Richard J. “Desi” Desmond

Richard James Desmond (Desi), 62, of Braintree, formerly of Quincy, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends after a long courageous battle with liver disease, on Saturday May 5, 2018.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Eleanor Desmond of Quincy.

Richard attended St. Ann’s Elementary in Wollaston and graduated from North Quincy High School in 1974.  He was a standout on the football field, both for the Apaches and NQHS Red Raiders where he was a recent inductee into its Football Hall of Fame.

Richard began his employment in security for First National stores, was the proprietor of Video Paradise, and was a skilled painter for Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for many years prior to his retirement.

He is survived by Norma Magnell, daughters Victoria Magnell (Michael Harkins), Alicia Garrity (Paul Heffernan), son Jason Magnell (Jennifer), Kristen Magnell (Robert Saville) and the grandchildren he adored; Jamison, Jaxson, Joseph, Cameron, Caleb, Eva, Riley, Donivan, Robert and Delaney.  He is also survived by his siblings Daniel (Denise) Desmond of Chatham, Kathleen (Packy) Halpin of Quincy,  Maureen (John) Cronin of Manchester, NH, Nancy (Michael) Eastman of Marshfield,  and Paul Desmond of Quincy.  He was the very best uncle to a large contingent of nieces and nephews who were fortunate to have him as their biggest cheerleader.

There is no doubt that Richard has arrived at the pearly gates with scratch tickets in hand, reunited with his Mom, Dad, sister Patty, brother John, nephews Stephen and Corey and his dog Pepper; who passed before him.

His family thanks the dedicated doctors, nurses, and liver support team at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN, VNA Hospice nurse, Jessie, and most especially, the family of the organ donor who afforded him the extra time with the ones he loved.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Friday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, 757 Hancock Street, Quincy at 10 AM.

Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury.

Richard will be remembered by his generosity and selflessness.  He would have considered it the finest tribute if you would consider giving the gift of organ donation in his memory.  You can learn more through Donate Life America – http://www.donatelife.net/contribute/.