For today’s Q&A with a local business owner, we hear from Tom Cicalese of Hoyt Funeral Home. He has owned the Main Street business for 46 years.
Here’s our exchange.
New Canaanite: The state categorized funeral homes as an “essential business,” so Hoyt Funeral Home along with grocery stores, pharmacies and some others has been able to operate through the COVID-19 public health emergency. What has this been like for you?
Tom Cicalese, owner of Hoyt Funeral Home. Contributed
Tom Cicalese: The pandemic has been especially challenging for us here at Hoyt Funeral Home. Those of us in funeral service have been dubbed by some in the media as the ‘last responders’—we have had to navigate through very challenging environments in the hospitals, nursing homes, and residences while trying to maintain our composure, as well as provide a level of comfort to the families we serve.
A funeral is a type of gathering that can draw many people to one place. How is the experience of attending memorial services different now?
Some of the challenges we faced early on were trying to facilitate an opportunity for folks to say goodbye to their loved ones. Many waved goodbye to an ambulance window, never to see their loved ones alive again. After the initial couple of cases, we were able to make adjustments to our procedures to insure a safe environment for a final farewell. Now that the community has opened up, we are very strict about making sure people are wearing masks, sanitizing the funeral home daily, and maintaining social distancing at funeral services.
What types of precautions are Hoyt Funeral Home staff members taking as a result of COVID-19?
I have the most amazing staff here at Hoyt’s. They have such a dedication to their profession, and the families we serve. By virtue of their vocation, they were and still are putting their own lives, and the health of their families at risk for the community. We were frequently being exposed to the deceased who were Covid positive, and in many cases their families. We have very strict protocols for protecting ourselves and others, and by the grace of God we are all healthy, so far.
How do you envision funeral services changing longer-term, if at all, after the public health emergency passes?
Going forward, when the virus has cleared and when we have a vaccine, I believe we will see an uptick in meaningful religious ceremonies, something that was missing during the epidemic, and often taken for granted.
What is your message to the community?
I especially would like to thank those in the community who reached out to us to check on our wellbeing, in particular, Mike Handler, Jenn Eielson, members of the clergy and families we serve, friends and neighbors. The phone calls, emails and cards helped support us emotionally and reminded us that we too are appreciated and not forgotten. The psychological toll this virus has taken on all everyone’s lives will probably never be completely known, and for those who question the legitimacy of Covid 19 and its effects, should see it through the eyes of an essential worker. Missing are the days of handshakes, hugs, and kisses which are all essential gestures that help in the grieving process.