Testimonials
Testimonials
See what our families are saying
These are just some of the beautiful thoughts and remarks that have been shared about our staff and facility from families we have served. It is the most sacred honor you place in our hands, and as you can see, we will do everything in our power to make sure your expectations are exceeded.
If you feel we’ve gone above and beyond in supporting you through this difficult time, or would simply like to reach out and say thanks, contact us to share your thoughts. It means the world to us to hear from you and know that we’ve made a difference.
Reviews From Our Families
Dear Friends at Duksa Funeral Home, I can’t say enough in expressing my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the entire staff at Newington memorial Funeral Home, but in particular Denise Verner, who was there for me every step of the way through the entire process and with the services for my mom. Thank you Denise! Taking a dearly beloved one to their final resting place is not easy, but the compassion, support and thoughtfulness in the beautiful surroundings and facility meant the world to me and my family. Thank you also to Frank DeMaio who was there for us and my Mom when we had previously laid to rest my Father-in-law, Mother-in-law and my Dad. With Deepest Appreciation, The Brien Bialaski Family
Brien Bialaski
February 07, 2024
Dear Friends at Duksa Funeral Home, I can’t say enough in expressing my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the entire staff at Newington memorial Funeral Home, but in particular Denise Verner, who was there for me every step of the way through the entire process and with the services for my mom. Thank you Denise! Taking a dearly beloved one to their final resting place is not easy, but the compassion, support and thoughtfulness in the beautiful surroundings and facility meant the world to me and my family. Thank you also to Frank DeMaio who was there for us and my Mom when we had previously laid to rest my Father-in-law, Mother-in-law and my Dad. With Deepest Appreciation, The Brien Bialaski Family
Brien Bialaski
February 07, 2024
Ken was exceptional and helped our family through an incredibly difficult time. Everyone that we dealt with was extremely helpful and understanding. Every detail of the funeral was handled professionally and with compassion. As soon as we met Ken, we all immediately got the feeling that he was someone we could trust to help us through our tragic loss
Rick Diamond
May 18, 2022
Heaven has certainly gained a special angel today….. Beverly Ouellette Belanger, She was a special mother, wife and dear friend. Till we meet again my friend, l love you!!!
Nola Long
January 11, 2022
A very unique request handled with incredible respect and efficiency! My Dad passed away 4 years ago and, as is often typical for a couple in their late 80’s, my parents made prior arrangements for a conventional cemetery burial. Fast forward and now my mom relocated to Ellington to live with me in a new addition built for her. We hated to see my Dad back in Newington by himself with very infrequent visitors to his grave. So we approached Ken Pescatello at Duksa Family Funeral Homes with our unusual inquiry about the possibility of disinterment of my Dad followed by cremation so that we can bring him here to be with my Mom. Ken did not hesitate in agreeing to dig in and do some research on this. He quickly mobilized all the details involved, an itemization of cost and he offered to coordinate all necessary steps with West Meadow Cemetery. As you might imagine, there were many moving parts to this process and Ken executed on everything as if it was seamless and he did so with so much sensitivity for my family. We picked up the Urn containing my Dad today and Ken retrieved my Dad’s wedding band from the casket and presented it to my Mom. She was so thrilled to have this as a keepsake along with the Urn. She said that now she can say “Good night Hon” each evening before bed and she will be happy that he is close by. The beautiful Urn is currently in her bedroom and we have plans to plant a small tree outside her window along with some of my Dad’s ashes. We cannot thank Ken Pecatello and the Duksa Family Funeral home enough for making this crazy idea, a reality.
