Our History

For almost 100 years, we have served families with compassion and respect, providing the highest standard of professionalism and hospitality. The roots of A.J. Desmond & Sons go back to 1917 on Woodward Avenue in Highland Park, Michigan.

      McInnes-Desmond Funeral Home in Highland Park 1917-1951 on           Woodward Avenue between Midland and Pilgrim

Founded as the A.J. McInnes Funeral Home by Angus J. McInnes, trusted employee Albert J. Desmond took over management at his death and the firm became known as McInnes-Desmond Funeral Home. Meanwhile, Bill Vasu opened the Wm. Vasu Funeral Home in 1922 also in Highland Park on Woodward Avenue, one block south of Davison.

The next generation of Desmonds entered funeral service when two of Albert's sons, Terence and John, joined McInnes-Desmond in the 1960's.  In 1973 the organization became A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors and established a premier location in Troy. The Highland Park location was closed in 1984.  Al's daughter Joan joined her father and brothers in the 1980's.  Since 1990, Terry's daughter, Kathy, has been with the firm, becoming a third generation family funeral director.  Terry's son Kevin has become the most recent Desmond to join the family business, having just been licensed.  Through the years several other Desmond family members have been involved, including Margaret, Eileen and Shirley Desmond who today all play prominent roles in the organization.

      McInnes-Desmond Funeral Home in Highland Park 1951-1984 on          Woodward Avenue at Puritan

In early 1991, A.J. Desmond & Sons again expanded by merging with Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Funeral Home in Royal Oak. Bill Vasu had moved his firm "way up north" to Royal Oak in 1955 to its current location.  This well established firm, under the leadership of Paul Connell and Louis Rodgers, has blended well with the Desmond organization. A.J. Desmond & Sons now provides families with two convenient, well-appointed Oakland County locations.

Richard Connell (far left) and William Vasu (center) examine plans for a new funeral home on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak about 1954

A.J. Desmond & Sons has a highly professional staff attend to each individual and family with personal attention and concern. Now serving over 800 families annually, the entire organization is keenly attuned to assisting families during their critical time of loss while honoring the dignity of each person's life. To further our goals, all licensed staff members participate in ongoing educational programs and several have received advanced professional recognition. All staff members continually strive to strengthen our ministry while adding innovative services and products.

A.J. Desmond & Sons also believes that the funeral director's role extends into interaction with families after death, as well as with the community as a whole. Under the guidance of an expert bereavement counselor, Mary Jamerino, grief recovery groups and several other activities are available. In recognition of this programming, A.J. Desmond & Sons has received first and second place awards in the Pursuit of Excellence programs sponsored by the National Funeral Directors Association and in 2005 achieved the Pursuit of Excellence Crystal Eagle Award, one of only three firms in the nation so recognized. In 2006 we became the leading inductee in the NFDA Hall of Excellence.

We also offer assistance to families wishing to make arrangements prior to the need for a funeral. As co-founder of the National Trust 100 Pre-Arrangement Program in Michigan, Terry Desmond is a leader in pre-need programs. Currently an experienced counselor and funeral director, Suzanne Seitz Behan, coordinates the firm's pre-need efforts.

Albert J. Desmond  (1913-1994)

Finally, continuing Al Desmond's community involvement, A.J. Desmond & Sons is very active. We support a plethora of community and charitable activities. Staff community involvement includes the Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, various Chambers of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of Troy, and several area churches and schools. While John and Joan have decided to pursue other careers, A.J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Directors remains a family-owned and operated funeral home. With a dedicated staff, Terry, Paul, Kathy and Kevin continue the Desmond tradition of personal, dignified service, providing the finest to the families and to the community at large.

We pledge to provide dignified professional funeral services in a personal and compassionate manner, always being sensitive to individual needs and family traditions. We pledge of offer complete assistance both before and after death to the families we are privileged to serve, and to act as a professional resource for the benefit of the entire community. We pledge to serve all regardless of financial circumstances. Most importantly, we accept the responsibilities entrusted to us with the highest level of integrity and respect.