A.J. Desmond Funeral Home

Beverly Hills - Mark W. Cope - August 26, 2024 - Age 77. Loving husband of Mary Cope for 51 years. Devoted father of Rachel Cope. Survived by dear brothers Robert (Judith) Cope and Thomas (Rebecca) Cope, sister-in-law Carol Koller, many nieces and nephews, and cat Zelda. Preceded in death by parents Mark and Julia Cope, brother Paul Cope, and brother-in-law Kenneth Koller. Mark was born in St. Louis and attended Rosary High School alongside his brothers before studying geography at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University and worked as a logistician for the U.S. Army for 38 years. In retirement, Mark...

We announce the peaceful passing of Marlene Judy Golabek on July 29, 2024, at the age of 69. Marlene is survived by her loving mother, Wanda; her brother, Allen; her devoted husband, Bob; and her cherished son, Ben. A celebration of Marlene's life will be held on August 11th from 1 pm to 5 pm at McVee's Pub and Grub, located at 1129 E Long Lake Rd, Troy, MI 48085. View obituary and sign tribute wall at AJDesmond.com

** Patricia Mary Nickol: A Spirited Finale to a Show-Stopping Life ** With an intellect as sharp as her smile and a spirit as vibrant as a Broadway marquee, Patricia Mary Nickol (n?e Hurford), affectionately known as Pat, of Birmingham, Michigan, took her final bow surrounded by her loving family on July 24, 2024. The final curtain call brings together a cast of cherished family: her daughter Michele Martin, son Michael Martin with his wife Leslie, and her adored ensemble of grandchildren Sailor, Jackson, Charles, Bodey, and Quinn Martin; her supporting cast includes brothers Jim and Richard Hurford (Judi). Preceding her in the grand finale were her brother Jackson Hurford (Carolyn),...

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Harold Sanford, S.J. who died June 24, 2024, at Colombiere Jesuit Retirement Center, Clarkston, MI. He was 84 years old. Harry is survived by his brother Charles E. Sanford and sister-in-law Fay. He is preceded in death by his parents Juanita Rose Thomason and Leon Horace Sanford. He was born on March 16, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He entered the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus September 1, 1964, at Florrisant, Missouri. He was ordained a priest on May 3, 1975 at St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Louis, Missouri, and pronounced final vows September 6, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri in Jesuit Hall Chapel. While in...

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Harold Sanford, S.J. who died June 24, 2024, at Colombiere Jesuit Retirement Center, Clarkston, MI. He was 84 years old. Harry is survived by his brother Charles E. Sanford and sister-in-law Fay. He is preceded in death by his parents Juanita Rose Thomason and Leon Horace Sanford. He was born on March 16, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He entered the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus September 1, 1964, at Florrisant, Missouri. He was ordained a priest on May 3, 1975 at St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Louis, Missouri, and pronounced final vows September 6, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri in Jesuit Hall Chapel. While in...

age 101, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Troy, Michigan, surrounded by the love of his family. The youngest of seven, he was born Clarence Arens in December 1922 in Holland, Michigan to Henry and Anna (Steinfort) Arens. He lived independently, up until his death in the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan, since 2001. Clarence was preceded in death by his devoted wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Arens, in 2007 and his son David Arens in 2016. Clarence was loved by all who knew him- to say that he was a remarkable human being would just begin to scratch the surface of his character. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through those who were fortunate to know him....

Son of Ramakrishna and Sita, Passed away June 12, 2024 Age 75, Practiced Oncology for 35 years in Kalamazoo including serving as the medical director of the West Michigan Cancer Center. Beloved husband of Karen for 48 years. Loving father of Naveen Vemuri (Melanie Lam), Neena Vemuri (Jon Hickey). Devoted Tata of Milo and Kaia. Dear brother of Nirmala (late Ramohan), Swarna (Subrahmanyan), Ramesh (Gayathri), Lakshmi (Gopala), Padma (Shastry), Raju (Victoria), and the late Sudhakar (Subbalakshmi). There will be a memorial open house from 1-4 on Saturday, July 20 at the Indo-American Cultural Center & Temple in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude's...

