Choosing a Service

We realize that every family we serve is unique. Our staff is committed to making each service truly reflective of the life that has been lived, while acknowledging the loss that has occurred. Any of the service selections listed below can be chosen for earth burial, entombment or cremation. Prior to reviewing the different ceremonies for your selection, it is important to note that the funeral is no longer about the person who has died, but rather how the survivors will go on and accept a loved one's death. Our goal is to help you create a meaningful funeral experience that will remain with you forever.

Traditional Services

• Conforms to a ritual that has been followed for centuries.
• Formal calling hours with either an open or closed casket.
• The body is present.
• A religious service at the church or funeral home.
• Final disposition with either burial or cremation
• Recommended for families who need an opportunity to say good-bye.
• Can be personalized in a variety of ways (please see personalization).

Graveside Services

• A funeral held at the cemetery with either a casket or an urn.
• Can be private or open to family and friends.
• Can include a religious ritual service.
• Can be personalized with eulogies.
• May include a military service for eligible veterans.

Memorial Services

• The service takes place at a church or the funeral home.
• The urn may or may not be present
• Many families elect to have a private visitation of the deceased before burial or cremation.
• May have a multitude of speakers at the service.
• If choosing to inter the cremated body, the interment may be immediately following the service, or on another day, privately with the family.
• Usually involves a reception after the service.

Contemporary/ Celebration of Life

• Services may be held during the night or day.
• May use a religious orator, or Funeral Celebrant
• Private visitation for family and close friends or a gathering at the funeral home.
• The service can be held in the funeral home, church or other venue such as the beach or county club.
• May have designated speakers.
• Specialized musical productions (live music, personalized video and musical tributes may be played).
• May utilize a horse drawn carriage, family as urn bearers, etc.
• Highly focused on celebrating a life well lived.
• Video Presentation to be played during the gathering or service.

Green Burial

Green burials, viewed as simple and natural, is a relatively new approach to handling the deceased. At this time, there are only two green cemeteries near Connecticut. The first is Steelmantown Cemetery in Tuckahoe, NJ (approximately 190 miles from Fairfield). The second closest is Greensprings in Newfield, NY near Ithaca (approximately 260 miles from Fairfield). Both cemeteries are beautiful natural preserves. Grave markers made of natural fieldstones are allowed.

• Biodegradable caskets and urns are used
• Simple shrouding of the body may be used without a casket
• No vault required
• Embalming is discouraged, but can be approved for various reasons
• Cremated bodies may be interred in a green cemetery

Immediate Burial/ Direct Cremation

• This arrangement allows for direct disposition with no visitation and/or viewing.
• An immediate burial occurs 24 hours after death. A graveside service with family present can be added.
• A direct cremation occurs 48 hours after death. A memorial service at a later date may be performed.