GRAY- William "Bill" Francis Desmond
February 13, 1969 – December 9, 2025
Bill Desmond, known for his abilities to fix anything and make everyone laugh, passed away
peacefully on December 9, 2025, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a courageous 14
month battle with glioblastoma. Born in Bristol, Connecticut, Bill’s true home was the beautiful
state of Maine, where he spent the majority of his 56 years building a life defined by hard work,
infectious humor, and extraordinary generosity.
Bill was a true self-made man, a jack of all trades who mastered them all. He largely taught
himself the many skills that would fuel his many successful business ventures: auto repair,
carpentry, heating, plumbing, and electrical work. His intelligence and resourcefulness knew no
bounds, and his can-do attitude inspired everyone around him. If something was broken, Bill
could fix it. If something seemed impossible, Bill found a way.
But Bill's greatest accomplishment wasn't measured in businesses built or repairs completed. It
was the family he loved with unwavering devotion. He met the love of his life, Amy
(Zimmerman) Desmond, 30 years ago. Married in 1998, they built a home filled with laughter,
love, and countless memories. Bill was most proud of his three children: Austin, Evan, and
Chloe, all of Gray. Even in a life full of many accomplishments, watching them grow into
extraordinary people was his greatest achievement.
Bill's generosity was as legendary as his sense of humor. His home and camp were always warm
and welcoming gathering spots for family and friends. Fueled by an irrepressible sense of fun,
Bill was always ready to pile kids into the boat for a day of fishing and tubing, turning many an
ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable adventure. When dining out, often without anyone
knowing, he would quietly pay for veterans’ meals as a thank-you for their service. He
supported animal shelters, food banks, holiday giving programs, and even traveled to Texas in
2017 to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. If someone needed help or even just needed
their spirits boosted, Bill was there and very often before they had to ask.
A humble veteran himself, Bill served honorably in the US Army, and that sense of dedication
and service stayed with him throughout his life. He was the life of every party, the friend who
showed up when it mattered, and the dad who never missed his children's games or events. His
integrity, comedy, and kindness left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
For Bill, paradise was simple. He found it at his camp on Salmon Lake in Belgrade. A perfect
day’s agenda would start with a quiet solo sunrise fishing expedition before anyone else stirred,
followed by breakfast with Amy and the kids, an afternoon filled with fun on the water that
spilled into an evening of people gathered around the table overflowing with tasty food, and a
night by the fire pit where he would let loose with his contagious sense of humor, keeping folks
in stitches. He loved freshwater bass fishing, saltwater fishing, working on his classic cars, and
attending car shows and auctions, especially the Mecum Auction in Florida. Whether he was
elbow-deep in an engine or home repair/renovation project, casting a line, or telling a story that
had everyone doubled over with laughter, Bill lived fully and joyfully.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Amy; his children Austin Desmond and his wife Ashley of
Gray, Evan Desmond of Gray, and Chloe Desmond of Gray; his sister Wanda Staples and husband
Travis of Waterboro, ME; sister Kim Tate and husband Joe of Daphne, AL; brother Charles
Desmond and wife Amy of North Berwick, ME; and half-brother Dayvid Foss of North Berwick,
ME; along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and countless close family members, friends,
and fur babies who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his parents, William F. Desmond Jr. and Bessie M. (Odlin) Foss.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Christine Lu-Emerson and her team at
MaineHealth Cancer Care in South Portland, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland,
Washington University/Barnes Jewish Christian Hospital in St. Louis, and Hospice of Southern
Maine in Scarborough for their compassionate care and support.
Bill's philosophy was simple: fix what's broken, help who needs it, and never take yourself too
seriously. He lived it every day. The world has lost something irreplaceable but gained
immeasurably from all he gave.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Bill's Life and Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, December 28th, 2025, from
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Throttle Car Club, 10 Dynamic Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074, a very fitting
venue for a man who loved cars, community, and bringing people together.
Online condolence messages may be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to:
• Veterans Forward: maineveteransforward.org
• The Brain Tumor Network: braintumornetwork.org
• Hospice of Southern Maine: 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -