Testimonials
Testimonials
Many families reach out after the conclusion of the services to let us know how much our support and guidance meant to them in their time of need, and we’re honored to receive such heartfelt praise. We feel that these messages speak for themselves and we’d like to share them with you.
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 or submit a testimonial below. It means the world to us to hear from you and know that we’ve made a difference.
John, thank you so much to you and the team at Dee for everything you have done for my family. From the moment I first called you to the day of the burial, you were compassionate, caring, thoughtful, and supportive at a terrible time for our family. The level of communication was exceptional throughout the entire process and nothing was too much trouble for your team. Your empathy and ability to deliver what we wanted for Paul's services were a great comfort to both me and my daughters.
Helen McKinlay
February 13, 2024
John, Thank you and your team for your sincere compassion & expertise in coordinating the services for our mother Donna. From the moment she walked through your doors to arrange her service to the end of the burial, everything was handled with true professionalism. The children's room was an added bonus for so many of the children that this was their first funeral, you took the mystery out of the process for them! We could not have asked for anything more for our beloved mother and grandmother. It was perfect. Kindly Mark Brown on behalf of the Brown Family
Mark Brown & Family
August 31, 2023
John, Matt & Ian, Thank you so very much for delivering the perfect and most fitting tribute to our Aunt Terry. She was very specific with her wishes and John and his team went above and beyond to honor her life and legacy in a meaningful yet subdued way... just as she wanted. Thanks again to the caring team at Dee for giving my family a warm and loving atmosphere to celebrate the life of and say goodbye to our loved one! With love and gratitude, the Thoms' family
Kelly Thoms
May 03, 2023
It was a beautiful memorial service, great big thank you to John Arena. Your comforting words had meant a lot to me. I am sure that held true to everyone there also. I did not get around to thanking you after the service, but I want you to know that I am truly grateful to you for all your efforts in overseeing the services for Jon, Rebecca and now Ken, and support through our saddest hours. THANK YOU
Sarah Yeung
March 17, 2023
I truly cannot emphasize enough how amazing John and his team were in planning my mom’s burial. This is the second time we’ve used Dee, they are the very best. John was meant for this work and it shows. He is empathetic and patient, while also being extremely organized, knowledgeable and seemingly always available. John walked us down this very difficult path in a gentle manner, and took care of us and our mom like we were family. We never felt pushed towards any decisions, he showed us options and let us decide always ready to answer questions. I hope I won’t be planning a funeral for a long time, but I can tell you without a doubt I would work with Dee again.
Jennifer Smith-Petersen
November 13, 2022
I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to John Arena and his team at Dee Funeral Home, for doing an amazing job helping to honor our family member. John and his team were kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. They were considerate every step of the way, and in particular, helped the children of our family demystify this process by answering all kinds of questions, and although some of the questions asked were not delicate, John's responses always were. John engaged with us in a familial and attentive way, making sure to address all concerns. We felt as though we created a service that allowed us to honor our family member in a way that was true to his being and healing for our family. Thank you, John, Matt & team for helping us navigate through a difficult time, by leading the way with compassion, dignity, and grace.
Kelly & Dana Thoms
June 22, 2022
I cannot say enough about Dee’s and John Arena. The entire experience from my first email to receiving my mothers ashes was seamless, kind, and professional. Dee’s amazing history and historic buildings just added to it being the right place for my mother. Dee’s is special and John is such a good person!
LUCINDA ONEILL
April 27, 2022
John - on behalf of my son and myself, just want to send a sincere thanks to you and the amazing help you extended to us both, personally and professionally in the passing of my husband late last year. Whenever I had a question, you would always say "I'll take care of it" and you always did. You always went above and beyond and made a difficult time much easier. We are very grateful for your hard work and support. Pat and Louis Vigliotti
Patricia Brown-Vigliotti
February 02, 2022
Dear John, We join together in thanking you and your staff at Dee's Funeral Home for helping to coordinate all the arrangements in order for us to gather to pay tribute to Kay Schneider. We were able to privately grieve our heartbreaking loss. Your kindness and compassion gave us comfort. You gave us a safe and beautiful space to honor Kay. We are grateful to you for ensuring Kay passed on with grace and dignity. Sincerely, Bernadette Wilkinson and The Schneider Family
Bernadette Wilkinson
January 28, 2022
Most recently it became our responsibility to complete the arrangements upon the loss of a dear friend. We did so working collaboratively with John and Matthew in the successful accomplishment and carrying out of many such details. We also had the opportunity to meet and greet other staff members, if even briefly. The principals were totally attuned to addressing and meeting our requests throughout the entire process. They communicated openly and easily, shared possibilities, and were obviously highly professional and cordial in all our connections with them. We remain most grateful.