Sandy Lechkun
August 04, 2021
On behalf of Jim Smola's family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ken Pescatello and our friends at Newington Memorial Funeral Home for guiding us along this difficult path to finding peace and closure. Jim passed tragically in April, 2020 during the height of the pandemic and Ken was a life saver in arranging a private viewing for me and our sons. More than a year later, we were finally able to safely proceed with a beautiful tribute to Jim, in which we conducted a mini art exhibit of his gifted talent during his wake. The response was overwhelming. The wake and funeral were perfect! Thank you, Ken, for suggesting and making the art display a reality! You are the greatest!! I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marge Banach, who consistently kept in touch with me, all the time listening patiently & compassionately, providing valuable resources & encouragement as I worked through a horrific grieving process initiated by suicide. I never expected this type of outreach and at times, it was my saving grace. Thank you, All, for being there for our family. Susan Smola
Susan R Smola
June 15, 2021
The Parys Family would like to thank Burritt Hill for the wonderful job they did with the final arrangements for our beloved mother. We had so many worries. We wanted everything for her to be perfect. Not only was everything done with such care and respect, but somehow they even got the sun to shine. Now that's detail oriented! Thank you Diana and your entire staff. With Gratitude... sincere gratitude... Thank you. The Parys Family and their Friends. The Parys Family
Joseph Parys
May 07, 2021
I wish to thank the staff at the Newington Memorial Funeral home, with special thanks to Ken Pescatello, for the compassion and comfort given to our family at such a difficult time.
Barbara Kennedy (Kaeser)
April 25, 2021
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire staff at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home.They went above and beyond for us during this most difficult time. Ken Pescatello was a pleasure to work with and helped us so much in making my Dad’s Funeral a beautiful tribute. The staff is was very compassionate to our needs and were very attentive in making sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you for taking care of our family and know that we appreciate all you do. Tina Giliberto and Family (For Paul Ciarcia )
Tina Giliberto
March 06, 2021
Michelle & Duksa Staff- Thank you sincerely for all your help and guidance in planning my father's funeral. We deeply appreciate everything you did for us and we all thank you for your many expressions of sympathy and condolences during our sorrowful time. Your thoughtfulness and care will always be remembered.
Eva Gryk & Family
February 21, 2021
On behalf of the entire family, I would like to thank you the all of you for all you did for us at our mother’s funeral. You were all so helpful and accomodating in every way possible in leaving us beautiful memories to treasure. Special thank you goes out to Ken for your kind service even with the unspoken request, i.e. Buddhist meditation music for our mother! Best regards, Gwen Tran and Family Best regards, Gwen Tran and Family
Gwen Tran
January 18, 2021
With utmost gratitude and heartfelt sincerity, THANK YOU Ken, and your team, for the outstanding care you gave to my father's passing. You were a blessing during a very difficult time. My family and I will forever be grateful for your compassion and guidance.
Elizabeth Urbanski
December 29, 2020
It was a pleasure working with Michelle Olson, Our mother passed away with Covid on November 23 rd. My Brother and I live out of state. Due to the strict Covid travel restrictions we were unable to travel to CT. Michelle provided an outstanding service. Everything was accomplished in a 3 day period, including a ZOOM graveside service. Thank you for all that you have done. daveBee
David Bighinatti
November 30, 2020
I cannot say enough good things about Ken Pescatello and everyone we worked with at Newington Memorial Funeral Home. Ken made us feel like we were working with a member of the family, not someone we just met. He put my whole family at ease during this difficult time and was attentive to every detail. Many thanks to Ken and everyone at Newington Memorial.
Cynthia MacKenzie
November 15, 2020
It is not often that you meet someone whose profession is more than just a job, it is who the person is. That person is Funeral Director, Ken Pescatello. He is professional and knowledgeable, but more importantly kind and understanding. Thank you for helping to make the burden of funeral arrangements so much easier. I would recommend Newington Memorial to anyone who wants a beautiful service to honor and say goodbye to a loved one.
Gloria Lagosz
October 26, 2020
Ken Pescatello and his colleagues at the Duksa Family Funeral Home did an outstanding job to provide exactly the funeral that my recently departed father would have wanted and as we, his family, wished to give him. Ken was both warm and efficient, answering all our questions and ensuring the ceremony progressed flawlessly, even while working within the confines of the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions. Even the superb weather left us serene and at peace. Thanks to you all for making this possible at our time of sorrow.
Karen T Campbell
October 24, 2020
Ken Pescatello and the team of Duksa Family Funeral home did a phenomenal job with my mother's services. This is the fourth family member we have entrusted to Newington Memorial over the years and each and every time the care and coordination they have provided to us has been all exactly the same - stellar and a knack for anticipating our needs before we knew them. Thank you to all of you.
Mary Y Roy
October 20, 2020
Thank you so very much to Ken Pescatello and the team of Duksa Family Funeral home. Ken provided us with the utmost professionalism and support. The entire experience was like working with a friend. I would highly recommend Ken and the Duksa family team.