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Benjamin Urmston, S.J. who died June 10, 2024, at Colombiere Jesuit Retire Center, Clarkston, MI. He was 98 years old. Ben is survived by his brother Kenneth Urmston. He is preceded in death by his parents Marguerite Huber Urmston and Benjamin Urmston. Ben was born on September 20, 1925, in North College Hill, Ohio. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus September 1, 1946, at Milford Novitiate, Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 14, 1959, at West Baden College, West Baden, Indiana, and pronounced final vows in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ben Served in the United States Army from 1939 to 1945 in France,...

Age eighty-five. Longtime resident of Troy. Thomas is the beloved husband of the late Mary (d.2021); Cherished father of Thomas Jr. (Bonnie) Hrynik of Royal Oak, Amy (Scott) Cleland of Rochester Hills, Maria (Tim) Thompson of Grosse Pointe and Michael Hrynik. Mr. Hrynik is also survived fourteen grandchildren And twelve great-grandchildren, and Lorraine (Richard) Kinney of East China Township. Member of the 4H Club as a youth. As a caddie at Plum Hollow in his youth, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Michigan where he earned both an undergraduate degree and a master's degree. Avid golfer earning Three holes in ones in his lifetime. Loved his Tigers, Lions, Redwings, and...

Franklin D. Ronan died peacefully in the loving presence of family on May 16, 2024 at the age of 90. Frank was born April 22, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur and Josephine Ronan. He graduated from Dearborn High School as a scholar-athlete in football and baseball and received a baseball scholarship to the University of Michigan, earning undergraduate, masters, specialist, and PhD degrees in Journalism and Education. Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 59. While in Germany he was head coach and second baseman for the Kitzingen Red Sox which won the Armed Forces baseball World Series in 1958. Frank's professional work was devoted to advancing public education. He worked 16 years...

Thomas J. Dryden, a long-standing resident of Royal Oak, Michigan for over 15 years, passed away on May 5, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was the beloved son of Thomas and Claudia (Logan) Dryden. Brother to sister Celine (Ron) Tetrault and brother to Adam and Neil (Marcie) Dryden. Uncle to Cameron (Maddie) and Colin Tetrault. As a brother you couldn't ask for anything more. One thing that would best describe Tom from his siblings is that he was their best friend. He was the true definition of his "Brother's Keeper" Tom was a 5-year veteran of the U.S. Navy in the Construction Battalion, NMCB3 and NMCB7, achieving the rank of BU2 (Petty Officer Second Class). His unit was...

With heavy hearts we announce the death of Richard Partick Morgan (Dick) of Shelby Twp, MI who passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 86. Richard was predeceased in death by his parents Alfred and Ruth Morgan and his brother Alfred Morgan. He is survived by his lifelong love and wife of 65 years Jill; his children: Timothy (Donna) Morgan, Terri (Larry) Thomson, Michele (David) Soule, Maureen (Edward) Rozanski; grandchildren Heather (Ryan) Predoehl, Edward (Carly Jo) Rozanski, Natalie (Matthew) Couturier; and his great grandchildren: Madison, Colton, Everson, Eddie Jo and Frankie. At a date to be determined later a celebration of his life will be held. View obituary and sign tribute...

Troy, MI, passed away April 19, 2024 at age 82. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1960, served in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired from GM Detroit Diesel and Powertrain Group after 37 years. He was preceded in death by son John James, sister Lynn Underwood-Grudzien, and parents John and Marjorie (Weston) Underwood. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Nancy (Brown), daughter Nicole Underwood, grandson Colin John Long, brothers Gary (Kay) and Robert (Margie), nephews, nieces, and good friends and neighbors. A.J. Desmond & Sons (248) 689-0700. View obituary and sign tribute wall at AJDesmond.com

Let us give thanks for the life of our brother, Fr. Theodore C. Ross, S.J., who died on April 13, 2024 at the Colombiere Jesuit Retirement Center in Clarkston, MI. He was 89 years old. May he rest in peace. Ted is survived by his brother, Vincent Ross. Ted was born on December 11, 1934 in Ridgway, PA. Before entering the Society, he graduated from St. Leo's Catholic High School in 1952. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1954 at the Jesuit Novitiate in Milford, OH. He was ordained a Priest on June 14, 1967 at Colombiere College, Clarkston, MI. He pronounced final vows on February 2, 1982 at Loyola University, Chicago, IL. While in the Scoiety, Teddy earned a...