Kevin Thomas Plodzik and Margaret Frazier-Plodzik
August 24, 2021
John, we were so very fortunate to have you guide our family through the difficult loss of our father. Your steady and compassionate approach made the planning of each detail less difficult than imagined. The entire Dee staff was responsive and supportive. Your presence and opening words at the graveside service were especially calming and comforting. You truly have a gift. Thank you on behalf of our extended family.
Leann Griesinger
June 14, 2021
"John, thank you so much for your support of me and my family with the loss of my Dad. As you said the first time I met you, you were with us "every step of the way." Your compassion, patience, and gentle approach made a huge difference as we navigated this difficult time. I can't thank you enough for your time, your kindness, and ultimately your friendship. My Dad would have loved you."
Moran Family
May 15, 2021
John, It is hard to put into words how grateful we are to you. During the most difficult time in our lives we had the comfort of knowing the arrangements and services were in your capable and caring hands. Every detail was handled with the perfect balance of compassion, professionalism and attention to detail. On a personal note, It was very comforting and special to us to be able to work with you. What at gift it was. My mother thought the world of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Al, Jane & Mike Lawrence
April 28, 2021
"Dear John, my heart is full of gratitude for all you did to carry us through our most difficult and final days together. Your calm demeanor, genuine compassion, and patience with helping assure that each decision was the right one and expert guidance are truly commendable, so much appreciated, and will never be forgotten. You made his passing feel like it was one of your own family and that it was the only service you were arranging at the time. I know you were heaven sent to me. I feel blessed to feel so comforted by my decisions, each of which was beautifully simplistic and very meaningful."
Local Family
March 18, 2021
Dear John, We cannot begin to describe how comforting you were throughout the experience of our father's passing and memorial service. Your patience, your support and competence surpassed all we could have hoped for. Thank you.
Melanie Kimball
February 02, 2021
Dear John and Staff Thank you for the impeccable professionalism and respect you had for our family during our saddest moments. You were easy to work with, efficient in leading us through the many decisions we needed to make and you followed-through flawlessly eliminating so many tasks that could have been stressful to us. This allowed us time to be with our family and friends when we needed them the most.
Patti Lane Walch (Lincoln Family)
January 13, 2021
"John, thank you again for the warmth and dignity with which you received our Mom. We could see that you were able to get a real sense of her life and her essence - and in such a short time! Your thoughtful care and astute attention in these sad and beautiful moments felt like family. We're glad you have been a part of such a perfect culmination."
Former Carlisle Family
November 20, 2020
"Dear John, thank you so very much for your kindness, understanding, and guidance in helping us through this hard time. You made it more bearable to say goodbye to our father by being a friend to us. Not only for our father, but you were there for our mother and aunt as well. You have a gift of making people feel more at peace."
Concord Family
August 01, 2020
"Dear John, as death is part of life, the task of making arrangements for the deceased falls on all of us. I've had to perform this task more times than I've wanted and can say with honesty that I have never been treated with more care than Dee provided me. Every interaction with you has been a pleasure - and for that I am grateful."
Local family
June 26, 2020
Dear John, Words cannot fully express our appreciation for the care you took of our family during this impossibly difficult time. From our very first meeting at the funeral home, we knew that we were in good and kind hands. Not only did you guide us gently through the process, you went the extra mile in ways we could never have imagined. A perfect example was the way you looked out for our young children, making sure that they were comfortable and protected throughout and your concern that the language and message you used were consistent with that being used by us. You helped us navigate the added challenges imposed by the COVID-19 restrictions, while helping us honor Jim. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for your tremendous kindness and support. You made the worst time in our lives a tiny bit more bearable. Thank you so very much. The Lux Family
The Lux Family
April 02, 2020
"John, Thank you for the outstanding service you and your staff provided for our mothers funeral. Everything went extremely well and we received many compliments on the quality of the service. You provided a warm and inviting environment which I think made people comfortable, thus allowing them to share their fond memories of our mother with us. Thank you for the many suggestions and recommendations you made during the planning stages of the ceremony. Back in December, it was difficult for us to face the fact our mother may soon be gone, but I felt much more at ease once we started making the arrangements, and I then felt we were in good hands. I've head many positive comments about various parts of the service from song selections to the bagpipes at the cemetery. We appreciate the flexibility & assistance in putting together a personalized ceremony. It certainly was a sendoff which I believe would have humbled our mother.
