Joseph L. Desbien

Joseph L. Desbien Sr., 76, of Salamanca, NY, formerly of Ypsilanti MI, died Wednesday evening, January 24, 2024 at his son’s home following a long illness.

Born December 14, 1947 in Ypsilanti, MI, he was the son of the late Amile and Milvina Wambles Desbien. He was married on May 25, 1967 in Hell, MI to the late Cynthia Hill, who predeceased him in 1992.

Joseph had been employed with Ford Motors in Michigan for over thirty-five years, retiring as a team leader in quality control at the Ford Automotive Plant in Wayne, MI.

He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and was an avid Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Buffalo Bills, NASCAR and Dale Ernhart Sr. fan. He also loved Elvis Presley’s music.

Surviving are: three daughters, Teresa (Billy Larkins) Bond, Wesland, Michigan, Ciara Desbien, Salamanca, NY, Heather (Derek) Tillman, Jackson, MI; a son, Joseph Desbien Jr., Salamanca, NY; three granddaughters, Candice (Scott) Klekamp, Cameo (Joseph) Gilliam, both of Wayne MI, Olivia, MI; two grandsons, Charles (Sarah Marshall) Bond, Wayne, MI, Jayden Barton, Salamanca, NY; a great-granddaughter, Cailey Gilliam; four great-grandsons, Caleb Gilliam, Lucas Gilliam, Charlie Bond, James Bond, all of Wayne, MI.

He was predeceased by a brother, Joe Franklin.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 12 – 2 and 4 – 6pm.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 11am with Rev. Mike Peters officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.