Our History of Excellence

A Tradition of Excellence

For almost 100 years, we have served families with dignity and compassion, providing the highest standard of care. 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.

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

Our Family Serving Yours

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 firm became A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors when it 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. More recently, Terry's son Kevin has become the most recent Desmond to join the family business and become licensed. Through the years, several other Desmond family members have been involved, including Margaret and Eileen Desmond who today both play prominent roles in the firm.

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. In 1974, Paul Connell joined his family's firm as a licensed funeral director. This well established firm, under the leadership of Paul Connell and Louis Rodgers,  blended well with the Desmond organization.

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

Today, A.J. Desmond & Sons provides families with two convenient, well-appointed Oakland County locations. Serving over 800 families annually, we assist each family personally while honoring their loved one's life. To continually improve, we all participate in ongoing educational programs and several staff have achieved advanced professional recognition. 

Leaders in Our Community

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 frequently 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 a leading inductee in the NFDA Hall of Excellence, where we remain.

We are also leaders in offering assistance to families wishing to make arrangements prior to the need for a funeral. Terry Desmond co-founded the National Trust 100 Pre-Arrangement Program in Michigan. Currently experienced counselor and funeral director Suzanne Seitz Behan coordinates the firm's pre-need programs.

Albert J. Desmond  (1913-1994)

Finally, continuing Al Desmond's community involvement, A.J. Desmond & Sons is very active in numerous community and charitable activities. Staff community involvement includes local Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis clubs, 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 opportunities, 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 we serve 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.