Concord Family
February 05, 2020
"Dear John, we can't thank you enough for all the help and guidance you provided during the planning, wake, and funeral for our Dad. You made a very difficult time just a bit easier. Everything was so seamless and smooth. Your prayer at the funeral home the morning of the funeral was so touching. Thank you, again, for everything."
Concord Family
January 29, 2020
"Dear John, I want to thank you for the amazing care you provided our family these past few months. There was not a time I felt unsure or unclear of next steps, and that was a huge relief during these times. My mother would have appreciated all that you did for her."
Carlisle Family
October 14, 2019
" Dear John & Colleagues, my mother, sisters, and I would like to thank you and Dee Funeral Home for being so respectful and for taking care of all the details so we could focus on our families during this difficult time. "
Concord Family
July 22, 2019
"Dear John, Susan, and Charlie, Many thanks for the kindness you've shown in so many ways throughout this process. My mother was so moved by the beautiful pictures you put together for the tribute binder. My entire family and I thank you so much for doing this. It's such a treasure for all of us."
Concord Family
July 02, 2019
"John and Dee Funeral Home, I can never thank you enough for all you did for our family. Everything was just beautiful at the wake and cemetery. Thank you so much for the readings at the grave. Thank you for letting me stay to lay my son to rest one last time. You are an asset to the Dee name. Again thanks for everything. Matt and Charlie, it was good to see you again."
Local Family
April 13, 2019
"John, Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your help with my Dad's death. You and your colleagues seemed to handle things effortlessly, and all your interactions with us were very professional, and carried out with great sensitivity. I particularly appreciated the chance to spend a few minutes with my Dad alone - thank you for that extra effort. Your visit to my Mother's house in Lincoln meant a lot to her, too."
Lincoln Family
January 22, 2019
"My dear wife's service was recently held at the funeral home. It was a wonderful tribute to her and a comforting experience for my children, their spouses, my grandchildren, and all of our relatives and friends who attended. All of the details leading up to the service were carefully managed and attended to by John Arena III. John handled every aspect and detail of this entire experience with warmth and competence. He displayed a comforting flexibility as me and my family attempted to decide on speaking assignments for the service. John was especially outstanding at leading the actual service. I had prepared a five page eulogy for my wife, but could not muster the proper level of composure to deliver it to those assembled. John delivered that eulogy exactly the way that I had hoped to. He obviously prepared since he paused at appropriate times, and stressed words and phrases that gave the eulogy its true message. I am so grateful to John, a superior director of this well established and highly regarded funeral home."
Littleton Family
October 18, 2018
"Dear John, The weight of making all the funeral arrangements for our Mom was greatly eased with your expert help and guidance. Thank you for honoring all our wishes and coordinating every aspect of her services so perfectly. Your photography skills helped us get a great family photo!"
Concord Family
October 15, 2018
Dear John, First and foremost, thank you for doing such a wonderful job with my Dad's services. Both my family and I really appreciate it. I knew I called on the right person to handle everything. It is comforting to know how much you care and the attention you paid me during the most difficult time of my life, and I will never forget that.
Concord family
June 08, 2018
"Dear John, I wanted to take a moment to thank you and the whole Dee family for your kindness and attention to detail for my Dad's services. Every bit of the day (including the weather - not sure how you pulled that off!) went perfectly. We are grateful for the long relationship with Dee Funeral Home."
Carlisle family
April 11, 2018
"John, Charlie and Susan - I am so grateful to you for your flawless handling of the service. So many people mentioned to me how beautiful it was, and how it would have been exactly as he would have wished it. Your personal attention and gentle demeanor put us all at ease, to better handle such a difficult task. Our family will be forever grateful to you for your part in honoring his life."
Concord family
March 16, 2018
"John, Thank you for the excellent service - worry free for us. The room was set up nicely. Everything was so perfect. You sure took all the burden away from us during this difficult time. I appreciate it very much."
Concord family
January 29, 2018
"Dear Charlie, Susan, and John - When we stumbled upon Dee Funeral Home in the results of a Google search in the middle of the absolute worst day of our lives, we had no idea that we were about to be cared for like family. From the first call we made to you to the final visit to tie up loose ends, we were all so completely touched by the way in which you interact with the world (i.e. "do your jobs"). You are kind, smart, thoughtful, eloquent, competent, efficient, beyond-prepared, flexible, subtle, commanding, reassuring, warm, empathic, and creative. We know that the service we received from you was something special. And that experience shaped the lens in which we view our loss."
