Timothy Michael Desmond

Timothy Michael Desmond, 74, of Harbor City, California, died September 8th. Born in Pasadena, California on Mother's Day, Tim was the son of Walter and Virginia Desmond, and a grandson of Judge Walter and Eleanor Desmond, of Long Beach. He was named in honor of his great-grandfather - Timothy Desmond - an immigrant from Ireland and a Civil War veteran.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Elizabeth; his son Robert, along with wife Katya; and daughter Michelle. Predeceased by an older brother, Dennis, Tim leaves behind two other brothers Walter (Ann) and John (Shellie) Desmond.

Some would describe Tim as the consummate tech-wizard. From the early years in his basement home "lab", his passion to assemble, create and analyze knew no bounds. He never encountered an experiment that failed to fascinate him. And friends and family knew if they ever wanted something that didn't work to work - or that DID work, to work some other way - Tim was the 'go-to' guy.

Tim's talent for exploring, discovery and sharing served him well into adulthood. Neighbors, students, friends of every stripe knew they could count on him for literally anything. In addition to his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Tim carried out a long and successful career teaching math and computer science for 35 years in L. A. Unified School District's Fleming Jr. High School. He also aided students in their extra-curricular pursuits including as Fleming's backstage technical expert. Tim was justifiably proud of his National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification, always looking to improve himself as an educator and give his very best to his students.

Throughout his lifetime, Tim embodied a lengthy Desmond-family tradition of service to others, and his contributions to the community extended far beyond his paid-calling. In his 'off-hours' Tim devoted himself to many activities through Lomita's St. Margaret Mary parish. These included as lector and eucharistic minister; church choir and Holy Name Society member; parish school technical services and teaching; and the church's annual Lomita Fair fundraiser. As a long-time judo practitioner and sensei (instructor) at Harbor Dojo judo club, Tim was popular, sharing his expertise and skill working with new students. Additionally, Tim's volunteering included over three decades of service in both the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts in various roles including as Den Leader and Scout Leader. Among Tim's myriad efforts and achievements in scouting are Member, Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society); Counselor/Director for Ad Altare Dei emblem candidates; and 7 awards for Eagle Scout mentoring.

Anyone fortunate enough to have known Tim - however briefly or casually - benefited in some way from that experience. He will truly be missed by all.


A Visitation and Viewing will be held for Tim, followed by recitation of the Rosary, on Thursday, September 16th at 4:00 pm at Coastal Funeral Center, 25001 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717. The funeral Mass will be September 17 at 10:00 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 25511 Eshelman Ave, Lomita CA 90717.

Donations in Tim's memory, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to any of the following:
St. Margaret Mary Christian Service Ministry
https://www.smmlomita.org/online-giving/ Click "Give Online" and choose "Christian Service"

ASPCA Memorial Gifts
https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1 (Memorial Gifts)

Team Rubicon (helping vets help others)
https://teamrubiconusa.org/give/