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For over 100 years, we have served families with dignity and compassion, providing the highest standard of care. In 1917 on Woodward Avenue in Highland Park, Michigan Angus J. McInnes founded the A.J. McInnes Funeral Home. Albert J. Desmond joined Mr. McInnes in 1930 and shortly after we become known as McInnes-Desmond Funeral Directors.
The next generation of Desmonds entered funeral service when two of Albert's sons Terry and John, joined McInnes-Desmond in the 1960s. In 1973 the firm became A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors when it established a premier location on Crooks Road in Troy. In 1990, Terry's daughter Kathy Desmond Barr and in 2008, his son Kevin joined the firm. Both are third-generation family funeral directors. Through the years, several other Desmond family members have been involved; today Margaret Desmond contributes much to the firm.
In 1991, A.J. Desmond & Sons again expanded by merging with the well-established firm, Vasu, Rodgers & Connell. Bill Vasu had opened the Wm. Vasu Funeral Home in 1922, also on Woodward Avenue in Highland Park. With his financial partner Richard Connell, Bill moved his firm "way up north" to Royal Oak in 1955. Upon Bill Vasu's death, the Connell family hired Ed Lynch to manage the firm and it became known as Vasu-Lynch. After Paul Connell joined the firm in 1974, he and Lou Rodgers led Vasu, Rodgers & Connell until the merger.
In April 2015, A.J. Desmond & Sons expanded east with the purchase of Price Funeral Home on Rochester Road in Troy. Founded in 1956 by William H. Price (1931-2010), and more recently operated by his wife Susan, the firm has deep roots in Troy; until 1974 they provided Emergency Ambulance Service for Oakland and Macomb County Sheriff Departments, the Troy Police and the Centerline Post of the State Police.
Today, we serve over 1000 families from three convenient locations. To continually improve our services, we all participate in ongoing educational programs. Several staff have achieved advanced professional recognition.
A.J. Desmond & Sons believes that the funeral director's role extends into interaction with families after death, as well as with the community as a whole. Under the guidance of an bereavement counselor, Karen Laing, MA, LLP, individual counseling, grief recovery groups and several other activities are available.
We are also leaders in offering assistance to families wishing to make arrangements prior to the need for a funeral. Advance planning does not require advance payment. We do offer a trusted selection of trust and insurance programs for those wishing to do so.
A.J. Desmond & Sons is a very accessible community resource. We are always available for questions and information. We provide programs to different groups and receive school tours throughout the year. In addition, we visit churches, community centers and various senior and caregiver fairs to offer our assistance and expertise.
Finally, continuing Al Desmond's legacy of community involvement, the staff of A.J. Desmond Sons is very active in numerous community and charitable endeavors. Staff activities include participating in local efforts for veterans, homeless, and senior citizens and serving as leaders of various civic organizations. We are also members of several area churches and involved as volunteers and leaders in local elementary and high schools. In 2010, our entire organization was recognized for our community involvement in the City of Troy when Leadership Troy named us The Outstanding Business.
In recognition of our efforts, A.J. Desmond & Sons regularly receives the highest awards in the Pursuit of Excellence programs sponsored by the National Funeral Directors Association and in 2005 achieved the Pursuit of Excellence Crystal Eagle Award, one of only three firms in the nation so recognized. In 2006 we became a charter inductee in the NFDA Hall of Excellence.
We remain a family-owned and operated firm. The dedicated staff and strong leadership from Terry, Kathy and Kevin will continue the Desmond tradition of personal, dignified service, providing the finest to families and the community at large.