Local family
September 23, 2017
"Dear Charlie and everyone at Dee Funeral Home, words cannot express how much we felt at peace knowing that everything was handled so professionally by you. There isn't enough space on this card to list all of the details that you attended to, but we noticed everything. The preparation, program, mass cards, linking us up with the church and Sleepy Hollow, even the selection of a custom-engraved and designed "Boston College" urn. Concord is made better with the Dee Funeral Home in it."
Local family
September 22, 2017
"Dear Susan, for all your most wonderful help in planning my mother's "Going Home" service. Everyone remarked on what a beautiful service it was, and I will always be grateful for Charlie's gift to me of the possibility of bearing the urn to the altar and procession to the gravesite. It was a most moving and memorable occasion for me, for my daughters, for our family and our friends."
Local family
September 15, 2017
Dear John, I want to thank you and Susan for handling my Mother's funerary trust and final arrangements. It was very helpful for myself and my brother that you were able to take care of everything for us without us having to be in Concord in person.
CA family
July 27, 2017
Dear Charlie, I feel compelled to write to you to express my sincere gratitude for all you did to take care of us throughout the process following my mother's death. Every time I spoke with you, you somehow made me feel so much better. Your flexibility, thoughtfulness, and gentle manner helped things go as smooth and seamless as possible. Everyone that worked with you (drivers, musicians, the Pastor) was so pleasant and kind. I can't thank you enough for all you did for my family and I.
Concord family
July 10, 2017
Dear Susan, Thank you for making my husband's day so special. You took care of any wrinkle that could pop up. He was laid to rest in the most peaceful way, that we could cry and smile at the same time. How did you manage to have the weather perfect and the birds chirping?
Acton family
June 06, 2017
Dear Charlie and Dari, Thank you both personally and professionally for everything you did during my mother's illness and passing. You made a stressful, emotional week as calm and unstressed as was possible. Thank you for your care and compassion as well as for the lovely orchid. Let's get together for happier times soon.
Lincoln family
May 12, 2017
John, We want to thank you for your gentle manner and good care of all the details for my Mom. Her farewell has been beautiful.
Lincoln family
May 04, 2017
It was a difficult time for us. I want to show our appreciation to John Arena and all the staff at Dee Funeral Home for the excellent job you did with the funeral. John, especially, from the first time we met, you were standing in the pouring rain with your umbrella up waiting for our arrival. You had went above and beyond with each of our requests with such patience, grace and kindness. Your attention to all details were handled with compassion to perfection. We all appreciate and are grateful for your being there to help and guide us through this difficult time.
Carlisle family
January 14, 2017
" Dear John, Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for all that you have done for our family over the last several weeks. From coordinating the pre-funeral plans to organizing and orchestrating the funeral services and remembrances - you were a tremendous help! You were always so personable and supportive to us - so much so, that you felt like family - and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you so much for being so thoughtful, kind, compassionate, sincere, and always a true professional. How blessed I feel to have been able to work with you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Concord family
November 22, 2016
Dee's funeral home is simply fantastic. During the recent death of my mother I had approached Charlie for some assistance with the last journey of my mother. I should say I was very touched by the respect, dignity and empathy that was shown to our family. We are extremely grateful for the care, attention, and planning during the funeral. The sincerity in understanding other beliefs and ensuring that the last rites are performed in accordance with ones culture was remarkable. We express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Dee funeral home in making us feel at home and giving us the best care in our time of grief. Thanks so much to the staff of Dees funeral home for helping us out during such a difficult period.
Acton family
November 16, 2016
"Such an amazing service you provide. We were truly blessed. Thanks to all. Special thanks to John Arena who attended to all details with utmost respect, sincere grace. As we buried my dad today, it could not have been more majestic a day. Thank you Charlie for going the extra step in helping navigate choices Monday nite."
Carlisle family
October 17, 2016
" Dear John, Just a note of appreciation for your guidance, compassion, and friendship during truly the worse time of our lives. You have a true gift for making light in the darkest of times - thank you for all you do and continue to do."
Concord family
July 25, 2016
Dear Charlie, John, Sherry and Susan, Thank you so much for everything you did over the last five days to make my Mom's wake and funeral memorable events. My job was easier knowing I could rely on the high standard of services you always provide. Every time the family has needed you, you have delivered flawlessly. We could not be more pleased with the care, attention to detail, and calming presence you maintained throughout this difficult time.
Concord Family
July 13, 2016
Thank you so much Charlie for everything for my mom's wake and burial. Everything was perfect!
