Arlington Catholic High School Mourns Death of Student-Athlete Matthew Driscoll
WOBURN, The Woburn community and Arlington Catholic High School are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Matthew J. Driscoll, a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend who passed away on January 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was just 15 years old. Though his life was far too short, Matthew’s strength, resilience, and spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Matthew was the cherished son of Chad and Eve (Lawlor) Driscoll of Woburn, who stood by his side with unwavering love throughout his journey. He was a deeply loving and devoted big brother to Sarah and Rory, roles he embraced with pride, protectiveness, and affection. The bond Matthew shared with his family was central to who he was and helped shape the compassion and courage that defined his life.
A dedicated student-athlete at Arlington Catholic High School, Matthew was admired not only for his athletic ability but also for his determination, teamwork, and heart. Coaches, teammates, classmates, and faculty remember him as someone who consistently showed grit and perseverance, even while facing immense personal challenges. In every sense of the word, Matthew was a warrior—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout his battle with illness.
Matthew’s strength was matched by his kindness. He had a natural way of lifting others through quiet encouragement, shared laughter, and his steady, reassuring presence among friends and teammates. His courage in facing cancer inspired many and served as a powerful reminder of what it means to fight with dignity, hope, and grace.
He was the beloved grandson of Joseph Lawlor of Arlington and the late Susan Lawlor, as well as the late John and Mary Driscoll of North Andover. Matthew was a loving nephew to Ryan Lawlor and his wife Allison of Medford; Alison Russell and her husband Kevin of Arlington; Beth Blanchard and her husband Dave of Bradford, Massachusetts; Dan Driscoll and his wife Rina of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Brian Driscoll and his wife Jackie of Derry, New Hampshire; Ken Driscoll and his wife Cathy of St. Petersburg, Florida; and the late John Driscoll and his wife Ellen of Methuen. He is also survived by many loving cousins who will forever carry his memory with them.
At home, Matthew shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Shamrock, whose companionship brought him comfort and joy during both everyday moments and the most difficult days.
While Matthew’s life included an extraordinary battle with cancer, he will not be remembered for illness alone. He will be remembered for his bravery, loyalty, love for his family, and the indelible mark he left on his school and community. Arlington Catholic High School joins the Driscoll family in grieving the loss of a student-athlete whose spirit embodied perseverance, heart, and resilience.
As Woburn and the Arlington Catholic community reflect on Matthew’s life, they do so with profound sadness and deep gratitude for the time they were given with him. Matthew J. Driscoll’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught through his courage, and the love that continues to surround his memory.