Patricia Taber
October 13, 2020
We cannot express enough gratitude toward Michelle Olson with the handling of my dad's passing. She was AMAZING and so understanding & helpful every step of the way during this difficult time. She explained & outlined the details of my dad's wake & funeral very clearly particularly during this Covid pandemic and was always available to take my calls. She even live streamed the morning viewing, the mass & the cemetery prayer service for family & friends that were unable to attend. This was my second time working with Burritt Hill Funeral Home, first my mom & recently dad. It was a great experience! On behalf of our family, we THANK YOU very much! Cheryl Pulford
Cheryl Pulford
October 13, 2020
Such a pain free experience!!! Kenneth Pescatello is friendly, efficient, and incredibly helpful. This is the third time my family has done business here and Ken knocked it out the park. Ken continues to build our friendship with continuing to reach out and check on myself and my family.
Fallon Thompson
October 07, 2020
Words cannot convey enough the dedication and kindness of Mr. Ken Pescatello. He handled the services for my late mother-in-law with such kindness and compassion. It was particularly painful for my 14-year-old daughter, who experienced her first loss of a loved one. Ken provided suggestions on how Francesca could cope with the loss of her grandmother, who she was very close to. His understanding and demeanor with all of our family members was consoling and strong. I told my husband that I felt like I had met a new friend when I met Ken. With the stress of the Covid situation, Ken managed the strict and necessary restrictions with diplomacy and respect to our family and my late mother-in-law. The cemetery was particularly painful for my daughter. Ken handed my daughter a flower from her grandmother’s grave and I could see how comforted she felt. We are very appreciative to the Duksa Funeral Homes and particularly to Ken Pescatello. Duksa Funeral Homes is truly fortunate to have Ken as such a stellar employee, who goes above and beyond the realm of his responsibilities for grieving families. Life is unpredictable. We never know how long we will be on this earth. For this reason, my husband and I will be contacting Ken in the future so that our young children will not need to plan for our final arrangements. We both were so grateful and impressed by Ken’s kindness. That is something that can’t be taught. It is in a person’s heart. Ken possesses that quality and more...
Mary Ann Baio Levesque
October 05, 2020
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Michelle Olson. She was absolutely wonderful. We were out of state and Michelle helped us every step of the way. And the night before the funeral we had an issue - one call to Michelle and she said “let me take care of that for you. Our mass and grave side services were wonderful and Michelle even live streamed the mass for family and friends who were unable to attend. We are grateful we had Burritt Hill working with us. Thank you for helping out family during this difficult time.
Deb Wnuk Makowski
September 12, 2020
I don't even know where to begin to thank Ken Pescatello one of the kindness, supportive funeral Directors at Duksa Family Funeral Home. He handled the service perfectly from beginning to end. He took care of me and my family as if we were part of his own. There wasn't one thing that he didn't take care of, even those that we weren't aware of. He kept in contact everyday to make sure everything went smoothly and even after services to check on our family. We know how difficult it's been for all at the funeral home during the COVID-19 but it didn't stop Ken from providing us with a perfect service to send my dad to his resting place. Thank you again, Ken and to the Dusksa Funeral Home Family.
Cindy George and Family
May 20, 2020
COVID-19 robbed my family of the ability to provide the final services for my mother that we imagined prior to the pandemic, but Ken and Casey ensured that my grieving family's final goodbyes were as dignified and personal as possible. Having never experienced the myriad decisions associated with planning a funeral, I felt unsure about how to proceed. Beginning with our introductory conversation and continuing right through to the burial, Ken and Stacey patiently and professionally answered each of my many questions and compassionately facilitated the entire process. On behalf of my entire family, thank you for your help during this extremely painful time.
