Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not…read moresleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow,... (By Mary Elizabeth Frye) This place is beautiful! I just love cemeteries and when I travel will often stop at historical cemetery sites; I find them very interesting and often beautiful. At the very least, they are holy sites to me; places where we memorialize our loved ones. My visit to Mountain Grove Cemetery was to visit the monuments of two famous gentlemen. Specifically, P.T. Barnum and General Tom Thumb (born Charles Stratton). P.T. Barnum, born in Bethel, CT, was an entrepreneur from an early age and by the age of 21 had his own general store and a newspaper. In his 50's he was elected to the CT General Assembly (Republican), then Mayor of Bridgeport, CT, then back to the General Assembly. We all know about his other, endeavors in the entertainment field. Charles Stratton was born in Bridgeport, CT in 1838. In 1842 P.T. sought out four year old Charles Stratton, who was at the time fifteen pounds and twenty five inches tall. He 'hired' Charles at three dollars a week (paid to his parents) to 'see how it went' and little Charles was such a hit, his salary was raised to $50 a week, performing at the Hall of Living Curiosities in NYC, a museum owned by P.T. Barnum. Both gentlemen have large monuments, quite close to each other in this cemetery, which incidentally, was founded in 1849, by P.T. Barnum (and associates). Their website offers a bit of information on 'notable' persons who have chosen to trust the association with their final place of rest. We entered at the 'main' gate (there are at least a couple) and drove straight back, taking no turn, into sections 8 (on the right) and 9 (on the left). I posted a photo w/the small metal signs attached to trees on either side of the road indicating you have reached your destination. P.T. Barnum is just a short way down on the left (section 9) in an area outlined by a concrete curb with many headstones surrounding quite a large obelisk. Just up the road a short distance, and on the right (section 8) you will find a tall, thin obelisk with a life sized likeness of Charles Stratton at the top. As you drive through the cemetery, you will see many monuments and tombs dating from the 1800's through more recent history, that are note worthy in their beauty and artistic craftsmanship. This cemetery is a soothing location, appropriate for memorializing our departed loved ones with water on either side of the property, beautiful monuments, large trees, sweeping lawns. It would make for a lovely walk in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature and loving memories. My GPS took us out of the property by way of a different gate. I recommend you chose to leave by the main gate (if this is allowed of course) as the gate we were directed to was at a 5 way intersection with four way traffic lights. This lead us to have to figure out when was the best time, between light cycles, to scurry out of the gate. As this is a very busy intersection it was not easy to make it out alive. (Intentional perhaps?) If you are looking for a family plot, a mausoleum crypt or a niche for your urn, Mountain Grove Cemetery has offerings available. Check out their website and give them a call.

I recently interred my deceased sister here in their mausoleum. The cemetery contains prestigious…read morehistorical figures PT Barnum and Gen Tom Thumb. There are also a lot of Beardsleys here, a family that has been prominent in the history of Bridgeport. Old-style large monuments abound. The area around the mausoleum is well kept, and there is a fountain in the center of the area. There is actually a family crypt for "Fountain" right by the fountain. I thought the Fountain Family might have donated it, but it turns out that is just a coincidence. The person I talked to in the office said he wasn't aware of it and that he had never heard anyone else mention it, but it is right there just above the fountain as you look at it from the front: "FOUNTAIN" on the largest crypt. The cemetery is old and heavily wooded, and Ash Creek runs along the western and southern borders. One of the most important consumer considerations is of course price. I can tell you that compared to Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, where our parents are laid to rest, this quite beautiful and pleasant cemetery is less than 1/3 the price. My parents provided for their own interment and I could not afford to place my sister there, but I am glad to come see her where she is. Have to give it to MGC for being an excellent value. And the fountain area is a very soothing peaceful place, comparable to being on the "Willow Brook" that my parents' tomb is blessedly right beside.

I preplanned my mother-in-law's funeral with Weller's Funeral Home. She was to be buried in an old…read morefamily plot in a cemetery that had long ago gone bankrupt. Nobody knew where the deed was nor the plot number where she was to be buried, just the fact that she was to be interred next to her husband, who had previously been buried in 2007. Of course my mother-in-law died on a Sunday, when everything was closed, with internment scheduled for Monday 10AM. One call to Weller's Bill Lincoln and everything magically happened: her body was picked up from the Assisted Living Facility, the ritual cleansing, wrapping in a shroud and placing in a simple pine box. We arrived at 9:30A, the casket poised over the freshly dug grave. Bill was a symphony conductor and everything went as smoothly as possible. We even received an electronic copy of the Death Certificate by that afternoon. Each time I spoke with Bill he was kind, patient and helpful: he listed to be able to meet our needs. He never tried to upsell me. I recommend Weller Funeral Home most highly. Frankly every family should preplan funerals. It removes much of the stress, panic and guilt, which occurs if done after death.

My family recently lost a family member. Shure Funeral Home was who we chose to help us plan,…read moreprovide and carry out all the necessary services to assist us in burying our loved one. We couldn't have chosen a better company to carry out our wishes. From the beginning (an out of state coordination) to the very end of the funeral service, every need was met with Kindness and professionalism. Mr. J DiCarlo was on top with following through every request. We appreciate all that he has done. Also, Mr. Shure has gone above and beyond. We thank them for all their support. S. Heins

Jimmy and John were very good before the fees were paid. We…read moreasked if the grave side service would be recorded, we were told that it would be available for the out of town relatives on a Zoom format and on a thumb drive. As it turned out the first 60 seconds were recorded, then the screen went black. John informed us that the recording company still had the Zoom video and it was still intact at a cloud platform. We called several times but eventually was told the Zoom in fact was not going to be available. We believe that personnel at Shure Funeral Home made the error at the time of the recording of the video. The family is devastated that this sensitive moment in the life of a family has not been preserved.

