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Approximately seven million Americans have prearranged their funeral with a funeral home. This is because more and more people are recognizing that planning a funeral in advance demonstrates love and consideration toward their family members. It is a thoughtful decision that reduces the stress of indecision and uncertainty when a death occurs.
The planning process is something that has been a part of our daily lives forever. We purchase fire insurance for our home for the possible event of a fire; we purchase auto insurance for the possible event of an accident; doesn't it make sense to plan for the one event that is certain to happen?
We give you the opportunity to make your choices with the freedom from the usual urgencies that are created when a death occurs. Advance planning makes good sense, and is an economically sound decision.

Plan your own funeral: Can I place my records on file via the Dinoto Funeral Home web site?

Yes. At Dinoto Funeral Home, the first step in pre-planning is to complete our Pre-Arrangement Form either by clicking the link below or by requesting one to be mailed to you. This form asks for basic biographical information which we must have on file before any further steps can be taken.
We will then mail you our comprehensive, no-obligation Dinoto Funeral Home Pre-Arrangement Packet which contains not only the above mentioned biographical worksheet, but also additional worksheets for you to make further notes of your wishes; our General Price List; as well as other helpful information regarding Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, etc..

Finally, one of the most important steps in Pre-Arranging a Funeral is composing the obituary. Most newspapers now charge for obituaries based upon length, therefore you may include as much information that you wish; however, the average obituary in the New London Day (without a photo) costs approximately $ 375.00 (The Norwich Bulletin & Westerly Sun typically cost 25-40% more). We are happy to help compose the obituary and get a price quote prior to publication or you can reference the "Composing An Obituary" guide in our Pre-Arrangement Packet.

To begin the process of Advance Planning and complete our Pre-Arrangement Form; please Click Here or call us at 860.536.2685 and request our complete Pre-Arrangement Packet. Our business office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4:00pm, but we can be reached at any time by phone at 860-536-2685.

If you have any questions about preplanning, feel free to contact us at our funeral home, or email directly at dinotofh@aol.com.


Why do families prearrange?

There are many reasons families prearrange, including:

  • To give yourself time to think about certain aspects of the service without having to make immediate decisions
  • Make sure your preferences for the type of funeral service you desire are fulfilled
  • Control Costs. By paying for your funeral in advance, your assets are protected and grow at competitive interest rates
  • To relieve your family members of the financial responsibility of funeral expenses at the time of death
  • To ensure understanding of possible benefits at the time of death for your survivors, such as social security, veteran benefits, and life insurance claims
  • To avoid giving the surviving family members the 104 decisions that must be made on the most difficult day of their life (see this list below)
  • Knowing that your plans and confidences are with an over 100 year old, family-owned business, providing the community with an honest staff of professional, licensed funeral directors dedicated to superior quality and value

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Things that must be done on the Most Difficult Day of Your Life

A. SECURE VITAL STATISTICS (Required For Documents)

  • Full name, complete address, telephone number
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Marital status
  • Educational attainment
  • Citizenship (US/Canadian/Other)
  • Father's name
  • Father's birthplace
  • Mother's maiden name
  • Mother's birthplace
  • Social Security Number
  • Veteran's Serial/Service Number
  • Date & place of service, date of discharge
  • How long at current residence/former residence(s)
  • Occupation, job title, nature of work & history
  • Location of workplace, telephone number
  • Family origin

B. PAY SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING

  • Funeral expenses
  • Purchase of family burial estate, mausoleum crypt, cremation niche, opening & closing costs
  • Monument/Marker engraving charges
  • Clergy
  • Organist and vocalist
  • Florist
  • Obituary Fees
  • Clothing for Burial, entombment or cremation
  • Transportation costs

C. COLLECT DOCUMENTS AND PAPERWORK

  • Birth certificate/legal proof of age
  • Social Security card or number
  • Veteran's discharge certificate
  • Insurance policies (life, health, accident, property, auto)
  • Bank books and listing of accounts
  • Other financial accounts
  • Cemetery deed or proof of ownership
  • Auto titles or bill of sale

D. DECIDE AND ARRANGE WITHIN A FEW HOURS

  • Exact location of burial/disposition and which space to open
  • Location of service
  • Service type (religious, fraternal, military)
  • Time for visitation and funeral service
  • Arrange for special religious services
  • Provide information for eulogy
  • Determine if casket is open or closed
  • Burial Vault
  • Provide vital statistics about deceased for newspaper
  • Clothing and jewelry for deceased
  • Selection of scripture & readings (poems etc.)
  • Selection of clergy
  • Funeral Home preference
  • Marking of grave (either temporary or permanent)
  • Charitable contributions for memorials in memory of deceased
  • Register book, memorial/prayer cards
  • Select Pallbearers
  • Select floral arrangements
  • Musical selections
  • Decide if transportation is needed for family & guests, including funeral procession lineup
  • Reviewing & signing all paperwork
  • Necessary meetings with funeral director, lawyer, clergy, cemetery, etc.
  • Acknowledging those who help in a special way (contributors of flowers, food, donations, etc.)
  • Order certified copies of death certificate
  • Items for memento display

E. PLAN TO NOTIFY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

  • All relatives
  • All friends
  • Minister and church
  • Funeral director
  • Pallbearers
  • Cemetery
  • Doctor
  • Employer of deceased
  • Employers of relatives not going to work
  • Organist, other musicians & vocalists
  • Newspapers regarding notices
  • Social Security Administration
  • Veterans Administration
  • Insurance agents
  • Religious, fraternal, civic organizations & unions
  • Attorney, accountant, financial planner & executor of estate
  • Credit card companies

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What steps are involved in prearrangement?

We will explain your options and guide you in establishing your own plans. You should find the advice of your family, clergy, and funeral director especially helpful when considering your options. We will record all your wishes and vital information, as well as assist in gathering documents to keep at the funeral home.

After deciding the details for the funeral, you can select any merchandise you may desire for the services.

Our funeral home can even provide you the opportunity to make selections and set aside funds for flowers, the funeral escort to the cemetery, custom memorial folders and acknowledgments. Many will even prepay the opening and closing of the grave for the cemetery. At Dinoto Funeral Home we priceguarantee OUR FEES if prepaid in full.

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What If I move out of town?

If you should relocate to another city after prearranging, Dinoto Funeral Home will transfer your prearrangement sto the funeral home of your choice.