Obituary of William J. Desmond

William J. Desmond 81 years, husband of Constance M. Connie (Mahan) Desmond of Peabody, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday. Mr. Desmond was born on January 11, 1925 in Medford son of the late William and Anna (Butler) Desmond. He was raised in Medford and graduated from Medford High School Class of 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Oberon as a Seaman 1st class and saw action in the European African, Asiatic Pacific and Philippine Theaters of Operation. Following the War he worked as a postman for 2 years. He moved to Peabody in 1953. In 1948, Mr. Desmond was appointed to the City of Boston Fire Department as a Hoseman. During his 22 years career a Fire Fighter he served with Rescue Company 3 and Engine 33. He received the City of Boston Fire Department Award of Merit for his involvement in the rescue of an elderly man from the attic room of a dwelling house, which was involved in fire on December 9, 1950. In 1970, he was forced to retired from an injury to his shoulder suffered in the line of duty. In the mid 1970’ s until 2000, he was employed as a funeral assistant at the P.M. Cahill & Son Funeral Home in Peabody, which was renamed in 1983 as the Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home. During that same period, he also assisted at the David H. Gonet Funeral Home in Salem. Mr. Desmond served for 7 years on the City of Peabody Conservation Commission and from 1982 to 2000 as an Electric Light Commissioner. He was a Director and coach of the Peabody Youth Football Ward One Royals, an adviser on St. Ann’ s marriage team and CYO, treasurer of the Holy Name Society and an Eucharistic Minister. He also received the Red Cross Certificate of Merit for administering CPR to a heart victim on August 24, 1982. For his action he was invited to pitch the 1st baseball at the Red Sox Season’ s opening game. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader and Bruins Fan. In addition to his wife of 53 years, he is survived by 4 sons and 3 daughters-in-law, William J. Desmond Jr. of Bradford, Thomas M. Desmond of Peabody, Robert F. Robb and Dawn Marie Desmond of Lynn, Daniel J. and Michelle Desmond of Danvers and Elaine Desmond of Bradford; a brother, Richard Desmond of FL; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Hartnett, James, Kyle, Cory, Nicolette, Hillary, Jackson, Ella, Makenna and Robert Desmond; 2 great grandchildren, Haley and Lindsay Hartnett and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A son Michael T. Desmond pre deceased him. His funeral will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St. location Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Ann’ s Church, 140 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Roger Trask Adult Day Care, 79 Central St., Peabody MA 01960.