James Desmond

James Desmond, 70, of Washington, died Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in the Washington Hospital following a four-week illness. He was born March 7, 2007, in Washington, a son of Samuel Desmond, Sr., and Frances DeSimone Desmond. Mr. Desmond was a veteran of the Marine Corps., serving from April 23, 1954, until being honorably discharged as a sergeant on April 10, 1958.. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Desmond worked for Local 9, Pittsburgh, as a brick mason for 36 years before retiring in 1996. He was a member of New Life Worship Center in Weirton, a member of the Alpine Club in Washington, and loved to travel. On June 15, 1968, he married Shirley Comstock, who survives. Also surviving are a son, James Paul Desmond of Washington; a daughter, Diana Desmond Cramer of Washington; one brother, Samuel Desmond, Jr. of Washington; and two sisters, Theresa Funka of Washington and Esther Saska of San Diego, California; and one grandchild, Brandon Lee Cramer. Deceased are three brothers, Paul Desmond, Louis Desmond and Joseph Desmond; and two sisters, Marian Gay and Rose Jones. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, with Pastor Robert Mazeroski officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.