Charles Scott Desmond

Charles “Scott” Desmond – April 7, 1962-June 28, 2025

“Thank you for the incredible contributions you made that continue to create ripples of life and love in our community.” “Proud and Strong.” “One of my favorite guys in the world.” “I never would have made it through high school without him.” These are just some of the tributes and words that friends have used to describe Scott Desmond, who passed away at home surrounded by family on June 28, 2025.

Scott was born on April 7, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Richard and JoAnne Desmond (nee Juul). His early years took him to college towns across the Midwest including stops in Normal, Illinois, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he enjoyed an ideal childhood with friends, riding bikes, and excelling in both baseball and basketball.

Scott met Laura O’Brien, the love of his life for over 40 years, at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a degree in Economics, Laura and Scott moved to Chicago, where he began working in real estate, at Balcor and the John Buck Company. His career spanned real estate and banking, which gave him the opportunity to sit on Boards of such nonprofits as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, the Cleveland Sight Center and FrontLine Service, which works with those who are homeless, in crisis or experiencing trauma. He enjoyed volunteering and generously donating to many worthy causes in the Cleveland area and beyond.

There was nothing that gave him more pride, and loved more in the world than his kids. He spoke with them daily to share their lives and give fatherly advice. A resident of Greater Cleveland for 30+ years, he loved the natural beauty of the city, cheering for the Guardians, and raising his family in the diverse communities of Shaker and Cleveland Heights. He was very knowledgeable about history and current events and had great interests in finance and the economy, which would often invite discourse and debate. He was a member of Fairmount Presbyterian Church where he served as Trustee, Elder, Deacon, chair of the properties committee and Sunday school teacher. He loved deeply and was deeply loved.

Scott was the husband for 38 years of Laura Desmond (nee O’Brien), and father to Jack Desmond, Kelsey Desmond (Rebin Ali) of D.C. and Robert Scott Desmond (Mollie Shinkle) of Indianapolis. He was a dear brother to Karin Wysocki (Dane), and a beloved son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle.

Contributions can be made to FrontLine Service, 1744 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44114 or online at www.frontlineservice.org.

A private service and celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.