6:48 am, August 8, 2026
Desira Group founder and chairman John Desira has died after more than five decades in the motor trade, the firm has announced.
The family-owned dealer group has paid tribute to Desira, describing him as an ‘extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, businessman, mentor and friend’ whose values continue to shape the company he created.
Desira, who lived from 1948 to 2026, spent more than 50 years building the business into one of East Anglia’s leading family-owned motor groups.
All Desira dealerships and offices will close at noon on Friday, August 14 as a mark of respect ahead of his funeral service.
The news was announced on the group’s website, pictured above.
The service will take place at 1pm at St John’s Catholic Cathedral in Norwich, with past and present colleagues, customers, friends and members of the public invited to attend and pay their respects.
Normal business hours will resume on Saturday, August 15.
The company said his approach to business was based around honesty, respect, hard work and customer care, with Desira believing strongly in treating people fairly and valuing his colleagues.
In a tribute, the company said: ‘John’s leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment earned the respect of generations of colleagues, customers, manufacturers and business partners.
‘His legacy extends far beyond the motor industry and continues through the family business he established and the values he instilled in everyone around him.’
While Desira was immensely proud of the motor group he created, the company said his greatest pride was his family.
Together with his wife Susan, he raised four children and had four grandchildren.
Desira Group said: ‘John built more than a business. He built a legacy that will continue for generations to come.’
Desira’s family is also raising money in his memory for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, which it said was a cause close to the family.
The company added: ‘Every donation, no matter the size, will help the charity continue its vital work in supporting patients, their families and the dedicated staff at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
‘If you are able to make a donation, it would be a wonderful way to celebrate John’s life and the compassion, generosity and community spirit that defined him.’
The tribute concluded: ‘On behalf of Susan, Michelle, Juliette, Charlotte, Paul, John’s grandchildren, the wider Desira family and everyone at Desira Group Plc, thank you for your kindness, your support and for helping us honour the memory of an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, businessman, mentor and friend.
‘His vision built a business. His values built a legacy.’