recently entered hospice care prior to his passing, as shared by Tanner.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Driscoll served as the day supervisor in the AP’s Chicago bureau, a time when the bureau lacked a dedicated news editor. This positioned him as the daily leader amidst a significant flow of news events emerging from the city, according to his former colleague John Dowling, a retired AP editor.
Driscoll was recognized for his steady demeanor, calmness, and sense of humor. Tanner recounted an incident where a correspondent from Champaign, Illinois, called Driscoll to express a grievance.
“Paul listened attentively and then said, ‘I’m really sorry, but I must go. There’s an emergency at O’Hare,’” Tanner recalled. “He handled his responsibilities while maintaining civility towards his colleagues.”
Dowling highlighted Driscoll’s reputation for treating his coworkers with compassion and respect, noting that his colleagues had great faith in his judgment and common sense. “Paul was a natural leader in the newsroom without exerting authority,” he wrote in an email, pointing out how Driscoll empowered his team to thrive. “He represented the unsung heroes behind the daily AP reports while staying out of the spotlight.”
Sarah Nordgren, a retired AP deputy managing editor, remembered Driscoll as a demanding yet patient editor who inspired her to enhance her reporting skills, construct stronger quotes, and master the right structure for stories.
Nordgren described him as an elegant editor and mentor, recognizing him as a witty leader with a kind heart.
James Peipert, a former AP journalist, recalled a moment from 1964 in Chicago when he was filing a story about The Beatles during their second U.S. tour. Driscoll, his supervisor, edited a communication he was preparing about the next destination for the AP bureau.
“Caught up in the excitement, I closed my message with ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,’” recounted Peipert. “Paul read it, smiled, and simply crossed out the ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.’ He always maintained professionalism.”
Born on October 4, 1933, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Driscoll spent the majority of his life in the Chicago area. In 2017, he relocated to Three Oaks, Michigan, and later moved to northern New York in 2023 when Tanner retired from the AP.
Driscoll is survived by his wife Tanner; their son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters, aged 6 and 3; and two brothers. His elder son from a previous relationship passed away in 2019.