Concord Family
July 13, 2016
"Dear John, You're amazing at what you do. Words could not possibly describe how we feel about all the hard work, dedication, and detailed personal attention you gave us before, during, and after Mom's service. You have to be the most professional person we have ever met. The obituary you wrote was incredible. All of your ideas and personal touches were amazing. Thank you for all the phone calls, helping with Dad, and everything that you did to comfort and reassure us during this very difficult time."
Concord family
July 01, 2016
On behalf of my father and the members of our family, I wish to thank you for the outstanding services provided by the Dee Funeral Home in managing the arrangements following the death of our mother. In particular, we would like to extend our gratitude for the expert assistance provided to us by Mr. John Arena of Dee. At every step of the process John demonstrated kindness, versatility, and attention to detail. He worked seamlessly with our minister and the church staff and was instrumental in ensuring that our mother's memorial service was a beautiful commemorative of her life. As I told John, my mother admired people who were expert in their fields and who did their job with skill, and she would have very much appreciated his efforts. When seeking a funeral home to handle the arrangement for my mother, my father chose Dee because history matters to our family, and he noted that you had been in business since 1868. It is not hard to understand why. Once again, please accept our sincere thanks for your help at this difficult time. We are most grateful.
Concord Family
November 14, 2015
"Dear John, On behalf of our family, I would like to express our appreciation for your compassion and high degree of professionalism during our recent bereavement. We will always be grateful for your care during a very difficult time."
Concord Family
September 28, 2015
Dear Charlie and Susan: I would like to express my gratitude for the professionalism, empathy and patience you rendered to our family as you guided us through the difficult time of our husband and father's passing. We feel that he was honored in just the manner he so deserved. We are forever grateful.
Acton Family
August 24, 2015
I would like to take this time to thank you personally for all you did for this family during a most difficult time. You kept your promise and you went above and beyond when you personalized my husband's vault with his favorite team emblem and colors and sang the team song at the cemetery. You, Susan, John and all your Dee staff are just great and we really appreciate it. Our family and friends are still talking about how great it was and what an amazing service to remember. I will never forget all you did to help us through this difficult time.
Lincoln Family
August 19, 2015
"Everything you did during our time of sorrow on the loss of our mother was perfect. She looked so beautiful and real that I actually thought she was going to sit up and thank everyone for coming. I am sure she was looking down on the whole thing and smiling at us."
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"You gave our family a treasured gift. My mother was ill for so long, that I was afraid that she could not be viewed. She looked so beautiful and restful at the viewing. My entire family is so grateful for all that you did for our family."
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"To say that I was impressed by your handling of my brother's obituary would be an understatement. Your patient, helpful and efficient editing and preparation of the final draft, and your rummaging around with ideas to get a nice photograph of him into the newspapers and your very attractive website, was a stellar performance. My hat is off to all of you!
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"Just wanted to take a moment and reflect on the great job you and your staff did for the wake, service and burial of my mother. You really made one of the toughest days of my life, about as easy and enjoyable as one could under the circumstances. I am so glad we chose to have the service at the funeral home. Having everything at once at the funeral home made things much easier. You and your staff couldn’t have been nicer or more professional. I am amazed at how quickly you were able to walk us thru the process, without making us feel rushed, and put everything together so well. You are a true professional. It is no wonder that both my mom and dad admired you and your parents as much as they did. Thank you also very much for picking up/dropping off my mother’s friend so that she could join us at the funeral home and cemetery. She was such a long time friend of my mother and an important adult figure in my and my sisters’ lives growing up down the street, and I don’t think that she would have made it if it wasn’t for your kind gesture. Thank you very much, once again. You truly made someone who grew up in Concord, but hasn’t been there for quite a while; realize how lucky I was to grow up in such a wonderful place.”
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I would like to thank you personally for all you did for our family during this most difficult time. You kept your promise to take good care of my husband and you did! You really went above and beyond when you had his vault painted with the Red Sox colors and the song at the cemetery. All the staff at Dee's are just great and we really appreciate it. People are still talking about all that you did and how wonderful everything was at the wake and funeral. Thank you again
Local family
Thank you all for making my father's service so special. It was very comforting dealing with you, during such a trying and difficult time for all of us.
Concord Family
The caring and compassion of your funeral home helped us so much when we lost our child. We were in a fog, but you guided us through the maze . Now we can reflect on a beautiful service and final tribute which would not have been accomplished without the help of the Dee family team. Thank you so much for your kindness and guidance during our most difficult time.
Concord Family
Thank you for all your support and assistance with my father's funeral arrangements. It made my brothers and sisters, including me, feel very supported in a very difficult time.
Concord Family
Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service
caring@deefuneralhome.com | (978) 369-2030
27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA 01742
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