Veteran services at Gately Funeral Service
Veteran families in Melrose, MA can turn to Gately Funeral Service for honors and benefit coordination. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors. On-site amenities include chapel and municipal parking lot, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,795 for basic burial and $2,435 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: veterans services, cremation services, traditional funeral service followed by cremation, memorial service, graveside service, and burial services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at Gately Funeral Service: direct cremation from $2,435. That places direct cremation roughly 9% below the Massachusetts median ($2,677). If the veteran qualifies for a VA burial allowance, the family claims it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Ask whether the home will help you file it.
The nearest veterans cemetery that isn't listed as closed is Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Winchendon in MA, about 51 miles from Gately Funeral Service. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
We list about 579 funeral homes in Massachusetts. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Gately Funeral Service cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,435. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.
Where is Gately Funeral Service located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Gately Funeral Service is located at 79 West Foster St. in Melrose, MA. You can reach the home at (781) 665-1949. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Gately Funeral Service offer veteran families?
Gately Funeral Service provides grief support, preplanning, veterans services, cremation services, traditional funeral service followed by cremation, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Gately Funeral Service help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Gately Funeral Service mentions military funeral honors. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Gately Funeral Service accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic families, among others.
What sets Gately Funeral Service apart
- Five generations of continuous Gately family operation since 1889.
- Comfort dogs (Mogul and Vail) available to provide solace to grieving families.
- Intimate viewing room featuring a fireplace for smaller, private gatherings.
- Extensive grief support resources, including partnerships with GriefShare and specialized guidance for children.
- Detailed historical timeline of the funeral home and family on their website.
- Dedicated municipal parking lot adjacent to the facility.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
- · Burial Services
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
- · Traditional Funeral Service Followed by Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Knights of Columbus
Specialties
- · Veterans Services
- · Grief Support
- · Preplanning
- · Personalization
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic. Languages spoken at the home: English.
How to request military funeral honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), an eligible veteran's funeral can include, on request, an honors detail of at least two service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family and play Taps. The funeral director usually makes the request and will need the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers.
VA suggests asking at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. More on what honors include and how to request them.