Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 19, 1933, Desmond was the proud son of the late Thomas Hennessy and Eliza Leach Hennessy.
Having emigrated from England to Philadelphia, his parents raised Desmond and his older brother Raymond in the Tacony section on Marsden Street. The boys attended Northeast High School where Desmond excelled in school, lettered in football and graduated second in his class.
In his early twenties on a Saturday night at the Germantown YMCA he asked Ellen Irlich to dance, after a proper courtship during which he served four years in the U.S. Army, Desmond and Ellen were married October 15, 1955, with their reception at the Canstatter Club on Academy Road.
A few months before his wedding, Desmond was hired by Pennsylvania Railroad as a surveyor, he retired in 1989 as Engine Desmond Kenneth Hennessy, 91, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 19, 1933, Desmond was the proud son of the late Thomas Hennessy and Eliza Leach Hennessy.
Having emigrated from England to Philadelphia, his parents raised Desmond and his older brother Raymond in the Tacony section on Marsden Street. The boys attended Northeast High School where Desmond excelled in school, lettered in football and graduated second in his class.
In his early twenties on a Saturday night at the Germantown YMCA he asked Ellen Irlich to dance, after a proper courtship during which he served four years in the U.S. Army, Desmond and Ellen were married October 15, 1955, with their reception at the Canstatter Club on Academy Road.
A few months before his wedding, Desmond was hired by Pennsylvania Railroad as a surveyor, he retired in 1989 as Engineer in Charge of Special Design.
Always inquisitive and an avid reader, Desmond particularly enjoyed British mysteries. A compassionate man, Desmond was always on the side of those that had not been given the same opportunities. He instilled his compassion for others as well as his appreciation of the natural world to his two children, Adrienne and Chris.
Desmond and Ellen raised their family in Yardley Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed sailing, hiking and canoe trips, many at the Delaware Water Gap, always including Max their dog.
Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Ellen Hennessy of Columbia, SC; son, Norman Hennessy (Kathey) of Blythewood, SC; and daughter, Adrienne Hennessy of Chicago, IL.
In addition to his parents, Desmond was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Hennessy.
Donations suggested to The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.eer in Charge of Special Design.
Always inquisitive and an avid reader, Desmond particularly enjoyed British mysteries. A compassionate man, Desmond was always on the side of those that had not been given the same opportunities. He instilled his compassion for others as well as his appreciation of the natural world to his two children, Adrienne and Chris.
Desmond and Ellen raised their family in Yardley Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed sailing, hiking and canoe trips, many at the Delaware Water Gap, always including Max their dog.
Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Ellen Hennessy of Columbia, SC; son, Norman Hennessy (Kathey) of Blythewood, SC; and daughter, Adrienne Hennessy of Chicago, IL.
In addition to his parents, Desmond was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Hennessy.
Donations suggested to The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
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