A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors

Terence B. Desmond

"I have spent my life in funeral service because I know that I can make a difference in people's lives at their most difficult hour." For over 55 years, Terry Desmond has served families as a funeral director. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, the University of Notre Dame and the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science. As part of his on-going continuing education, Terry is recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). He is a member of the Advisory Board at the Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science and a past State Director of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. Terry has always been very active in the community. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Angels' Place (Christian homes for developmentally disabled adults), a former board member of the the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and a former member of the Oakland County Senior Planning Coalition. Other community leadership has included co-founder and former board member of Troy Boys/Girls Club, co-founder of Troy Medi-Go, past vice-president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Troy, past president of the Notre Dame Club of Detroit, former member of the Board of Directors of Marian High School, and past president of the Brother Rice and Marian High School Dads Clubs. Terry is also a past Parish Council president at St. Thomas More and is now an active member of St. Hugo of the Hills, where he and his wife Betty were co-presidents of the St. Hugo Parent Teacher Guild. His community involvement has been recognized by many organizations including the Distinguished Citizen Award for City of Troy in 1982, the Italian Study Group's 2000 Italian-American of the Year, and the Marian High School Volunteer of the Year Award in 2003. Each school he attended has recognized his achievements, including the Award of the Year from the Notre Dame Club of Detroit in 1980, the Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 2006 and most recently the 2015 Alumnus of the Year Award from the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science. Terry and Betty have also received a special recognition for their continuing service to Marian High School and were honored by Guest House with the 2015 Bishop Kevin M. Britt Award in recognition of a significant ministry to the Catholic Church. Raised in St. Benedict Parish (Highland Park), Terry is a lifelong resident of the Detroit area. He and Betty live currently in Bloomfield Township. They have six children, three of whom (Margaret, Kathy and Kevin) are now leading A.J. Desmond & Sons, and 18 grandchildren.

Education: University of Detroit Jesuit High School , University of Notre Dame , Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science

Certifications: Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Kathy Desmond Barr

Kathy has been with A.J. Desmond & Sons since 1990. She graduated from Marian High School in 1986, the University of Notre Dame in 1990, and the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science in 1995. She has completed all the requirements to be recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) and The Michigan Institute of Funeral Professionals also designates her as a Certified Michigan Funeral Practitioner. Kathy is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. A parishioner of St. Hugo of the Hills, Kathy serves as an Eucharistic minister. A lifelong area resident, Kathy currently lives in Troy with her husband, Scott Barr, and their children.

Education: Marian High School , University of Notre Dame , Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science

Certifications: Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Kevin B. Desmond

"I work in funeral service to serve our community, and to provide the most meaningful experience for those who are going through a loss." Kevin has been with A.J. Desmond & Sons since 2008. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in 2009 where he was the class vice president. Kevin also graduated from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business in 2008, majoring in Marketing, and from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 2004. He has completed all the requirements to be recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and Michigan Funeral Directors Association. Kevin previously coached youth lacrosse at St. Hugo grade school and U of D Jesuit High School for many years. Kevin currently serves on the Angels' Place Board of Directors, Greenwood Cemetery (Birmingham) Advisory Board and is active with the Notre Dame Club of Detroit. In 2020, Kevin was named by Crain's Detroit Business as one of their 40 under 40. A member of Holy Name parish, Kevin lives in Birmingham with his wife, Katrina Piligian Desmond, and their three children.

Education: University of Detroit Jesuit High School , University of Notre Dame , Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science

Certifications: Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)

Margaret A. Desmond

"Accompanying a family through a difficult time and working with wonderful and dedicated colleagues keep me committed and engaged each and every day. It is a privilege to serve others." Margaret joined A.J. Desmond & Sons in 2004. She graduated from Marian High School, she earned a Bachelors of Business Administration and a Masters of Arts in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She completed additional graduate studies at Michigan State University. Prior to A.J. Desmond & Sons, Margaret worked in community development and education in Chicago, El Salvador and the Republic of Ireland, as well as at the University of Notre Dame and Michigan State University. A parishioner of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, she is active at Marian High School. Long time residents of Berkley, Margaret and her husband Carlos Nunez now live in Birmingham with their children. Se habla español.

Education: Marian High School , University of Notre Dame , Michigan State University