CONTOOCOOK - Joseph A. Desmond, 76, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Hospice House, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away as he lived his life, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Dec. 24, 1932, in Cohasset, Mass., he was the son of the late Catherine Agnes (Gillen) and Denis J. Desmond. Joe graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth, Mass., and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Boston College.

Joe was employed by the Concord Group Insurance Co., Concord, for 44 years, retiring as chairman of the board of directors. He served on many local, state and national boards.

Joe married Patricia A. Barnicle on Oct. 13, 1962. They made their home in Contoocook, where they raised their four children.

Joe was predeceased by his bride, Patricia, in 2007.

He is survived by his children, Brenda VanDzura and her husband, Thomas, of Essex, Vt., Kevin Desmond and his wife, Stephanie, of North Yarmouth, Maine, Kathleen Koenig and her husband, Eric, of Northbrook, Ill., and Maureen Vanderheiden and her husband, Brian, of Omaha, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Darren and Joseph VanDzura, Matthew and Katherine Desmond and Joseph and Jack Vanderheiden; his brothers, the Rev. Hubert Desmond of North Weymouth, Mass., and Denis Desmond and his wife, Margaret, of Westwood, Mass.; and a sister, Mary Desmond of Scituate, Mass.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held by the Rev. Hubert Desmond Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Old Hopkinton Road, Henniker.

Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord 03301.

For more information, log on to mem.com.

Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of arrangements.