Bill was a terrific co-worker at IRS CID. A great wealth of knowledge about organized crime and a joy to be around.

My condolence to the Desmond Family. Bill and I started with the government at the same time and both retired 20 years or so latter on the same day.  He was an interesting individual with a great sense of humor that will not be forgotten.  God Speed and we will all meet again.

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains.  Bill will be remembered at the next Police Mass.

In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God!   [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

Duke was a great husband,  great father, great teacher and great friend. He was loved by many for his sense of humor. He was one of the funniest men on the south side.  And he was one of the most respected men on the south side,  because of his toughness  and his intense competition. He always gave 110 percent for his team and his team was Mt. Carmel. Duke lived with honor for Mt.Carmel and celebrated their great Success.  And he will continue that celebration in the next life. Long may you live, Duke.

My prayers are with you all.  Duke was one of the closest friends I ever had the pleasure  of knowing and growing up together. My memories of Duke will be forever lasting.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for us. 

Jim Cusack
MCHS '63

From my earliest times with Bill, teaching, to my most recent memories of observing him “grandfathering” in the side pews at St Cajetans, I would have to say  that he truly believed that  “everything  worth doing is worth doing well”
“Eternal rest grant onto him…”

Our deepest condolences on your loss.  Take comfort knowing that he is now at home with our Lord.

Gus & Arta Margellos

The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these days. May the saints of Carmel welcome Bill into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care.
- Mount Carmel High School.

Anne and family. Our  condolences on the loss of our dear friend.
We have so many great memories of Duke and our life long friendship. 
Sleep in heavenly peace our good friend.
John and Donna Quinlan

I’m very saddened by this news. To me he always seemed like an iron man, tough, wise, trustworthy. What a great sense of humor! 
We are all very lucky to call him our friend.. when he lived next to us on a 110th place, it was kind of hard to categorize Bill, sometimes he seemed like an older brother, other times a dad or friend.. he’s a great mix of all these things, will miss him, RIP Bill! Our Lady MC, Pray For Us🙏🏻

Dear Billy and Meghan,
We're very sorry to hear of your father's passing, Billy. May his memory comfort you and see his love in your own sons' eyes. Peace and comfort to you. Blessings of solace to you and your family. 
Love,
The Kaufmann-Lecuyer Family
Judy, Sybil, Ben, and Bee

It has sadden both Lou and I to hear of Bills passing . The lunches he attended were always so much fun to be with Bill and the other guys. Lou’s many conversations over the phone gave  him great pleasure. I remembered the camping Trip to Silver Lake Michigan and the Halloween part at your apartment. So long ago when we were so very young. No children yet! Many good times at functions together. It is that time in our lives where our good friends are slipping away hopefully to a better place.  May the LORD comfort you in these times of sadness. It just makes us feel like life is too short . It seems like you two and your family have enjoyed and “took the time to smell the roses”.  Love ❤️Betsy OSIKA

Our love to the entire family. I will miss my concealed carry partner when I qualify in September and will try and get the state to refund the ticket. Rita and I are so sorry and know we are praying for you all.  If we can ever offer our help let us know. 
May he rest in peace and be a memory to all he touched. 🙏🏻🇺🇸

Remembering Bill “Duke” Desmond
(1945–2025)

I met Bill Desmond—“Duke” to many of us—in third grade. We went through grade school and high school together, and while we were never especially close, I always liked him and respected him. We shared mutual friends and more memories than I realized—he had a gift for remembering everyone’s name and every detail from those days.

He once sent me class photos I didn’t even know existed. That kind of thoughtfulness meant a lot. He also remembered my mom, who worked at the neighborhood grocery store, and spoke kindly of her. That’s who he was—smart, funny, polite, and decent.

Bill served his country with honor, working in federal law enforcement, and never stopped being that warm, grounded guy from the old neighborhood.

He’ll be missed by many—including me.

Dear Anne, Amy, Jim, Bill and all the Desmond family,
Bill brought kindness and laughter to all who knew him.  I’ll never forget his smile and comforting words after the loss of our George.  
Bill lived a life of giving ….
Sincere condolences,
Christine Scales and Family

Condolences from the Houlihan family to all the Desmonds.. Whatta guy! God rest his lovely soul. Always enjoyed running into Duke and one my favorite memories was listening to him "recreate" the Bears radio broadcast with Kup and Jack Brickhouse doing play by play. He had me in tears, it was so on the nose.
God speed Duke, please send me the Powerball numbers. 
Houli

Duke’s passing is an absolute shock to me! He and my husband Jim were good friends  since childhood. After Jim had a stroke, Duke remained a faithful friend. Annie and family, I am so sorry to hear this!

Duke was the epitome of what a real man should be. His warmth, his humor, his wisdom, and soul were without equal. In the few years that I knew him, he was an extraordinary example of everything a true friend could be. I’ll never forget his smile, his laugh, and especially his stories about his youth and his work as a federal agent. What a guy! Duke was a true hall of famer! My sincere condolences to Annie and his family.

Bill was one of the funniest story tellers I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He made the hard work at Good Shepherd easier to handle by showing us all the humor to find in life. I’m so honored to have worked with him and called him my friend.  My deepest condolences to Annie and his family. Much love to all.

My condolences to the Desmond family I will always remember my time spent with Bill and Annie up at the Beverly woods restaurant you are all in my thoughts and prayers

To the Desmond Family,
Prayers are on the way for your family and Duke.
He was a great guy and will be missed.
Brian Duffy

OBITUARY

William John Desmond

March 10, 1945 – August 1, 2025

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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