David J. Desmond, 45, of Somerville, Mass., passed away Aug. 9, 2025. Born in Boston, March 10, 1980, David was the cherished son of Mary Lou Johnson of Arlington and the dear brother of the late Daniel R. Johnson, who passed away in March last year.

David was building his career as a stagehand, where he was proud to work behind the scenes in the greater Boston area at live events in theater, rock shows and conventions. He worked with I.A.T.S.E Local 11.

He was a man of many contrasts – big and sturdy with a full Viking beard and a tender heart. He smoked like a chimney and had a low-key trash talking style, but he was a witty and keen observer of the world around him. He seemed gruff, but he was loyal and kind and highly respected by his co-workers on any crew he worked with.

David was known for his deep appreciation of the outdoors. He loved the seaside and camping trips to Walden Pond and the White Mountains. He rode his bike everywhere and took beautiful photos of places around the city that he uploaded to social media. The last photos he shared with us were serene night scenes of the moon over the Bunker Hill Bridge and the lights reflecting on the water from the docks by the Boston Fish Pier. He also posted a link to the song "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison, telling us to "Turn it up!" These are the little moments of beauty he paused to appreciate and share with us in his final days.

A tribute video can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA3drQN1t14

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the George L. Doherty Funeral home, 855 Broadway in Powder House Square. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Funeral Procession from the Doherty Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 10:00AM followed by a Prayer Service in the Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge at 11:00AM. Services will conclude with burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery.

You are welcome to celebrate David's spirit of kindness with a donation in his name to a caring organization that is special to his family: Supportive Living, Inc. c/o Development Office, 7 Oakland St., Lexington, MA 02420, or online at https://www.supportivelivinginc.org/giving-page-3   .. Or to a charity of your choice