Steve Woznicki
May 09, 2020
We are so thankful to Ken Pescatello, one of the wonderful Funeral Directors at Duksa Family Funeral Home. He was superb in coordination of our family's comfort, services and special requests for my mom. During this complicated time with Covid19 social isolation, no family services were held. With complete faith, we entrusted the care of our mom's burial with Ken, as our family representative, and our parish priest Reverend Joshua Wilbur to send her to her final resting place. We set up a Zoom meeting for a virtual family burial prayer service with Rosary recitation, and asked Ken to send us timely photos which were viewed during our personal service. It made a difficult scenario become a comfortable alternative which was solemn and dignified. We plan to have a celebration of our mom's life at a later date. Ken was remarkable with all the necessary precautions to keep their work environment clean and safe during this pandemic. Social distancing was ensured and effective. Ken was so kind and compassionate, catered to all of our concerns, and special requests making us feel part of his family. His sincerity, diligence and professionalism are the reasons we highly recommend Newington Memorial Funeral Home! Cathy Bordonaro
Cathy Bordonaro
May 06, 2020
My family and I were so grateful to Ken the day my father passed away for his patience and support, you could tell he really loved his job. As the process progressed I was introduced to the most genuine sincere person I have ever met in my life, even to this day. Alex couldn't have been kinder, have more compassion for me and my family than he did. You would think that he had known me forever. Liz and I go back a long ways and it was so nice to see a friendly face when I was sitting there making my dads arrangements, and she was simply wonderful with displays and pictures. I would recommend any of these people and Newington Memorial to others. Ellie Heineman, Roxanne John and Michael Kilpatrick
Roxanne H Kilpatrick
April 14, 2020
Our deepest appreciation to both Ken and Alex for their compassion and support during the recent loss of our brother and mother. We were extremely impressed with Ken & Alex's professionalism and will recommend them to other family members and friends when the need arises.
Nancy McMahon & Robin Bogda
March 22, 2020
Michelle, Thank you SO much again for all of your help. I don’t know what we would have done without you today. We can’t thank you enough for all of your help, you truly are a wonderful person!! With our deepest gratitude, Barry and Cyndie Chudzik
Barry and Cyndie Chudzik
March 04, 2020
Ken: I wanted to send you my deepest thanks for your help during this difficult time on behalf of my family. No one can ever be prepared for something like this, and I myself am still quite lost. The past week or so was so planning-intense I missed some of the opportunities to simply take it all in. That being said, we could not have had such a seamless experience without you. When I say you I mean you personally, not just the company you represent. I appreciated your sincere and personalized attention to each and every person in my family. My father would have been very, very happy. Thank you for helping us, and for the way. I'm certain you help all others who are in need. Sincerely, The Samsell Family
Keith Samsell
January 22, 2020
Dear Alex, I will like to express my appreciation for your kind and generous support during the hectic events surrounding the loss of Gwendolyn Smith Iloani, my beloved wife, mother, sister and aunt. You and your dedicated team were relentless and compassionate in the preparation and execution of the program at Gwen’s memorial service. The sparkle of your viewpoints in the obituary, suggestions and your motivating words helped us with the timely execution of the program. Our special thanks go to Liz, Mary, Frank, Max, and of course Diana for caring and repeatedly comforting me with her kind words. Please extend our appreciation to all the administrative staff that also helped in this memorial. Thank you, Alex
Alex Iloani
January 21, 2020
Ken and Michelle were wonderful at such a very difficult time. They were very compassionate, caring and took care of all the details. Our family would highly recommend Burritt Duksa Funeral Home.
Denise Kennedy
January 19, 2020
Na specialne wyroznie zasluguje director domu pogrzebowego Duksa pani Michelle Olson ktora wykazala sie niesamowita troska, profesjanolnoscia i miloscia do tego co robi. Polecamy, wspaniala, niepowtarzalna osobowosc! Michelle jestes naszym Aniolem. DZIEKUJEMY❤❤❤ Wieslawa G. THANK YOU to a special funeral director Michelle Olson, who showed incredible care, professionalism and love for what she does; a great, unique personality! Michelle, you're our angel. THANK YOU Wieslawa G.
Wieslawa Grabowski
November 01, 2019
Dear Duksa Family, my family recently loss our loving father Salvatore Montenieri. Dad lived in Newington, Ct. and I live in Florida. I was very fortunate to have Dad’s funeral at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home. I’m so thankful for how comforting it was making all the arrangements from as far away as Florida. I want to express my thanks to Alex and staff for making this so easy and memorable experience. Alex welcomes me with compassion, sincerity, and kindness the day I arrived and guide me through the entire process. My family felt so comfortable from start to finish with Alex’s Compassion and sincerity. When I arrived back to my home in Florida Alex followed up with a phone call to see how I was doing and if there was anything else he could assist the family with and mentioned he is still there just in case. He is a wonderful person.
