Mark Richard Desmond

Mark Richard Desmond, 68, passed away on February 28, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mark was born on September 1, 1957 in Medford, Massachusetts, to his late parents Paul and Patricia Desmond. Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Mark shared his childhood with his three surviving siblings Michael P. Desmond, Ann Desmond, and Katie Desmond. His first job at age 11 was a paper route, which inspired his passion for hard work, and he saved every dollar to send himself to Bentley University after graduating from B.C. High School in 1975.

With two Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting and Marketing, he began his career in cyber security software sales and was employed with Checkpoint Software Technologies at the time of his passing. Colleagues have described Mark as an exceptional sales leader who set high standards through his professionalism, commitment, and integrity. He was deeply admired for his character, resilience, and the grace with which he navigated his illness.

Throughout his life, Mark developed a passion for jazz music and a talent for playing the piano. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and cheering for the Boston Red Sox at many games over the years. He enjoyed attending festivals, concerts, theater, museums, watching PGA Golf, fine dining as well as traveling internationally with his wife, Lorelei.

His active lifestyle included biking, hiking, golf, and walking his dogs Harmony and his dearly departed Teddy.

He is survived by his spouse, Lorelei Desmond, his three children Jake, Sean, and Calleigh Desmond. Other relations survived by Mark's passing are the husband of his sister Katie, Doug Smith and the fiancée of his son Jake, Christine Rubel. He also leaves behind his pets, his soul cat Binx and "wonderdog" Harmony.

On the day Mark passed, he had a wonderful visit from his children and Christine. Many stories were shared and one of his favorite songs he used to play on the piano, Memories of Tomorrow by Keith Jarrett, played softly in the background. After this visit, he spent the rest of the evening with his wife, Lorelei, admiring the beautiful vase of daffodils at his bedside that she picked from the garden. He passed away gently in his sleep that evening.

The Celebration of Life service for Mark Desmond will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 3 p.m. at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's name to http://houseproudatlanta.org/.