April 13, 2024 Age 75. Beloved Mother of Deanna Pierce (Eric). Doting grandmother of Alexa, Adriana, Briella, and Niko. Dear sister of Constantine and John (Cynthia). Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Lula Lazarus. Family will receive friends Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 18, from 2-8PM with Trisagion at 6PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons 2600 Crooks Rd (between Maple and Big Beaver), Troy, 248-362-2500. Funeral service Friday, April 19, at 11a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles, Troy. Visitation at church begins at 10:30a.m. Memorial tributes to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. View obituary and share memories at ...

MARTHA A. Webb, age 89, died April 11, 2024. She was a resident of Royal Oak, MI; formerly of Sterling Heights and West Branch, MI. Martha was born in Detroit to Frank and Anna Werholtz on June 13, 1934. Martha was a dedicated wife and homemaker but no matter what she was doing music accompanied her, whether she was singing alone or providing for her own soundtrack. Martha shared her love of movies, the older the better, with her children. Much family time was spent watching movies together. Her knowledge of movie stars, names, plots and music was extensive. At her final residence in an assisted living facility in Sterling Heights, Martha took it upon herself to greet and hug "the old...

Douglas "Doug" Joseph Paquin, 92, of Birmingham, MI passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024. He was born May 21, 1931 to Vern and Ida (St. John) Paquin in Newberry, Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University after a brief interruption to serve as a Marine in the Korean War from 1952-1954. Doug spent the vast majority of his career rising up at J. Walter Thompson as an Advertising Account Executive and eventually rose to Executive Vice President. A lifelong learner, Doug was happiest surrounded by a stack of newspapers and a cold glass of chardonnay. Later in life, he obtained a law degree from the Detroit College of Law purely for personal satisfaction. Doug leaves behind the love...

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Bradley Martin Schaeffer, S.J. who died on March 28, 2024, at Trinity Genesis Hospital in Holly, MI. He was 74 years old. Brad is survived by his siblings, Joanne Sefcik (Michael), Karen Gilliat (Ron), Lizbeth Willert (Peter) and Scott Schaeffer. He is preceded in death by his parents Florence Josephine Schaeffer and Joseph Peter Schaeffer. Brad was born on July 21, 1949, in Chicago, IL. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus August 21, 1967, at Milford Novitiate, Milford, OH. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1977, at St. Ignatius Church, Chicago, IL, and pronounced final vows at St. Xavier High School...

Passed away March 20, 2024 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Rudolph Difazio for 63 years. Loving mother of Nicholas, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Matthew, Princeton, NJ, and Gina, Austin, TX. Cherished grandmother of 3. Caring great - grandmother of 2. Dearest daughter of Francis (Frank) and Adelaide Scanlon. She was predeceased by two sisters in 2013 and a nephew in 2018. Also survived by several nieces and a nephew. Funeral Mass Saturday, April 27, 10:00a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Visitation at church begins 9:30a.m. Funeral Mass Tuesday, April 30, 10:00a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7503 Peavine, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. In lieu...

Passed away March 20, 2024 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Rudolph Difazio for 63 years. Loving mother of Nicholas, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Matthew, Princeton, NJ, and Gina, Austin, TX. Cherished grandmother of 3. Caring great - grandmother of 2. Dearest daughter of Francis (Frank) and Adelaide Scanlon. She was predeceased by two sisters in 2013 and a nephew in 2018. Also survived by several nieces and a nephew. Funeral Mass Saturday, April 27, 10:00a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Visitation at church begins 9:30a.m. Funeral Mass Tuesday, April 30, 10:00a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7503 Peavine, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. In lieu...

Passed away March 20, 2024 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Rudolph Difazio for 63 years. Loving mother of Nicholas, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Matthew, Princeton, NJ, and Gina, Austin, TX. Cherished grandmother of 3. Caring great - grandmother of 2. Dearest daughter of Francis (Frank) and Adelaide Scanlon. She was predeceased by two sisters in 2013 and a nephew in 2018. Also survived by several nieces and a nephew. Funeral Mass Saturday, April 27, 10:00a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Visitation at church begins 9:30a.m. Funeral Mass Tuesday, April 30, 10:00a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7503 Peavine, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558. In lieu...