Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA)

07/15/2025

Remember: July 15/tonight is the deadline for entries to the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association "Pursuit of Excellence Awards". Click below for all details.

All participants must submit a registration form and payment, by the entry deadline, July 15, 2025. Download a registration form and submit it, along with your payment, to NFDA:

07/03/2025

As we celebrate America’s birthday this Fourth of July, we honor our nation’s enduring spirit of independence and unity.

To every member of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, thank you for your unwavering dedication and compassion. Your vital work provides comfort and support to families, upholding dignity and respect in our communities.

06/15/2025

06/12/2025

The Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association Presidents’ Award was presented recently to Shiloh Dombek, a graduate from the Goodwin University Funeral Service Program, by MFDA First Vice President Stephen Gemelli at the school’s June 2 ceremony. Shiloh, a resident of Chicopee associated with Forastiere Funeral Homes of East Longmeadow, was noted for exemplifying the highest ideals of the funeral service profession through her extraordinary dedication and perseverance. As a second-career professional who balanced the demands of motherhood and full-time employment while excelling in mortuary science education, Shiloh has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to serving families during their most vulnerable moments. Her academic excellence, despite numerous competing responsibilities, speaks volumes about her character and unwavering focus.

06/03/2025

Congratulations to Goodwin University’s 2025 Funeral Service graduates! The June 2nd Pinning Ceremony marked the culmination of their rigorous academic preparation as they transitioned from students to funeral service professionals. The meaningful celebration for the 22 individuals, their families, and many CT Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) members featured CFDA's presentation of funds to graduates Stefanie Varga and Joseph Gurule toward their education and careers. We welcome all of you into our noble profession!
(l to r):
Prof. Jesse Gomes, MA, CFSP, CCO, CPC, LEFD, MBIE, MBIFD, the Program Director of Goodwin’s Funeral Service Program, who also is CFDA’s Executive Director & CEO.
CFDA President Melissa Melin-Miles;
New Graduates Stefanie Varga and Joseph Gurule
Prof. Amanda Portelance, MBA, CCO, CFSP, LEFD, Faculty member of Goodwin’s Funeral Service Program; and
John Cascio, CFDA's Assistant Executive Director.

05/15/2025

We call your attention to this thoughtful and detailed article about Connecticut funeral directors and our service to families every day. We thank the author, Michael LaRocca, an intelligent, talented and and compassionate young man, who just received his graduate degree from Quinnipiac University!
CFDA is honored to share his article with you and we welcome any questions about our profession.
https://hqnn.org/2025/05/02/an-open-casket-look-at-those-who-serve-connecticuts-dead/


Jesse Gomes
Alderson-Ford Funeral Homes
Jonathan Green
Adzima Funeral Home
National Funeral Directors Association

When Tracey Roballey of Shelton lost her mother in March 2019, a to-do list suddenly appeared in her hand as she had to work through one of life’s toughest losses.  At the drop of a hat, Roballey and her family not only had to grieve but plan all of the funeral arrangements, including services an...

05/14/2025

Thanks very much to broadcaster Al Kim at Greater Hartford's WSDK/Lifechanging Radio for an informative interview with CFDA's Executive Director Jesse Gomes about many aspects of funeral service.

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/wsdk1550lifechangingradio/jesse-gomes-ctdaorg-05-03-25?si=2f6d3d69116341bd9c435eb6c8c25a1c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

03/11/2025

CFDA Honors All Funeral Service Professionals on this National Funeral Directors and Morticians Recognition Day! Today, on March 11, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedication, compassion and professionalism of funeral directors and morticians across the nation. This is opportunity to acknowledge the essential role you play in helping families navigate loss, honor loved ones and find comfort in meaningful farewells.

Funeral service is not just a profession – it’s a calling. We are there for families during their most difficult moments, offering guidance, care and support when they need it most. We provide a steady presence in times of uncertainty, ensuring that every final tribute is carried out with dignity and respect.

At CFDA, we see and appreciate the hard work, long hours, and emotional strength it takes to serve our communities and we celebrate you. And while you spend your days caring for others, we encourage you to take a moment to care for yourself, too. Whether it’s connecting with peers, reflecting on the impact you’ve made, or simply pausing to acknowledge your own dedication, know that your work is valued and deeply appreciated.

FROM ALL OF US AT CFDA – thank you for everything you do!

02/06/2025

We are proud to announce that TWO of the 25 funeral professionals from across the U.S. who have been selected to participate in the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association's Meet the Mentors program are Connecticut funeral directors: Anna Urciuoli from Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich; and Loran Spence from Carmon Community Funeral Homes in Windsor.

NFDA's highly-praised Meet the Mentors program will take place from April 8-10, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This transformative event offers a unique opportunity for emerging funeral service professionals to engage with leaders and experience the power of advocacy firsthand.

Congratulations, Anna and Loren!

01/15/2025

Best of luck to our very own Melissa Melin-Miles as she leads the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association as their 2025 President.

01/10/2025

Join us next Wednesday, January 15, for a virtual info session on the Funeral Services program. Our comprehensive program of studies prepares you to address a range of funeral service processes, from the initial pronouncement of death to the final disposition of the deceased. To RSVP email jgomes@goodwin.edu.

10/16/2024

Our Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) funeral directors across the state were proud to partner with Connecticut Veterans Affairs to make today’s military ceremony at the CT State Veterans Cemetery possible. Together, we provided a dignified send-off for three U.S. Army veterans’ unclaimed cremains. Thanks to Ct Patriot Guard, the many U.S. veterans and the public who attended, to DVA Commissioner Ron Welch, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson, CFDA President Lionel Lessard, and Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim for speaking, and to Alderson-Ford Funeral Homes, Funk Funeral Home, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, and Mackenzie Vault, Inc. for providing the hearses and the urns. We also appreciate the CT media who covered the ceremony to make it possible many others to appreciate this event.