Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Desmond Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Desmond
Jeff Ross
August 21, 2022
What I wrote in 2010 still holds true. And yes, I still have Desmond orchids!
I can't think of Judge Desmond without seeing him with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a story to tell. He was always patient, gracious, honorable, fair, wise, full of life and laughter. I always looked forward to being in his court, whether it was a simple appearance, pushing calendar, or trying a case. Like everyone who knew him, I loved him and treasured the time I spent with him.
Outside of the law, he was an avid orchid grower. He taught me how to split and cultivate cymbidiums and gave me quite a few of them. Somehow I've managed to keep them alive all of these years. When I heard the sad news of his passing, I looked anew on those plants, those Desmond orchids, a physical link to the man and his memory.
We refer to a judge as "Your Honor" as a sign of respect out of custom and practice. Joe Desmond was truly deserving of that reverential title.
Rest in peace Your Honor. You will be missed, but you will live on forever in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved you.
John Stokes
August 21, 2020
He was a wonderful guy with a great Irish wit. Working with Joe was one of my greatest pleasures in my career with the Court.
Irma Villa (Campos)
October 10, 2017
First, I would like to give my deepest condolences to the whole family. I am very sorry for your loss.
I was Mr. Desmond's secretary back in the 70's on Market Street in SF. I remember I was waiting in the office for my dad who was seeing another attorney and Mr. Desmond walked in from the outside and said to me "have you been helped?" I told him I was waiting for my father and he said "Do you want a job?" (He had this big smile on his face I could not tell whether he was for real or kidding). I said yes! As a matter of fact I do, but I do not know anything about law. With his big smile he said to me "Do you know how to type? I said yes - Do you know how to make coffee? I said no - he said well I can teach you how to run the coffee machine - very simple. Come see me on Monday! I was the most happiest person and will never forget his kindness and all he did for me and my family! During my week at the job I was able to meet his uncle Steve and of course his wonderful sister Margaret, who had unfortunately taken a fall and broke her leg the week she was supposed to have trained me. Mr. Desmond reassured me I could do the job all the time. I traveled with him wherever we reopened the offices up until the time before he became a judge. He will be missed dearly, I am only saddened I was not able to connect with him when he was doing his Judgeship! Great man and I will always remember him.
RIP Mr. Desmond - and thank you for the opportunity to work with you and I am still working in the law area as a legal secretary - thanks to you:)
Kathleen Van Velsor
August 24, 2017
I worked for Joe at Harrison and Desmond many moons ago when I was still deciding about law school. Who could forget the deep laugh and cigars. I'll not forget his amusement...no glee...when a group of professional women, including me, campaigned for equal pay in front of the Commercial building. With tv cameras rolling he said the equivalent of "right on!" Rest in peace, Joe Desmond.
Steve Barbieri
August 31, 2010
Beverly and Family: When Joe became a judge he was sharing an office with my father and I and, when he left our office for the bench, Joe gave me his desk. Twenty-seven years later, I still practice law sitting at that very desk. Even though we did not remain in close contact over the years, on those occasions when we did see one another I always thanked him again for the desk and he always expressed surprise that it was still being used. Thanks again, Joe. And my very best to you all.
Pat Dennis Lanthier
August 30, 2010
Bev and Family
My mom (Anne Dennis) so dearly loved the Desmond clan. I think Joe especially had a bit of her heart. He will be missed but not forgotten.
August 30, 2010
Joe was the embodiment of Old San Francisco. He was a fixture in this City's old institutions, from Saint Ignatius to the Superior Court. He not only knew everyone, he also knew their family members and in-laws. Whenever he met a San Franciscan, he could (and did) draw upon his encyclopedic knowledge for a story or two about a near relation of theirs, always with a brief history of the family included free of charge. More often than not, Joe was related by blood or marriage to any Irish or Italian Catholic in town. He was truly a man who had no enemies and more friends that you could count. He will be missed by all. Ken Quigley
Marty Ruane
August 30, 2010
Dear Bev and family,
Joe was one of my father's closest friends. Along with Joe Kelly Sr., the three kept the Jebbies on their toes at old S.I. as the class of 1947. Our families have been close for many years and the Judge always had time and good advice for me as a man, and as a lawyer, after my father passed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. My dad now has his friend with him to watch over us from above as they share their childhood stories about the Mission Irish.