Robert Montenieri
October 22, 2019
Had many family experiences with this funeral home over the years. Compassionate, willing to explain everything, take time and allow family to make arrangements as they see fit without pushing anything on them. A family owned business that still tries to treat families as they would want to be treated at such a difficult time: with professionalism, compassion and accommodation based on needs/wants/financial restrictions.
Janina Chorzepa
October 14, 2019
We have run out of words numerous times in trying to express our gratitude for the guidance we received during a very difficult time. Our loved one had no family member able to provide her with a dignified burial, so we stepped into a very complicated situation, where not only did we need to make arrangements for an unexpected funeral, but also had to gain legal custody of the remains. We could not have done this without the exceptional compassion and guidance of Ken and Diana throughout the process. Their calm assurance and immediate response to every difficulty was remarkable. They made sure that every detail, significant to our need for a meaningful experience, was attended to. We will never be able to adequately express our appreciation for their compassionate support.
Elizabeth DeGroat/Stuart Simon
August 12, 2019
My family and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the caring and wonderful people at Newington Memorial Funeral Home. We had the unfortunate experience of having to say goodbye to both of our parents in a span of 3 months, Paul in March and Alice in June, 2019. Alex, Ken, Michelle and Liz (et al) could not have been more helpful and considerate. My father was of Irish descent and was an incredible musician and Alex sensed our family's love of music and organized a special, heartfelt performance of "Danny Boy" prior to the prayers and final goodbyes. The Duksa team helped to facilitate the extensive video slideshow/presentation boards that I had compiled for both my parent's wake services. Alex was always a few steps ahead of us, anticipating our every need and guiding us through the process in a thoughtful, supportive way. I highly recommend Duksa Family Funeral Home, at Newington Memorial. They take great care and pride in their work and I'm grateful for their expertise and compassion. On behalf of my 2 brothers and family, thank you very much for your kindness and professionalism in honoring our Mom and Dad. Sincerely, Paul McMahon
Paul McMahon
July 16, 2019
Where do I begin? Gratitude even in its simplest form is unable to capture how incredibly grateful my family and I are for the wonderful blessings at Duksa Family Funeral Homes @ Newington Memorial. Our Mamita was our world, our universe, and her care after welcoming the Lord's embrace was immensely important to my family and I. From the moment I met with Casey to discuss preliminary preparations for our beloved "Mamita" before her passing; to the gentle handling of her body by Jason at Amberwoods of Farmington, her home since January; to my initial meeting with owner Diana Duksa-Kurz, who magnificently spearheaded everything during all of the services; to the cadre of impressive, caring, compassionate professionals (Diana, Casey, Liz, Max, Neil, Richard, Jay, Butch, Mary, Susan, hopefully I did not forget anyone) who left no stone unturned, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Knowing the importance of having our "Mamita" cherished, celebrated, and honored during this, her final stage, you did absolutely everything to exceed every one of our expectations. Your implementation of the perfect homecoming is unmatched. There are no words that can possibly express how much your guidance, your support, your availability, your connection, your exquisite recreation of who "Mamita" was, and your attention to detail meant to my family and I. Thank you for taking such special care of her and of all of us. We will be forever grateful. Miss you all already, sending much love, hugs, and blessings, Marisol.
Dr. Marisol Ostrov
June 26, 2019
What can I say? The absolute worst part of your existence is to bury a loved one. And while you’re planning for the funeral and burial, your mind is everywhere and your mind is nowhere all at the same time. It takes special people like Ken and Michelle to help you through this difficult time. From the moment I walked in hours after my mothers death, to parting ways with Michelle at the cemetery, I felt so comfortable and so taken care of by this wonderful staff. It turns out Ken grew up in the town I now reside in: Westerly RI - and that fun fact took my mind off of the grief for a while, while we planned the funeral. I have always heard wonderful things about this funeral home and have been told to only go there. And now I know why. Thank you so much for making the worst part of one’s existence a lot easier than we imagined.
