Desmond "Des" Joseph Laffan

He will be proudly remembered as a loving husband,

father, son, brother, and friend. Known for his quick wit and champion of any lively debate. Des was tech savvy, rocked outlandish supper club costumes, admired for his creative marketing ideas, his Wordle prowess and his love of candy!

One of his greatest strengths was his way of making people feel seen, loved, and supported.

Born on September 12, 1964 in New York, to Noel Laffan and the late Mary O’Conner. Des grew up to be a true New York sports fan. Most Sundays were spent cheering on his New York Giants. A graduate of Villanova, the love for his Nova Knicks kept him happy in recent years.

While he was an entrepreneur with multiple successful companies to his name, his family was always his priority. He poured his love into his girls and their happiness was his primary focus.

In 1984, Des was one person in line from obtaining the last ticket to the coveted U2 concert in Philadelphia. His greatest disappointment turned into the best moment of his life. While attending a consolation party for nonticket holders at Ryder University, he met the love of his life, Eileen Marie Buckwash. Their conversations began with a shared affection of music and albums and turned into a 40 year love story. Des and Eileen were married in West Chester, PA on November 21, 1987. Together, they welcomed two precious daughters, their dance floor got bigger, the singing got louder and laughter filled every room in the house.

Des is preceded in death by his mother Mary. Survived by his beloved wife, Eileen Laffan of Summerfield, his daughters Meg Laffan McKenna (Devin, Conor) of Raleigh and Claire Laffan of New Haven Connecticut. His father, Noel Laffan (Betsy) of Ireland , his brother Brian Laffan (Emi, Matilda)of Sweden, his sisters Kathleen Kyle (Cristin)of Madison and Nicole Ajello (Aaron, Abby & Jack)of Raleigh. Many beloved in-laws Annette Buckwash, Don and Anne Davis (Eric, Caroline), Vince Buckwash, Anthony Buckwash (Zack).

Words will never sufficiently convey how much he was loved and will be missed. And of course he would be disappointed that we could not match his humor and creativity when sharing this heart-breaking news.

A celebration of life will be held at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home

515 N. Elm Street Greensboro, NC, 27401, on Wednesday July 15 at 3pm.