Desmond was born on October 4, 1893, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.[1] He attended Lowell public schools and graduated from Lowell High School.[1][2] A standout baseball player, Desmond went on to for a number of play semi-pro baseball teams.[2]
In 1940, Desmond was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He would go on to serve a total of 11 terms. He served on a number of important committees, including a stint as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.[2]
In 1962, Desmond was named City Manager of Lowell and resigned from the House shortly after that. He served as city manager for 22 months before he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 and had to leave office.[2]
Later life and death
Desmond remained in Lowell after his retirement. He died on October 2, 1974, at St. John's Hospital in Lowell.[2]