Dear Funeral Director: I’d like to ask about the photographs that families bring in to wakes - not only photos used to make picture boards or in frames, but the photos used to create slideshows or play DVDs that loop on screens in the funeral home. I know it’s the personal choice of the family,... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: My husband loves fishing, boating and the Long Island Sound and spends most of his time out on the water when he can. When he comes home from a great day on the water, he jokingly tells me that when he dies, he wants to be cremated and have my son and... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: I’d like to ask you about the photographs that publish in the paper with the obituaries. I’m sure it’s their personal choice… but why do you think that some people decide to use a photograph from their younger days? I think doing this is confusing for the readers and I’d like to... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: I’ve got what may be an unusual question. We have the remains of our beloved dogs which we considered family. When my wife and I die, our wishes are to be buried alongside each other AND the remains of our dogs. Can our wishes be honored and is something like this legal?... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: I have been struggling after my mother’s passing a few months ago and have been looking for a way to get support. Do you have any programs that you recommend, host or sponsor? Sincerely, Marilyn Q. Stamford, CT Dear Marilyn, Great question. Although we haven’t hosted or sponsored specific grief support programs,... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: My father is a veteran of the Korean Conflict. What are the benefits that he would be entitled to with regards to funeral services? Is this something I need to prepare for in advance? Sincerely, Dennis R. Stamford, CT Dear Dennis, Veterans who were honorably discharged from any of the branches of... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: My parents are from Ecuador. When they pass away, they have always talked about being buried in their home country. How difficult would it be to do that? Sincerely, Marta M. Stamford, CT Great question, Marta, with our community becoming such a global one, we have worked with many families expressing the... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: At the end of her life, my mom passed away at home just like she wanted to. When the people from the funeral home came to take her body, they asked us to wait in another room while they got her ready to move. Why can’t I be in the room while... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: I often wonder about your line of work and how funeral directors are able to be surrounded by death and grieving people a lot of the time. I wanted to ask you about what you’ve learned in your time working in the funeral business and how has it changed your outlook on... Continue Reading →

Dear Funeral Director: I am somewhat embarrassed to write in and ask you this, but I need to start to understand what my options are…. What can people do when they can’t afford funeral expenses? What are some options available to people without a lot of money? I need to start planning for me and... Continue Reading →