Rosita Mitera
June 14, 2019
Dear Michelle, We would like to thank you and your staff from the bottom of our hearts for doing an amazing job with Pete's funeral services. You are a very warm, compassionate and caring person. Thank you for all of your help and hard work. You went above and beyond and it truly means a lot. You are simply wonderful! Just two words to describe a person strong enough to maintain total composure in the face of tragedy, and soft enough to provide comfort and peace to those who are hurting - THANK YOU!
Maggie Ostrowski & Family
June 11, 2019
On behalf of the Riccio and Maciag families I cannot begin to thank Ken Pescatello, Frank DeMaio and the entire staff of Burritt Hill Memorial enough for the beautiful way they handled every detail for my wife, Elaine's, funeral services. Every detail from the wake to the church and cemetery, not to mention the co-ordination with the New Britain mayor's office and police department for the police escort that was provided from New Britain to Rocky Hill on behalf of my wife were simply impeccable. The care, love and respect they showed during this very difficult time for me, my family, our friends and guests is something we will never forget. Sincerely, Victor A. Riccio II
Victor A. Riccio II
March 05, 2019
We all cannot thank Duksa Funeral Home in Newington enough, in particular Ken, but also Alex, Liz and the whole staff at this amazing funeral home for the loving, kind, and incredibly timely and compassionate support we received as a result of the loss of our dear father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather, George Riordan. We learned of his passing late at night, but we received a response almost immediately from the funeral home, in spite of the hour, and assurances everything would be taken care and handled with the utmost of care and love the next morning, and they were, just as promised. They took away the worry and confusion we were all experiencing, living in all different parts of the country as to how to proceed and what we should do next! They just calmly assured us they had it under control for us and would keep him safe with them until we could all arrive and be together once again! The compassion, caring, and attention to detail was above and beyond what we ever expected, and we are so grateful to have had them at our side during this whole tiring, sad, and trying time in our lives. Thank you sooo much, Ken, and all the whole staff at Duksa Funeral Home for all your hard work you shared for making our father's passing the memorable even it turned out to be. You were immeasurable in helping us pull together family from Connecticut, Texas, Colorado, Florida, and Washington, DC. You kept us in your heart and prayers and gave us the sense of peace we were hoping to find and needed at this time of great loss to our family. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of our hearts for all of your kindness and support! Love to all, Tracy and all the Riordan Family
Tracy Riordan
January 26, 2019
When an unexpected death occurs, everything is in pieces. Thank you to Michelle for helping us to put the pieces together during a very trying time in our lives. She showed caring, compassion and effort above and beyond what her profession requires her. For that, we will be eternally grateful to her.
The Family of Nicole B. Rybka
January 10, 2019
The professionalism and compassion we received were beyond compare. Working with Ken and Michelle eased our burden at that sorrowful time. All arrangements were carefully and expertly handled for us.
The Erickson Family
December 06, 2018
A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Burritt Hill Funeral Home! Ken, Michelle, and Liz were unbelievable – warm, kind, professional – it is obvious they are passionate about their work and the services they provide. From the first moment we met Ken and Michelle they put us at ease with their caring, gentle attention. They guided us through the complex process of funeral arrangements and helped with decision-making, never rushing and always considerate. They assisted us with every detail which would have been overwhelming without their help. And Liz is an artist – the picture of my mom for the obituary and the Funeral Home entry way was crafted beautifully. We kept saying to ourselves – who provides service like this?? It was a truly remarkable experience at a very difficult time. We will always remember your warmth - the Duksa family is blessed to have you. Thank you! Sharon Pacyna & Ed Skoldberg October 2018
Sharon Pacyna and Ed Skoldberg
October 27, 2018
A huge thank you to everyone at Newington Memorial Funeral Home / Duksa Family for all the help they provided for incredible services. Everything was done professionally and with the utmost care. At the most vulnerable state and such a hard moment in life, you need a place to make you feel at ease. The empathy and professionalism was truly amazing. Working with Ken was absolutely a pleasure and a huge help. The organization and attention to detail made all the more difference. Thank you again to everyone that put together a nice service.
