Where to Begin

At Devlin Family Funeral Home, we understand that losing a loved one can be overwhelming.

This guide is here to help you navigate the immediate steps and decisions you’ll need to make during this emotional time.

Within Hours

  • At Home or Non-Healthcare Facility:
    If your loved one passes away at home or outside a healthcare facility, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel. They will assist in transferring your loved one into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, notifying their physician is also recommended.

  • At a Healthcare Facility:
    The facility staff will notify the necessary authorities and, if they are aware of your chosen funeral home, will contact us on your behalf.

  • Medical Certification:
    Emergency and medical personnel will guide you through obtaining a medical certificate and any required documentation.

This is often the most emotional part of the process, but please know that we are here to offer support. If you’re unsure of what to do, call us at any time—we’re here to help.

Within the First Few Days

  1. Notifying Family and Friends:
    Inform close friends and family members either personally or through a death notice. If this feels too overwhelming, a trusted friend or relative can assist.

  2. Reviewing Funeral Plans:
    If your loved one preplanned their funeral, now is the time to review their wishes. If not, consider these key decisions:

    • Burial or cremation preferences

    • Type of casket (for burial) or urn (for cremation)

    • Final resting place (grave, mausoleum, burial, or scattering)

    • Religious or spiritual services needed

    • Type of service (viewing, memorial, graveside service, etc.)

These are only starting points. You don’t need all the answers right away.

Contact us to discuss your options—we’re here to guide you through every step.

What to Expect When We Meet

When you meet with our staff to arrange services, we’ll help you navigate the process with care and compassion.

  1. Initial Overview:

    • We’ll provide a general price list to give you a clear understanding of service costs.

  2. Honoring Your Loved One:

    • We’ll take time to learn about your loved one—their story, achievements, and personality—so we can create a meaningful and personalized celebration of their life.

  3. Planning Services:
    Together, we’ll address the following:

    • Preparing and filing the death certificate

    • Scheduling the service (date, time, and location)

    • Selecting a casket, urn, or other necessary items

    • Drafting the obituary

    • Arranging transportation and pallbearers

What to Bring to the Meeting

To ensure we can assist you as efficiently as possible, please bring the following information about your loved one:

  • Full legal name and home address

  • Social Security number

  • Date and place of birth

  • Father’s name and mother’s maiden name

  • Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable

  • Education and occupation details

  • Burial location details (if applicable)

  • Names and relationships of survivors

  • Insurance policy information (if used for funeral expenses)

Additionally, please bring:

  • A recent photograph

  • Clothing for the service

We are here to support you and your family every step of the way. If you have questions or need assistance at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out.