Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Desmond Obituary
Richard Thomas Desmond, Ph.D., 36, of South Windsor, beloved husband of Ashley Lynn Bartelson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 6, 2015. Rich was born in Hartford to Anthony (Tony) Desmond and the late Tina (Papalia) Desmond, and grew up in South Windsor. He was a graduate of Salisbury School, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross, was a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University and received his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut. He worked as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Franklin Pierce University. Rich enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, teaching his students, watching sports and traveling around the world. For the past seven years, Rich ran in the Falmouth Road Race to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a tribute to his brother and more recently his mother.
Rich is survived by his loving wife Ashley, his father Tony, his sister Allison Desmond Kiene of Bermuda, his nephew Timothy Kiene, his niece Caitlin Kiene, his father- and mother-in-law Alan and Denise Bartelson of Stratford, his sister-in-law Erica Mitchell and her husband Reese of Stratford, his brother-in-law Scott Bartelson of Stratford, many loving uncles and aunts as well as several cousins. Rich was predeceased by his mother Tina and his brother Robert Anthony Desmond.
Calling hours will be held at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor on Friday, November 13, from 4 to 8 pm. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home at 9 am on Saturday, November 14, traveling to St. Catherine Church in Broad Brook for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich's name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. For condolences and online guestbook please visit www.CarmonFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Desmond
Mr. & Mrs.B. Gardner
November 10, 2015
We were sadden to learn of the passing of Professor Desmond who was a great mentor to our grandaughter Katrina Flory at Franklin Pierce College. He will be greatly missed. Our condolence are with you.
Andrew Cook
November 11, 2015
Allison, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Andrew Cook
Segufta Kasli
November 10, 2015
I am truly saddened to see such a kind man go. I met Rich through his sister Allison and attended Holy Cross together. He was a good friend and I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace in heaven. My thoughts are with his family.
Carl Brezovec
November 12, 2015
Others have remarked on how Rich was beloved by all at the University, and I wholeheartedly concur. Students immediately gravitated to his warmth and clarity, two talents not normally identified together. On a more personal level, I sorely miss our lunchtime conversations.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John & Ann McCaffrey
November 12, 2015
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
November 11, 2015
Tony and Ashley-- Mark and I are so sorry for your loss. "Richie" as we remember him from hockey, was a great person. Our son Mark Jr. shared the goalie spot with him. He showed perseverance and passion for what he did.
We are praying for the family.
Donna and Mark Hemmann
naida arcenas
November 10, 2015
Tony, how sad we are to know that your beloved son has passed away. I will always remember his smile and the antics he and Wes did as children. I pray for you and your family at this time. May God give you strength and peace knowing he was so loved.
Amy Piispanen
November 10, 2015
Dear Ashley, Rich was such a remarkable example for his students and colleagues. He lived with dignity and set a powerful standard while battling a debilitating disease. He didn't only earn the respect of his students - they truly care(d) for him. His legacy will live in those students, and there are many, that he personally touched. I am truly sorry for your loss.
November 10, 2015
We are all heart broken and I hope our prayers and thoughts are a comfort to you and your family. Richard was beloved by his students and colleagues.
Nathaniel Peirce, Chief Operating Officer at Franklin Pierce University
Seamus Pender
November 10, 2015
Peace!
Laura Cavallo
November 10, 2015
My sincere sympathies to another family member of Franklin Pierce.Laura Cavallo Class of 19873
Judy Kerr
November 10, 2015
Ashley, I want to express my sympathy and let you know that my thoughts are with you. May Peace and Comfort find you and your family during this difficult time.
Cyndie Martin
November 10, 2015
Ashley and family, sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was so glad to have met Rich. He truly loved teaching his students and working with them.
jaclyn Flaherty
November 9, 2015
i am so sorry for your loss. While i never worked with him, i heard nothing but nice and inspirational words. I know the Franklin Pierce community will miss him dearly
Catherine Koning
November 9, 2015
Rich was such a wonderful colleague! He was so bright and so kind. He loved teaching and he was passionate about chemistry. He brought a bright spot to everyone's day. We will miss him so much. May he rest in peace.
Mary Ann Gaal
November 9, 2015
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
While I did not have the pleasure of working with Rich, I know our Franklin Pierce family will miss him.
November 9, 2015
dearest Tony and family, How moved I was to meet only once, but never forget...your dear Richard. God bless him and all of you...Rest in Peace...Kathy Philopena
Gail Lechowicz
November 9, 2015
Ashley and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thought and prayers.
Gail and Ed Lechowicz
Kelley Wickman
November 9, 2015
Ashley, words cannot express how sorry I am. Rich was one of the reasons I loved coming to work. I knew he was a special soul from the moment I met him. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with him and have him visit me in my office for our afternoon chats. He will forever be missed and always remembered.
Anonymous
November 9, 2015
I have heard many great things about you. I only wish I could have experienced class with you. Rest In Peace.
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home
November 9, 2015
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Kerry McKeever
November 9, 2015
Richard Desmond was with the Franklin Pierce community for a little over two years, but his impact was such that one would have believed that he had been here for years. He was a remarkably gifted professor who mentored his students in an exemplary fashion, explaining difficult concepts to them and giving them an opportunity to do research with him. He was only this type of teacher because he was an exemplary human being with a gracious soul, a brilliant mind, and a huge heart. He was a fantastic colleague who demonstrated the perfect balance between self-confidence and humility. I think I can say sincerely for all of us that he will be missed, really missed, and deeply, by all of us. My profoundest sympathies to Ashley and all of Rich's family, friends, colleagues, and students. We have lost an indomitable spirit who was tenacious of life and deeply appreciative of it.
Tony & Sandy Frank
November 9, 2015
Ashley:
Our prayerful best wishes for you and Richard.
Kerry McKeever
November 9, 2015
Professor Desmond was with Franklin Pierce University for a little more than a year, but in that very short time, his impact was more profound than some who have taught for a lifetime. He had a huge heart, brilliant mind, a gracious soul, with remarkable humility and an indomitable spirit. He was tenacious of life, tenacious in living it completely, and transferred that spirit to his colleagues and students. We will all miss him and always remember him.
To all of his family and friends our most sincere condolences. We share this loss with you.
Lori Brelsford Verzillo
November 9, 2015
Ashley I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
Leila Jabbour
November 9, 2015
Rest in peace Richard. Your dedication was a true inspiration to all the colleagues you had here at Franklin Pierce, including me. You will be truly missed.
Nicole Beliveau
November 8, 2015
Dr. Desmond was the most caring professor I have ever had. He helped me make it through the beginning and end of my chemistry minor. He was a brilliant man and I will never forget him. He cared deeply about his students, their success, and was incredibly passionate about his work. He will truly be missed at Franklin Pierce University.
Samantha C.
November 8, 2015
A great professor who will always be remember by all of his students. He taught until he could no longer, and that goes to prove how truly dedicated he was to his work and his students.
Rest Easy, Professor Desmond
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Desmond's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Desmond
Nov
13
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home - South Windsor419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709
Nov
14
Funeral
9:00 a.m.
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home - South Windsor419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709
Funeral services provided by:
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home - South Windsor419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Desmond's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
