Daniel John Desmond

Daniel J. Desmond left an indelible mark on the lives of many and his beloved Portland, "that beautiful town that is seated by the sea," his home of 73 years. Dan died peacefully at his home in Falmouth, comforted by his family, on Sunday February 10, 2019 after a long struggle with cancer. Dan was born on February 8, 1946 in Portland, Maine. He attended Cheverus High School, graduating cum laude in 1964. After high school, he attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in history in 1968. He then became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy after attending Officer's Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He served with distinction during the Vietnam War, and always remembered his service to his country with pride, noting that it was a privilege and an honor to wear the uniform. Following an honorable discharge from the Naval Reserve, Dan earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine Law School in Portland, graduating in 1974. Dan practiced law for over four decades, serving as President of the Cumberland County Bar Association, a post his father also held before him. He served as President of the Board of Trustees for Westbrook Community Hospital and Public Administrator for Cumberland County, and served in many prominent roles throughout his esteemed career. Dan was a lifelong member of the Portland Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf with his many friends. He loved Maine and Portland, the unpredictable weather as an armchair meteorologist and his New England sports teams, following them from a young age on his Crystal radio. He was loved and admired for his humility, kindness, easy manner and wonderful sense of humor. It was these qualities that made him an instant friend. He had so many friends, and they were all his best friends. He was very respectful of all that life encompassed - he was special in every sense of the word. We never knew anyone who did not love Dan. Dan will be sorely missed, most of all by those closest to him. He was a wonderful father and husband. His greatest joy and accomplishment were his children, and he was never happier than when spending time with his family. Most important was the relationship that he had with his best friend and companion for 48 years, Cheryl "Lover", where he derived all the love that anyone needed. Dan led a very full and happy life. He enriched the lives of so many and they equally enriched his. Dan was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and James Desmond; his sister, Ellen Desmond Stone; his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Desmond McKee. He is survived by his wife, of forty eight years, Cheryl Morin Desmond; his sons, Dr. James Desmond and wife Jenny of Liberia, Africa, Sean Desmond and wife Briona of Virginia; four grandchildren, Fionn, Ellen, and Davan Desmond, and Fallon McKee and her dad, Michael McKee. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Harris and her husband Charles of Beverly, Massachusetts. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and extended family. Visiting hours celebrating Dan's life will be held at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland on Friday, February 15, 2019, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10:15am on Saturday, February 16, 2019, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, Maine. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Daniel J. Desmond to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.