Graystone Associates, a strategic business growth company in Marlborough MA, conducts on-site assessments of businesses in the funeral home industry. More than 275 family-owned funeral homes in the USA and Canada were evaluated - from 26 states and 2 provinces. All together these funeral homes provide services for 60,000 families per year. More than 30,000 family-completed surveys were submitted to Graystone which were used in their final review and judging.

     Graystone Associates reviews a funeral home's performance by both on-site evaluation and family satisfaction surveys. They carefully assess how well a funeral home is serving families by soliciting comments on all aspects of service provided before, during, and after a funeral.  

     Scott Newton, a principal at Graystone Associates said, "The Keohane family and staff's commitment to consistently delivering exceptional client family satisfaction has yet again earned them a top place among their peers. The Keohane Family's involvement in this process is a key part of their commitment to ensure that the families they serve are getting what they need most during a difficult time."

     "We are so pleased to have earned the Graystone Award for Overall Satisfaction," said Dennis Keohane. At Keohane Funeral Homes, we have a strong commitment to our families and our community. This award means a lot to each one of our professional staff and we will display it proudly. We are grateful to all the families who took the time to provide feedback." 

Spotlight on Dennis Keohane
A Family Man -- Through
and Through 

     Dennis Keohane grew up seeing how much his grandfather Cornelius and his dad Ed cared for the families they served in the family business - Keohane Funeral Home. At just 15 years old Dennis worked in the funeral home, but "never for one second" thought he would become a funeral director!

     The third of four children (and the middle son), Dennis was an English major at Providence College and then attended the Boston Museum School for Film.  An avid movie buff, Dennis wanted very much to get into the film business.  However, "That would mean I would have to leave Boston," Dennis said.  "And that would mean leaving my high school sweetheart, Sarah, who by that time was my fiancée."

     "Dad asked me if funeral service might be a good idea," Dennis explained.  "He never pressured me and growing up there was never any conversation about joining the family business.   I always enjoyed working at the funeral home so after some thought, I decided to attend Mount Ida College in Newton where I studied Funeral Service."  Dennis interned and apprenticed at Keohane Funeral Home and became a licensed funeral director in 1995.

     Dennis' brother John became a funeral director one year after Dennis, following a career as a financial planner.  Today they work together and are responsible for the overall operation of the family business.

     "It is interesting working with Dad and John.  John and I are different types of people - John is a financial type - more structured.  I am more the creative type.  We balance each other.  We bounce ideas off each other and see how they settle," Dennis said.  "We are very fortunate to have a dad like Ed.  He is very supportive and lets us find our own way, keeping business and family matters separate."

     Sarah and Dennis have three children:  Will, 13; Neil, 11; and Colleen, 10.  Sarah works as a visiting nurse for Norwell Visiting Nurses Association.   Dennis is also following Ed in his philosophy about his own children's future careers.  "If any of the children express an interest in funeral service as a career, I would certainly encourage them, but... no pressure.  They will need to take their journey and discover what is best for them," Dennis said.

     Interest in film never waned as Dennis enjoys both movies and music and has an extensive collection of both.  He is a longtime member of the College Corner Cinema and has been going there once or twice a week for years.  When asked about his favorite movie, Dennis answers immediately.  "It's a Wonderful Life.  I've seen it about 50 times and I still love it."  In addition, Dennis loves to attend shows all around Boston, especially anything to do with his favorite music artist - Bob Dylan.

     The most important thing you can do to help children though the funeral process is to talk to them. Children need honest, clear and gentle answers to their questions, and an opportunity to express their emotions. Allow your child to ask questions and don't be embarrassed if you don't know the answers. Answers to religious questions may come from clergy, and technical questions can be addressed by your funeral director.

     It's a good idea to prepare children before the funeral so they know what to expect. As much as we want to protect our children from all pain and sorrow, we cannot protect them from knowing about death and loss. Participating in the funeral service at a level that is comfortable and appropriate to their age can be a great way for children to deal with their grief and acknowledge their loss.

     Children have their own comfort zones where funerals are concerned, and it is important for parents and others to respect that. Here is a guide to finding the right level of funeral service participation for your child.  

     Participation can take many forms, from simply being present to presenting the eulogy. It can be public, like serving as a pall bearer or lighting a candle, or private, like placing a picture or memento into the casket. The type or level of participation that is appropriate depends upon the age, talents and inclination of your child.  

     Bereaved children feel like their feelings are important when they can share a favorite memory or read a special poem as part of the funeral service. Many children feel more included when they are invited to help plan the funeral service. Encourage, explain, but never force.

     Infants, toddlers, and very young children who have no understanding of death have no need to attend the funeral services, except for the convenience and comfort of the parents. However, children of this age are welcome at visitations and funeral services, and their presence helps to remind us of new beginnings. Keep your visit short or arrange for child care at the funeral home. Ask if the funeral home has a children's room.

     Preschoolers are old enough to understand the basics of death and can participate in some meaningful way, as they feel comfortable. For example, they might draw a picture or write a letter to their loved one or place a flower on the casket at the gravesite.

     Elementary school children may be ready to participate in the church service by reading a poem, walking along with adult pallbearers, or preparing artwork or photos for a visitation. Guide participation if there is an interest. If there is a reluctance or fear, allow the child to opt out. Their participation is for their own benefit, not a requirement to 'prove' their regard for the deceased. Some children in this age group may benefit from having a close friend or cousin accompany them to provide moral support during visitation and service times.

     Middle school and high school age children already have difficult times in their transitions to adulthood. Dealing with the death of a loved one adds another level of complication to their world. Teens may feel embarrassed by participating in services, and have difficulty getting along with other family members. Nonetheless, the added maturity of the teen years means that interested kids may derive a great level of satisfaction and healing from actively participating in services.

     Musical performances, casket bearing, and the sharing of remembrances become real possibilities in this age group. It is important to remember, in dealing with adolescents, that they are not yet adults. A death can turn their whole world upside down, and may be a time when adolescents prefer to grieve and receive comfort from adults, rather than participate in the service.  

     All children, like adults, will respond in different ways. If you'd like more information about talking to children about death, call us at 781-335-0045 or email dennis@mcdonald-funeralhomes.com.