Henry Dirsa Funeral Home

Veteran services at Henry Dirsa Funeral Home

For veterans in Worcester, MA, Henry Dirsa Funeral Home coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In their own words: "The funeral home assists with Military Funeral Honors, including the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of Taps. They provide guidance on establishing veteran eligibility (DD Form 214), obtaining burial flags, requesting Presidential Memorial Certificates, and securing grave markers through the Department of Veterans Affairs." On-site amenities include chapel and reception area, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies.

Veteran-related services offered include burial, cremation, memorial service, graveside service, immediate burial, and complete funeral service with cremation. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.

On-site facilities of note include chapel. These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.

Published pricing at Henry Dirsa Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,405. That places direct cremation roughly 10% below the Massachusetts median ($2,677). 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 Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery - Winchendon in MA, approximately 32 miles from Henry Dirsa Funeral Home. Henry Dirsa Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.

Massachusetts has approximately 579 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Henry Dirsa Funeral Home is among them.

Frequently asked questions

What does a funeral at Henry Dirsa Funeral Home cost for veteran families?

From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,405. 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 Henry Dirsa Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?

Henry Dirsa Funeral Home is located at 33 Ward St. in Worcester, MA. You can reach the home at (508) 756-8346. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.

What services does Henry Dirsa Funeral Home offer veteran families?

Henry Dirsa Funeral Home provides pre-planning, burial, cremation, merchandise, traditional funeral service, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.

Does Henry Dirsa Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?

The funeral home assists with Military Funeral Honors, including the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of Taps. They provide guidance on establishing veteran eligibility (DD Form 214), obtaining burial flags, requesting Presidential Memorial Certificates, and securing grave markers through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Which faith traditions does Henry Dirsa Funeral Home accommodate?

Staff coordinate services for Catholic families, among others.

What sets Henry Dirsa Funeral Home apart

Established in 1873, providing over 150 years of continuous service to the Worcester community.
Owner Michael F. Marchand is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with deep involvement in numerous Worcester civic and business associations, including President of the Webster Square Business Association and service on the Worcester Economic Recovery Committee.
Staff includes a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner with a Registered Nurse and MBA background (Barbara A. Kazmierczak), offering a unique blend of medical and funeral service expertise.
Offers the services of a certified funeral celebrant (David J. Rushford), providing personalized, non-denominational service options.
Provides extensive online resources, including detailed information on military funeral honors, Social Security benefits, and grief support groups.

Military & veteran services offered

★Memorial Service

Burial & cremation services

Burial

· Burial
· Graveside Service
· Immediate Burial
· Burial Of Cremains

Cremation

· Cremation
· Complete Funeral Service With Cremation
· Direct Cremation

On-site facilities

· Chapel

· Reception area

Affiliations & specializations

Industry affiliations

· Webster Square Business Association
· Guild of St. Agnes Early Education & Care
· Main South Community Development Corporation
· Harmony Club of Worcester
· Diocese of Worcester

Specializations

· Military Funeral Honors
· Veterans Info
· Social Security Info

Religious traditions & languages

Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic.

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 Settlement

How 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.