Collazo Family
October 22, 2018
I just wanted to say a huge Thank You for the incredible services provided by Duksa Burritt Hill. Our experience was excellent from start to finish. I would especially like to thank Michelle for her tremendous help with our dear mother Julia's funeral. She took what by no doubt was the most difficult and heart wrenching time for our family and eased the planning with her professionalism and thoughtfulness. She treated our family with warmth, sympathy and understanding.Michelle was very accommodating and always just a phone call or email away since we live out of state.Nothing was ever too much trouble and all our questions, requests and concerns were always met with am immediate response in a kind hearted manner. Michelle's guidance , suggestions and attention to detail made this very difficult process come together smoothly. She was really amazing and went above and beyond even adding some personal touches along the way which did not go unnoticed and were much appreciated. Everything from my initial contact leading up to the funeral was so well organized and we couldn't have been more pleased. I highly commend and recommend Duksa Family Funeral Home at Burritt Hill to all. Many thanks and gratitude. Teresa Upham and family Oct 2018
Teresa Upham
October 18, 2018
The Duksa family / Newington Memorial has overseen final arrangements for members of my family over the last 20 years. What a blessing to have Alex Scott manage the details with such expertise, sensitivity and care . . . . I highly recommend Newington Memorial to handle a love one's final arrangements.
John Avignone
October 11, 2018
Ken managed every step of my father’s funeral process (as well as my mother’s funeral 4 years earlier) with the utmost level of professionalism and compassion. He and the Duksa Family staff beautifully adorned the chapel with some of Dad’s memorabilia allowing family and friends to reminisce and celebrate Dad’s life. Dad would have loved the military honors that you coordinated for us at the cemetery. Thank you and God bless.
William Porri
August 13, 2018
Loosing someone close to you is one of the hardest things in life. Planing a burial service could be very hard during this difficult time. The staff at Burritt Hill Funeral Home made this experience so easy for me. Michelle was professional and understanding to our family, specially my kids who just lost their father. I was given different options for the burial to choose from to honor the death of my husband but also to respect our budget. The whole process was easy and my husband funeral services couldn’t be more beautiful. Thank you again for all you have done for us during this difficult time.
Maggie
August 13, 2018
What should have been the hardest day of my life, a day I dreaded for years, was not only easier than I expected but an absolute pleasure! Our family had a forever child. My aunt came to live with me after my grandmother passed away. She was mentally challenged with cerebral palsy. She celebrated every moment of her 67 years. She was loved by our entire family, more than words could ever express. We learned so much about life from Linda. She was a precious gift, we were blessed to share in her joy. Our family never saw Linda as special needs. In our hearts she was simply Linda. We lost a beautiful child the day God carried Linda home. Ken was beyond amazing! I walked in the door shaking and within minutes, I was completely at ease. Linda's passing was handled with dignity, and tremendous respect. I felt it was an honor and a priviledge for Duksa Funeral Home to guide me through Linda's passing. There were things Ken had done before I even asked. He was diligent, hyper focused and a true professional. Most importantly, he is a man that does not come to work to perform a job. Ken is clearly passionate about the service he provides. I was never pursuaded, guilted or pushed into anything. When I left Ken, I was smiling instead of crying, the tears had lifted. My heart was warm, I felt Linda continued to be loved even after death. I knew she was truly at peace! Bless the entire Duksa Family for being caring enough to have a man like Ken on your staff! A special thanks to Ken, I truly could not have done this without you!
Maria Pastuszak
August 01, 2018
We were treated with Love and Respect during our time of Grief. They never left our side during our time despair. Treated us like Family. Highly Recommended.....
The Rakus Family
July 19, 2018
Ken helped make an unbearable situation bearable when my father passed away. He helped maneuver and gently guide us through the necessary details and selections while never feeling rushed and always felt we were genuinely cared for. The entire staff was quietly respectful, and remarkably unobtrusive. It was evident that Ken gets a “feel” for his families and cares for them accordingly. This truly is his calling and it shows…he is a treasure. Thank you to all of you!
– Beth Parent
How do you find the words to thank someone for being there to support you through an incredibly difficult time. Words can’t express the gratitude and appreciation we feel towards the staff at Newington Memorial. They are truly a family business taking care of families. There were there anticipating all of our questions and concerns; knowing what we needed even before we realized it. Their unwavering attention to even the smallest detail helped make an incredibly sad and difficult time more bearable. A special thanks to Alex, Liz, and Mary…you are our angels.
