Veteran services at Porter's Funeral Service
For veterans in Kensington, CT, Porter's Funeral Service coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In their own words: "Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin offers specialized services for veterans, assisting families with benefits and arranging a service worthy of their military service." On-site amenities include multiple chapel/viewing areas and large off-street parking facilities, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,000 for basic burial and $2,445 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs. Early reviews are positive, averaging 5.0 stars across 4.
On-site facilities of note include multiple chapel/viewing areas. 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 Porter's Funeral Service: direct cremation from $2,215. That places direct cremation roughly 29% below 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 Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in CT, approximately 10 miles from Porter's Funeral Service. Porter's Funeral 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. Porter's Funeral Service is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Porter's Funeral Service cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,215. 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 Porter's Funeral Service located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Porter's Funeral Service is located at 111 Chamberlain Hwy. in Kensington, CT. You can reach the home at (860) 223-0981. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
Does Porter's Funeral Service offer cremation for veterans?
Yes. Direct cremation at Porter's Funeral Service starts at $2,215. Cremated veterans remain eligible for inurnment in a VA national cemetery.
Does Porter's Funeral Service help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin offers specialized services for veterans, assisting families with benefits and arranging a service worthy of their military service.
Which faith traditions does Porter's Funeral Service accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Lutheran, Congregational, Methodist, Church of God families, among others.
How do families rate Porter's Funeral Service?
Porter's Funeral Service holds a 5.0-star rating across 4 Google reviews from local families and veterans.
What sets Porter's Funeral Service apart
- Third-generation family-owned and operated business with over 50 years of service.
- Offers extensive personalization options including tribute videos, keepsakes, and live streaming.
- Provides flexible and affordable service options for both burial and cremation.
- Modern facility with multiple chapels, handicapped accessibility, and private family areas.
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Connecticut Funeral Directors Association
- · National Funeral Directors Association
Specializations
- · Veteran services
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic, Lutheran, Congregational, Methodist, Church of God, Seventh Day Adventist.
What families have said
Recent reviews from families who used Porter's Funeral Service. Reviews are sourced from Google Places and shown verbatim — we do not edit or filter for sentiment.
“The Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home went above and beyond for little old me last week. I needed to drop off some items for family members before services and they were so accommodating. Not only was this a family oriented company which I loved, but they gave me my time to accomplish what I needed to do. It wasn't a paid service but it should have been. I wasn't just another grieving family member or a number on a paper. I was just like their family member had passed and they were asking for help too.”
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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.