Priscilla Davis, an award-winning swimming official in New England, died on Tuesday, February 4th. She was 85-years old.
A fixture in the New England swimming scene for decades, Davis was awarded both the 1991 and 2017 Adolph Kiefer Safety Commendation Awards at the United States Aquatic Sports Convention. She served as a meet official and referee at all levels, from summer league to high school, YMCA, Masters, Paralympic and USA Swimming competition.
Among other honors inlcude serving on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Directors, and induction into the MIAA Hall of Fame. The Eastern Massachusetts Interscholastic Swim Coaches Academy (EMISCA) created the Priscilla Davis Service Award in 2014 to honor her 25+ years of service to high school swimming and diving in the state.
She also worked as a Special Education teacher at Saugus High School.
Davis was preceded in death in 2013 by her husband, Bill, to whom she was married for 58 years,. She is survived by two brothers, Peter and Jack McGee; her daughter Cynthia Hoffmann; two sons, Michael and James Davis; Grandchildren Nicole and Stephen Davis and Spencer and Cassidy Whiteway.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Paul, 50 Union St., Hamilton on Sunday February 9, 2020 at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her name to New England Swimming 1241 Highland Ave Rear Needham, MA 02492 Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
A true legend and mentor to many. Every time I was on deck with Priscilla I learned something. This is a huge loss to the sport of swimming at every level
Priscilla was funny, tough, loyal and just an all-around good person. Thirty years after my days swimming at Harvard were over I recall stepping on the deck for a meet at Blodgett Pool and getting a big hug from Priscilla with the comment, “You know, Dave, you gave me all these grey hairs!” Priscilla will be missed. A true legend official and gift to the sport.