Marty Ruane and family
Mary Petrin
August 29, 2010
As Eileen Murphy (you know, the one you liked to iron) wrote when my Dad died, "I'll miss the grump!" One thing Mr. D, you weren't as grumpy as JP!! We drove you crazy and it kept you entertained! We will miss you terribly! Take good care of my parents up there! XO
August 29, 2010
So sorry to hear about the loss of Judge Desmond. His smile and his stories will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to the Desmond family. With love,
Patti Buckley Hazelhofer
Barbara Ann Caulfield
August 28, 2010
Joe was a childhood friend of my father. I first appeared before him in court many years ago, with a newly printed bar card and some dignity. With a twinkle in his eye, he informed opposing counsel that he knew me when I was in diapers - which was true, but didn't do much for what I thought was my dignified court demeanor.
More recently, he has been a great support to my mother by taking time to come to Marin and visit with my father, whose memories of St. Monica's and the years that followed are still strong, while more recent ones fade.
He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kevin Kashi
August 28, 2010
Joe was a jolly person every time I saw him. He always had something interesting to say about something or someone from weather to politics to gardening, and the neighborhood, etc. One time he asked me who the old lady was coming to my house and I said she was my mother-in-law. Then, right away he said let me give you some advice�and so I inquired enthusiastically. Joe said when your wife and your mother-in-law talk, don't say anything because first of all, you can not get a word out and secondly, you are always WRONG. So, mind your own business and keep your mouth shut. He couldn't be more on target. Yes, Joe was never lost for words and I spent a lot of time with him in front of our houses on Denslowe. From the first day I saw him, I loved him like my father. My condolences to Joe's wonderful wife Beverly and his family.
Petra DeJesus
August 28, 2010
Uncle Joe was a kind and compassionate person. As a young PD working in his Honor's court he taught me how to be a trial attorney and how to be gracious to my opponents. He was full of funny stories and full of life. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Uncle Joe. I'll pray for Joe and his family for their tremendous loss. May he rest peacefully.
Cheryl Wallace
August 28, 2010
My condolences to the Desmond clan. I knew Uncle Joe from the San Francisco courts. He was a gem of a man and will be missed by many. May you rest in peace, Uncle Joe.
August 27, 2010
Uncle Joe will always be in my heart. He was truly such a wonderful person... and how I will miss those stories! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Jan Passanisi
August 27, 2010
My mother, Anne (Heaney) Dennis always spoke very fondly of Judge Desmond and I especially loved the stories my uncles would tell about him - especially my uncle Joe Heaney's stories. Your family is in our prayers
Kathy (Dennis) Reichhold
August 27, 2010
To the Irish Citi Boy, I grieve for you Joe, Bev and the rest of the Clan. May God keep you in the palm of His Hand. Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan
August 27, 2010
To the Irish Citi boy, I grieve for you Joe, Bev, and the rest of the Clan. May God keep you in the palm of His Hand..Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan
August 27, 2010
To the Irish City boy,I grieve for you Joe, Bev, and the rest of the Clan. May God keep you in the Palm of His Hand---Mike Ryan
dave gallagher
August 27, 2010
When I was back at St. Stephen's with Joe, Judge Desmond used to take us to SI basketball games quite often, always followed by an ice cream at Shaw's in West Portal. Being a kid who grew up without a father this meant the world to me and I will never forget the kindness and generosity of this man for as long as I live. Thanks, Judge.
August 27, 2010
Dear Bev and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathies and prayers to you all.
Fondly,
Margaret Diggins
Henry Doering
August 27, 2010
My condolences to the Desmond Family. His Honor was a fine judge, and a great man with a great heart. He will be missed by all who value justice. I was privileged to appear before him many times in the San Francisco courts.
Jeff Ross
August 27, 2010
I can't think of Judge Desmond without seeing him with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a story to tell. He was always patient, gracious, honorable, fair, wise, full of life and laughter. I always looked forward to being in his court, whether it was a simple appearance, pushing calendar, or trying a case. Like everyone who knew him, I loved him and treasured the time I spent with him.
Outside of the law, he was an avid orchid grower. He taught me how to split and cultivate cymbidiums and gave me quite a few of them. Somehow I've managed to keep them alive all of these years. When I heard the sad news of his passing, I looked anew on those plants, those Desmond orchids, a physical link to the man and his memory.
We refer to a judge as "Your Honor" as a sign of respect out of custom and practice. Joe Desmond was truly deserving of that reverential title.
Rest in peace Your Honor. You will be missed, but you will live on forever in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved you.
August 27, 2010
Joe,
It was a pleasure working with you. You were a very kind man with a great sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to your friends and family.
John Stokes
August 27, 2010
Dear Bev and Family I am so sorry. I,like everybody else, loved him.Very Sincerely, Mary Lou(Rowe)Madison
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Desmond's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Desmond
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources 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 Joseph 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
