Veteran services at Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service
For veterans in Putnam, CT, Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In their own words: "Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory explicitly offers Veteran Services. Staff member Bill Werner, an Advance Funeral Planning Specialist, is a retired full Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and served at Dover Port Mortuary, assisting in the repatriation of fallen military members. The Putnam Cemetery Association, a nearby burial ground, also offers veteran burial flags and military memorial services." Published pricing lists $7,800 for basic burial and $3,525 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Veteran-related services offered include veteran services and cremation. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
Published pricing at Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service: direct cremation from $3,525. That places direct cremation roughly 13% above the Connecticut median ($3,106). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.
The nearest VA national cemetery is Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in RI, approximately 32 miles from Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service. Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Connecticut has approximately 304 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,525. 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 Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service is located at 104 Church St. in Putnam, CT. You can reach the home at (860) 928-7723. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service offer veteran families?
Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service provides service options, personalization, veteran services, cremation, funerals, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory explicitly offers Veteran Services. Staff member Bill Werner, an Advance Funeral Planning Specialist, is a retired full Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and served at Dover Port Mortuary, assisting in the repatriation of fallen military members. The Putnam Cemetery Association, a nearby burial ground, also offers veteran burial flags and military memorial services.
Which faith traditions does Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Methodist, Baptist families, among others.
What sets Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service apart
- Operation of Windham County's first and only crematory, The Park Tribute Center.
- Provision of Certified Funeral Celebrant Services for personalized ceremonies.
- Availability of Death Doula Services to offer comprehensive end-of-life support.
- Multi-generational funeral director ownership and extensive local community involvement by staff.
- Specialized expertise in veteran services, including a staff member with experience at Dover Port Mortuary.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Cremation Society
- · Crematory
- · Funeral Home
- · Mortuary
Specializations
- · Veteran Services
- · Funeral Celebrant Services
- · Death Doula Services
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic, Methodist, Baptist.
Branches of service supported
Based on the home's stated services and specializations, Gilman Funeral and Cremation Service has documented experience supporting the following branches:
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementHow honors are coordinated
Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.
For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.