The youngest of 12 children, Mr. Murtagh graduated from the Comprehensive School in Cootehill, County Cavan, in 1989. He worked for a year as a carpenter before immigrating to the United States at age 20.

Mr. Murtagh lived in Lafayette Hill for 10 years starting in 1991. Initially, he worked with brothers Paul, Raymond, Gerry, and Phillip for their construction company, Murtagh Bros. Inc.

In 1995, he started his own company, Desmond J. Murtagh Inc. He built houses in Lafayette Hill, Roxborough, Plymouth Meeting, and Chester Springs.

Mr. Murtagh was a member of the Cavan Society of Philadelphia and enjoyed working on its parade float and attending the annual Cavan Ball, which he chaired in 1999.

He returned to live in Ireland in 2001 in time for his 30th birthday. He formed Desmond Murtagh Construction almost immediately, and became a real estate developer, building several hundred houses and commercial properties in Ireland.

At the height of the construction boom, he employed 150 full-time workers and many subcontractors. His final project was the Castlemanor Nursing Home & Retirement Village outside Cavan Town with 80 two-bedroom bungalows and a 70-bed nursing facility.

Mr. Murtagh visited the shrine in Lourdes, France, a week before his death. He returned with cards and holy water for the shut-in patients at the nursing home, his family said.

On June 9, there was a wake for Mr. Murtagh at Castlemanor Nursing Home followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Brigid's Church, Kill, County Cavan. He is interred in Cootehill, County Cavan.

"Desmond was the cornerstone of our family and always the person to go to when a family event needed organization," said his brother Paul, of Media.

Paul Moore, a musician and friend, said: "He was always ready with a big smile. He will be missed by all who knew him at Brittingham's," an Irish pub in Lafayette Hill.

Mr. Murtagh is survived by his mother, the former Nora Tierney, of Cootehill, County Cavan; and 11 brothers and sisters, including his twin sister, Barbara.

A Memorial Mass will be said at 7 p.m. tomorrow at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Media.