For 90 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 in Highland Park, Michigan.

McInnes-Desmond Funeral Home in Highland Park 1917-1951

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. Two of Albert's sons, Terence and John, joined the firm in the 1960's, as did his daughter Joan in the 1980's. In 1973 the organization became A.J. Desmond & Sons and established a premier location in Troy. The Highland Park location was closed in 1984. Since 1990, Terry's daughter, Kathleen, has been with the firm, becoming a third generation family funeral director. Through the years several other Desmond family members have been involved with the firm, including Margaret, Shirley and Eileen Desmond who play prominent roles at the Troy facility.

McInnes-Desmond Funeral Home in Highland Park 1951-1984

In early 1991, A.J. Desmond & Sons again expanded by merging with Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Funeral Home in Royal Oak. Founded in 1922 by William Vasu in Highland Park, 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 Ave. in Royal Oak.

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.

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 Barbara Feleo, 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 that includes Troy Baseball Boosters and Troy Community Concerned. Staff community involvement includes the Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Troy, and several area churches. While John and Joan have decided to pursue careers outside active funeral service, A.J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Directors remains a family-owned and operated funeral home. With a dedicated staff, Terry, Paul, Lou and Kathy 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."