Richard E. "Dick" Desmarais, 73, of Ashland, passed away, Tuesday, Oct. 11th, at his home in Ashland. Born in Southbridge, MA; he was the son of the late Edgar and Marie (Antoinette) Desmarais. He was the husband of the late Theresa (Bombola) Desmarais. A dedicated public servant, Mr. Desmarais served the Town of Ashland on the Board of Assessors for 24 years, as the town Veteran's Agent for eight years, and as a Selectman for three years. Mr. Desmarais served his country honorably with the US Navy during the Korean War. He is survived by two children: Carol Moran and her husband Dennis Moran of Framingham, and Richard E. Desmarais and his wife Francine Desmarais of Loganville, GA; four grandchildren: Kelly Nickerson and her husband Mark, Courtney Moran, Sean Moran, and Nicole Desmarais, his fiance', Patricia Demers, and many great friends. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 14th, at 9:00am in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor,Brookline, MA 02445-7226 ATTN: Contribution Services