Alan J. (Pops) Desmarais

Alan Joseph (Pops) Desmarais, 74, of New Britain, CT, passed away on December 9, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Joan (Carey) Desmarais for 51 years, and loving father of his three children: Matthew Desmarais and his wife Laura Bondi, Carey Campbell and her husband Grant Campbell, and Andrew Desmarais and his wife Lexie Tseng; his four adored grandchildren August Desmarais, Zoey Campbell, Garrett Campbell, and Emaline Desmarais. Born on May 7, 1949 in Hartford, CT to Blanche (Rioux) and Tony Desmarais, he was the fifth of six children. Alan is survived by sisters Jo-Ann McCann (husband Bill) and Diane Ullman (husband Pete), and predeceased by sister Jeanne Ward, and brothers Stuart Desmarais, and Richard Desmarais. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Roisin Desmarais (wife of Stuart) and Terri Desmarais (wife of Richard), several cousins, and 15 nieces and nephews, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Alan had a long career in municipal finance, most recently as the Director of Finance for the Town of Manchester, from which he retired. Alan was generous, spending his time and energy volunteering for several organizations. He was coach, referee, and administrator of youth sports in West Hartford, supporting his children at all times, and later supported and enjoyed his grandchildren's activities. He served on the Board of Directors for MARC of Manchester and Oak Hill. After retiring, he challenged himself by undertaking the five-hundred mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage over the Pyrenees from France to Spain. Alan spent his adult life caring for his family, and that feeling of being cared for will continue for all of our lives. He loved playing with his grandchildren, making them laugh, and keeping them on their toes ... Oh, Pops. We love our Alan, Honey, Dad, and Pops. Calling hours will be held at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford on Saturday, December 16th from 11am until 1pm, to be followed by a memorial service from 1pm until 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Oak Hill, MARC of Manchester, Michael J Fox Parkinson's Foundation, or a charity of personal significance