I recently attended a funeral at De Leon funeral home in Hartford, CT.
When I arrived I was not directed where to enter, so I walked halfway around the building to approach the front doors. This was my first time at De Leon funeral home, so I was unfamiliar with the building. It was not obvious to me who or where the funeral director was at the time, because he was dressed in jeans and an untucked shirt. He looked strangely unkempt. It was then that the funeral director informed myself and others that we were walking the wrong way, and simply pointed his index finger on his outstretched arm.
The ceremony was in progress, and the priest was giving his prayer, when the funeral director stepped in front of the rows of chairs filled with people, and made his way up to the casket to remove the plastic floral picks (card holders) and cards on the deceased's flower arrangements. This was so disrespectful, as the service was still going on! I could not believe my eyes!
There was a moment of transition after the priest finished and left, and when a few people began to approach the casket to say their goodbyes. It was clearly evident that many folks had not said their last goodbyes to the deceased when the funeral director, in a rushed, monotone and uncomforting voice, ended the night with the following, and I quote; "The funeral home will be closing now, so if you haven't said your last goodbyes, say them now". It seemed like he was rushing everyone out so that he could be home in time for his prime-time T.V. show.
I should also mention, that Jennifer Tucci assisted in making the arrangements with the family prior to the funeral service. Ms. Jennifer Tucci never made mention of suggestions for where to buy flowers or offering the family the option to write an obituary for the deceased. It is important to note here that, if a family has never planned a funeral first hand, they might not know to ask questions like these. It should be the responsibility of the funeral home to make these suggestions to a mourning family.
Sadly this funeral home and its employees fell FAR short of their duties and obligations. Because of De Leon Funeral Home's shortcomings, my loved one was not given the proper farewell they so deserved. I don't often write reviews, as I don't have much spare time to do so. However, this experience was so hurtful that I felt it necessary to write a review. I write this review to share my experience in hopes of helping others to make the best decision when planning their loved ones farewell. read more