Never would imagine I would leave a review for a last resting place but I am compelled because of…read morehow deserving the Oak Lawn Cemetery is. Upon entering you feel like you are being welcomed by a country park. The entrance is beautiful and decorated with vibrant flowers. My amazing and loving uncle was taken much to early from us two plus years ago. We were visiting our beloved Aunt and all visited Uncle Rino to show our respect, share a few stories and tell him how much we missed him. The Cemetery grounds were immaculate and beautiful. While we were showing our respects staff approached us with water for the flowers and tidied up the resting site. Honestly the site was in perfect condition. Then the most touching experience was when one of the grounds worker said God Bless you and your family. We all were moved beyond words that they took time to come over and greet us. Outstanding. 100% asset to your Cemetery business. Thank you for being thoughtful you!! If I wasn't going to be cremated this is where I'd want to rest. I highly recommend!

With Mary Tyler Moore and Jason Robards interred here, this cemetery has a lot of star power. It is…read morepleasantly scenic, but it is also "thickly settled," which can make locating specific gravesites difficult.

My father passed away last summer so it took me a while to write this. Overall the staff was…read morehelpful and guided us through the necessary steps. My only issue was with the necklaces I purchased from them that were supposed to carry my father's ashes. We went back to purchase two necklaces and Mike took the necklaces into the back to "fill them" with my father's ashes. With all the grieving, afterwards we realized we didn't bring my fathers ashes with us when we purchased the necklaces. Mike told us they had some of my fathers "leftover" ashes in the back??!!! Which leads me to wonder, whose ashes are really in the necklaces I purchased??!!

My brother prepaid, he and West Haven Funeral Home made it much easier for the family!read more

Maresca & Sons handled the funeral arrangements for my mother, and they did a wonderful job. At the…read moreinitial meeting we had with Neil, he thanked us for entrusting him with this important service. Neil went out of his way to meet with us on a holiday weekend so we could begin to make arrangements for my mother's funeral. He explained all options in detail, including costs, and guided us through every decision we had to make: viewing, funeral service, burial, casket, flowers, pall bearers, obituary, and death certificates. He coordinated very well with the church. What stands out most is how beautiful my mother looked in the casket on the day of her funeral: as we had requested, her hair was colored and styled as she would have liked it, her makeup was flattering, her nails were nicely done, her rosary was well-placed in her hands, and even the guardian angel pin we had left in her nursing home room was pinned to her jacket. Parking and traffic control were handled very well on the day of the funeral. Neil guided us every step of the way so that we could focus on my mother, knowing that he had taken care of every detail. Throughout, Neil was caring and sensitive to making sure our needs were met during this difficult time. Maresca & Sons exceeded our expectations, and I highly recommend them.

Maresca handled the cremation and memorial service for my father, as well as the burials of my…read moregrandmother and grandfather. Through it all, they have been incredibly sympathetic and attentive, making sure that none of the bereaved had to worry about a thing other than honoring their loved ones. I could not recommend them enough for their professionalism and compassion: they will provide outstanding service and support through difficult times.

You will never find a more caring, warm and respectful team of people to deal with than at Iovannne…read moreFuneral Home. Our large family has been working with them since the 1920's and so they have been with us through many difficult losses. With every funeral you feel your family member is well cared for from the moment they are in their care. We recently lost my 96 year old mother and we didnt think we would have an open casket but after seeing her, we did. She looked beautiful, peaceful and radiant... just the memory we wanted to carry us through this difficult time. Thank you Iovanne!

I can not say enough great things about Iovanne Funeral Home. They have handled services for our…read morefamily members that have passed for as long as I can remember. Recently we had a service for my mother and once again, they went above and beyond to make an incredibly difficult time as easy as possible. My family and I worked with Angie to arrange the service, and she was professional, attentive and empathetic. She provided me with her personal contact information and made herself available at any time to answer questions and help to navigate all of the final directives. She not only provided recommendations for the services, she personalized everything to tribute my mother, down to florist recommendations. Angie, I can not thank you enough for guiding us through such a difficult time and providing us with a perfect experience. I know my mother would have loved everything, and she could be very difficult to please.

Once again, I had to rely on Lester Gee's services. Unfortunately, this time it was my daughter…read more Her husband had wanted to use a service in another city, but my daughter (who was very much involved in the decision making prior to her passing) stated, "No, mommy was very happy with Lester Gee, so we're going to go with them." We did so, and I really got to see first-hand how kind and caring they are. Chris and an associate came to the house to pick up my daughter, and they were so patient as the family said their good-byes. They handled my baby with such care. Afterward, my son-in-law interacted with them and he is not the most knowledgeable person. Again, Chris was just so wonderful and patient. I cannot thank the Gees and their associates enough for their kindness. Knowing my daughter was in such good hands was comforting to the entire family. And they didn't try to overcharge us, or sell us things we didn't want. Although it is a business, they never treated us as if they were only interested in the bottom line. It may sound strange, but if I'm in Bridgeport when I pass, this is the place I want to handle my remains. Thank you so much, Lester Gee and company. My family and I really appreciate you.

Heartless funeral director at this location. Insisted on charging more than a mother could afford…read moreto bury her baby. Actually laughed at how much a nonprofit organization was willing to pay to help with the cost and said that the mother would just have to cremate "it". Taking decisions away from a mother who has already just had her world crushed. Just leave dead babies and their loss parents alone. Clearly out just to make a buck without a care. Wrong line of work for that.