‘He was loved by all’: Quincy community mourns sudden passing of firefighter Jonathan O’Driscoll
“Jonathan, a proud Marine, defined a Quincy Firefighter.”
Friends, colleagues, and loved ones are gathering in Quincy Thursday to mourn the passing of Jonathan O’Driscoll, a firefighter who died suddenly last week. The Quincy firefighters union announced his death on Sunday. “Jonathan’s loss is already felt deeply within the Department, as he was loved by all,” the Quincy Firefighters Association Local 792 wrote on Facebook.
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O’Driscoll was born in Cork City, Ireland, but graduated from North Quincy High School in 2004 before going on to serve for four years in the Marines, according to his obituary.
He leaves behind his wife, Alyson, and their young son, Nolan.
“They were just beginning their young life after purchasing a home in Squantum, to be closer to family and friends,” loved ones wrote in his obituary.
O’Driscoll joined the Quincy Fire Department six years ago — his “dream job.” His firefighting colleagues became his “second family,” his relatives wrote.
“Jonathan, a proud Marine, defined a Quincy Firefighter,” his colleagues said.
The Squantum resident worked two jobs to support his family but also volunteered for charity events during his time off, his firefighter colleagues said.
“He was a great ‘Jake’, that loved fighting fires, as early in his career he obtained a spot on Ladder 2 which responds to every fire in the City,” the union wrote.
He was an “avid sports fan” who loved to play hockey, watch the Boston Bruins, and golf, according to his loved ones.
“His family likes to say they could hear Jonathan before they could see him,” his obituary reads. “His passion for life was contagious and he was able to make everyone he met feel like a lifelong friend. There was never a dull moment with Jonathan as he enjoyed endless jokes, was a great communicator, and was always in motion. He could light up a room with his presence.”
Funeral services are being held Thursday morning in Quincy.
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