– The Manger & Quatrocelli Families
Dear Newington Memorial Family, I wish to send you the most heartfelt thank you on behalf of my family and myself for all you have done for us during our time of loss. Everyone on staff that we came into contact with was caring, genuine, and truly helpful. Navigating the steps through the loss of a loved one is difficult and confusing, but we always felt like we a resource and an advocate in you, that was only a phone call away. We are truly grateful for all you did for us and will sing your praises highly to anyone in need of services that go far beyond “final arrangements”. “Thank you” doesn’t really cover it, but we truly mean it. Be proud of who you are and what you do, because the families you help truly appreciate it.
– Megan, Tim, & Dina Moore and Nik Lux
Dear Alexander, On behalf of all of our family, we would like to thank you and your team for coordinating all of the arrangements for our Aunt’s wake and funeral. Her family and friends that attended the wake remarked how radiant she looked. Her hair and makeup were so perfect and she looked very much to be at peace. You thought of every detail throughout our planning sessions and during the church service. You assisted with the display of photos, memorabilia, the special Uconn candle, and your beautiful prayer of gratitude. We would also like to mention Liz Palaia who assisted with the Mass Program until it was perfect. In addition, a very special song for Aunt Marie “The Rose” was masterfully performed by your vocalist Steve Casillas. Again, thank you! Your expert advice, experience, and compassion placed us at ease during this difficult time. You truly impressed all of us! May God bless everyone as you continue to heal others in their time of sorrow.
– M. Adrina Bazzoni
One of the hardest things that we have to deal with in our life is the passing of a loved one. After recently experiencing this situation not long ago, I can honestly say my family has found Newington Memorial Funeral Home Family, the nicest caring group of people to deal with during preparations for the funeral of a loved one. Their care and concern at such a difficult time was so sincere and heartfelt by all of them. The care and warmth they have shown each member of my family was far beyond anything we have ever asked for. A special thanks to Alex for being with me from the preplanned funeral arrangements to the completion of all services.
– Lorraine Giansanti & Family
Dear Duksa Family, My family recently lost our dear father Joseph Valenta. We were fortunate to have his funeral at your funeral home and I wanted to express my thanks to you and you staff for making this an easy and memorable experience. I especially wanted you to know what a warm, wonderful and gracious employee you have in Ken Pescatello. Right from the start he welcomed us, addressed our concerns and made a sad experience one of grace and joy. He welcomed us with open arms and heartfelt feelings. He guided us and made the affair a beautiful experience. Please extend our heartfelt thanks to this wonderful man.
– Diane Guerette
Diana & Jim Kurz and staff took the very best care of me and my family during a tragic time in our lives 21 months ago. Everyone's compassion, patience, knowledge, sensitivity came through at every moment during the darkest time ever. Thereafter, we have benefited from Marge's knowledge of resources available to us during our grief journey. Also, Diana and staff host an annual remembrance walk where people in similar situations gather together to celebrate and remember our loved ones. Honestly, I cannot imagine being in better ... more loving care during our great time of need.
– Kim Dorey Wallis
Thank you to Diana and all of the amazing staff at Newington Memorial.. The care and compassion you provided my family was amazing to say the least.
– Peter Sweeney
We wish to thank Alex for his kindness, thoughtfulness and professionalism in helping us make arrangements for our dad, Al Wilk. During this most difficult time, Alex made it as easy as possible for us and handled many things we did not even think of doing. So much attention was given to the "little details" at the funeral home, during the service and at the cemetery. To Alex and the staff at Duksa Family Funeral Homes our sincerest gratitude.
– The Francalangia Family
Dearest Alex, There are not enough adjectives and accolades to express our heartfelt thanks for handling the arrangements for my brother, Kevin. From start to finish, you crossed every T and dotted every I. Your approach to detail & dignity goes unmatched. I will ever be able to articulate how much your compassion, sincerity & kindness have meant to myself and my family, during the most vulnerable of times. It takes a lot to stare "loss" in the face, but to have your heart smile, knowing your loved one is being taken care of with the upmost dignity & respect...well there just aren't enough words. To be able to feel "comfortable" during all of this, is something we can never thank you enough for. You and your colleagues are truly one of a kind. It is a gift to walk away from this experience with a sense of inspiration. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. The world needs more human beings like you.
– Samantha Lockery
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