Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to assist a friend or loved one during this difficult time?

A person who is grieving the loss of a loved one is a friend in need of your caring and understanding. Here are some suggestions on what you can do to help. 

  • Attend the funeral of your friend's loved one. Being at the funeral emphasizes to your friend that your friendship is important and you will be there for them to call on.
  • Offer to listen. Tell the bereaved person, "I can't relate to what you're going through, but if you want to talk, I'm here to listen." Someone who is grieving needs to talk about his or her emotions.
  • Don't tell him or her to "Get over it." or explain how "death is a part of life". People differ in the amount of time it takes to overcome a loss. There is a fine line between being supportive and being insensitive. Let the person know you are there to support them, not judge. Survivors need to talk about their loved ones for months, sometimes years. Healing is not an overnight process.
  • It's okay to cry.
  • Laughter heals. One of the most important things your can do is to help your friend focus on the good memories and fun times that live on.
  • A hug or squeeze of the hand goes a long way toward providing lasting comfort.
  • Send a letter recalling all the great times you have shared together.
  • Make a memorial contribution to their favorite charity.
  • Stay in touch. Call them often on the phone and let them know you have not forgotten them.
  • Be the friend you were before. Take over a meal. Invite your friend to your home. Go out to lunch, dinner or shopping. Offer to take the kids for a night. See a movie together.
  • Don't wait to be asked. Show that you care in whatever way is comfortable for you. This is what friendship is all about.

What purpose does a funeral serve?

It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process.

What do funeral directors do?

Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body.

Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness.

Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. In fact, according to FTC figures for 1987, direct cremation occurred in only 3% of deaths.

I've decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?

Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. Your Funeral Home can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on a weekend?

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please contact us immediately and we can assist you during this difficult time.

Will someone come right away?

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it's acceptable. They will come when your time is right.

If a loved one dies out of state , can Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home still help?

Yes, we can assist you with out-of-state arrangements, either to transfer the remains to another state or from another state.

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All Rights Reserved
Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home
46 Water Street
Milford, MA 01757
Telephone: 508-473-0513
Tollfree: 800-675-0513
Fax: 508-634-3662

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time

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