William J. Desmond, Jr.

William J. Desmond Jr., 94, of New Britain, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. He was the husband of Dorothy Walsh Desmond who died in 1980, and Justine B. Desmond who died in 2011. Born May 16, 1919 in New Haven, CT, he was the son of the late William and Mary Agnes Desmond of West Hartford, CT. He was a longtime resident of Madison, CT. He graduated from a Catholic University and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the Sicilian and Pacific campaigns. William had a long career with Travelers Insurance Company, raising his family of 6 children in West Hartford, CT, East Aurora, NY, Strafford/Wayne, PA and finally Madison, CT. Throughout his life the Desmond family spent summers on Peaks Island, ME where the family home remains. William and Justine wintered for many years in Hillsboro Beach, FL. William was an avid tennis player and enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound. He is survived by his children, Jay Desmond of Peaks Island, ME; Rick Desmond (Cathy) of College Place, WA; Brian Desmond of Madison, CT; Kerry Desmond (Cathy Shanley) of Ivoryton, CT; and Lee Ann Van Parys (John) of Palmyra, NY. Also surviving are his stepchildren, Justine Moriarty (Jim Cronin) of Southington, CT and Jane Moriarty (Gary Zimmerman) of Pittsburg, PA; five grandchildren: Damian Desmond, Kate Desmond, Whitney Desmond Swolinzky, Laura Van Parys and Hannah Van Parys; one great-grandchild (and namesake): William Joseph Desmond; and a host of beloved Bracken and Walsh family members and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Robin Desmond, his sister Kathryn Bracken and his brother Rev. John Bracken. The family would like to thank the staff of Jerome Home in New Britain for their loving care and attention to our father and compassion for his entire family. The family would also like to thank the staff of the Strong House in Madison, CT for their compassion and family support. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of William's life at St. Margaret's Church, Academy St, Madison, CT on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William's memory to Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052.