(Visited 10/08/24 TU @ 4:00pm): This chapel theoretically was a one-stop shop for all of your funeral or memorial service needs! As you would imagine, it was a somber event that brought me, a dear friend, her family and relatives, and others to Deegan Funeral Chapel for a viewing and rosary of my friend's grandmother. Deegan had two locations within the surrounding communities (the other in nearby Ripon), but this particular location was closest to where she lived most of her life, so it only made sense. Would Deegan's pre-funeral services in their warm chapel ease everyone into the following day's formal celebration of life ceremony!? EXPERIENCE Personally, I only knew the family and direct relatives of my friend, but I enjoyed meeting others who knew the deceased grandmother. As you'd imagine, most guests who were her friends were of elderly age (she was in her 90s). Once everyone had their opportunity to view her (I never liked this part because I found the individual hardly resembled what he or she looked like when they were alive) as she laid peacefully in the open casket, we settled in and began the service and the rosary. If you've never experienced a rosary before... Lord help you! Growing up Roman Catholic, this was more than ample punishment - LOL! The father's voice was monotone and his stories seemed at times non-connective, but we pushed on. As things progressed with a solemn casualness and a good amount of "Hail Marys" and psalms, we finally reached the end. The introspection one tends to achieve during this ritual was always a good thing for a time of reevaluation of life. At the end, we all gestured or said our salutations as we parted ways into the night. SERVICE From the time we arrived to the time we left, the minimal staff was helpful with the preparations and any assistance to those who needed any. Everyone was courteous and respectful during this time of grief - amen! PARKING (FREE) They had their own small lot. Otherwise, there was plenty of parking along the closest residential street of San Joaquin St. - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE I didn't take the time to really explore the facility. But, what I saw was a quaint place with a lobby/meeting area on the ground level and a short flight of stairs to a room on the second level where the evening's event took place which had a staging area and many seats for those in attendance. Decorations were kept to a minimum and very sterile. There were some flowers placed about, and the general feel was calm and peaceful. A decent amount of natural lighting came through the front windows and doors on the ground level while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I didn't notice any TVs although I believed some light hymnal music played in the background. ATTIRE Out of respect for the occasion, I was in a long-sleeve buttoned-up collar shirt, dress slacks, and dress shoes. OVERALL Generally speaking, I found everything fine at Deegan Funeral Chapel, and I felt everyone else felt the same. Honestly, I had no idea of any of the background planning process, but the staff seemed to be accommodating and helpful. The only thought that came to mind was, "where were the refreshments?" Maybe it was just a cultural thing for Filipinos to do to have drinks and food available during the viewing and rosary. Regardless, it was a nice evening. I found very good value based on the service and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice (I did some post-research)... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

Elegant and beautiful chapel. Staff is wonderful with a perfect balance of professionalism patience sympathy and respectfulness. Very accommodating and would choose this establishment again if needed. read more

Avoid this business. They were not respectful of our religious beliefs. This was a terrible experience, during a time where we should have received understanding, we did not. Do not use them. They were the worst. read more

Deegan took care of us when my mom suddenly passed. We were unprepared and at a loss. They were wonderful and went above and beyond. They were sympathetic and kind. Mary was patient and made sure our mom's service was personal to our family. I felt like I didn't have to worry or think about anything. I am so grateful for this company. read more

Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon has a wonderful reputation. The administrative side was another story for my family. The person in charge of the paperwork was extremely disorganized. I sent her a rough draft of my Mom's obituary, clearly labeling it as such, expecting to get a response & further discussion from her. Instead she took my rough draft, modified it and submitted it to the Escalon Times without my permission. She never made any effort at contacting me to clarify or get permission to submit it. Shocked and disappointed read more

We have used Deegan's for generations. Several generations, and have had ALL family services through Deegan's and Burwood Cemetary. When it was family owned, operated by Jack, et al, the services provided were excellent, professional, handled with attention to details, dignity and proper decorum. NOT ANY MORE! Since the company was purchased by a corporation, recently we personally arranged two services and attended a 3rd as a guest. We will NO longer have Deegan's handle our funeral home needs. The people working there are unorganized and inexperienced. Memorial dates/times were changed last minute due to the employees lack of coordinating within their own company and or Cemetary. With no apologies. Typographical errors were caught, and the lack of dignity and decorum by employees is inexcusable, not to mention the lack of knowledge regarding their products. Services are handled very unprofessionally, unorganized and do not flow seamlessly. The employees are inexperienced and do not pay attention to detail nor do they present themselves with decorum or have any idea of simple funeral etiquette. Their personalities are lifeless (no pun intended) and lack sympathy or knowledge in dealing with end of life situations. Follow through is nonexistent. This makes me VERY sad, as Deegan's has always been the place both sides of our family used. I feel for the Deegan family, as this was NEVER the way they handled their business, and the current management/ownership is not upholding their reputation and tarnishing their family name, Coming from a long list of Escalon family members, this is a sad day in our family. read more

Had two family members provided with funeral services here. I am certain that most places will treat you as good as you and your loved ones deserve. I truly think that they care about quality and providing the best atmosphere for your family or friends that have passed. Recently we had a service for my aunt and it was a comfortable experience. If I lived in this area it would be my choice for my own service. Thank you for taking such good care of my Aunt. read more

Was completely disappointed in the blatant lack of compassion the members of this establishment showed towards myself and my family during such a very tragic time of our mother passing. The verbiage they used towards the way our deceased mothers appearance was appalling!! I felt they took complete advantage of a family in mourning. Just because they are the only funeral home in Escalon does not give them the right to treat people struggling with the loss of a loved one with such disrespect!! I wish we would have gone to another town. read more

Our family has normally always went through Deegan's to arrange a funeral, normally we have never had an issue with them. Within this last year our family had scheduled a service with Deegan's and was highly disappointed. I was very flabbergasted to hear that Deegan's scheduled a service with us and did not even check with the cemetery on the time before telling us it was definitely happening. Our family was stressed when we talked with the cemetery we would be doing the burial at and they had a scheduled service for that day and time. Luckily the cemetery was very accommodating to our family and helped us keep the same day for family that was traveling from out of state but just had us move the service to an earlier time. We were appalled to hear that one of Deegan's staff asked us to have the burial first and then the memorial service. Who does that! I am so angry with Deegan's and the "standards" they set for themselves. Our family has chosen to not arrange any future funerals with Deegan's and we will always tell people that this place is horrible! read more