Bereavement Services

Only a few funeral homes offer comprehensive bereavement programs and services. This is one of the many distinctions of John F. Yasik Funereal Services. When a loved one dies and you need help making sense of your grief experience; we are here for you.

1. Our Bereavement Coordinator is trained and Certified in Thanatology (dying, death, and bereavement) to better assist you and your family.
   
2. Let's talk about the Funeral© is an individualized program developed at Doherty Funeral Homes to help children and teenagers better understand their loss and the planned funeral/memorial service.
   
3. Our annual Holiday Hope program and memorial gives grieving families and individuals a framework to help them cope through the holiday season.
   

We are here to extend a helping hand to you and your family after you have suffered a loss. We are here to help you through your grief experience beyond the day of the funeral. We Are Here For You, now and in the future, should you have need for:

• Personal Consultation
  
• Referrals To Support and Counseling Services
  
• Grief Talk© For Grieving Children & Teenagers
  
• An Annual “Holiday Hope" Program and Memorial
  
• Small & Large Group Discussions & Presentations
  
• Grief Related Books & Literature
  

Our Bereavement Programs and Services are coordinated by Ralph P. Plumley, ThM., CT. Ralph is a Certified Thanatologist by The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). He is also ordained, with a Master of Theology degree in Pastoral Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary. For more than seven years, Ralph served as a hospital chaplain, assisting grieving families in their time of need. He is the author of several CareNotes, a series of booklets published by Abbey Press.

Ralph is a popular guest speaker with audiences of children and adults on various topics related to loss and grief. He has been invited to speak with churches, nursing homes, and annually at several area schools. As a part of our staff since 1992, Ralph can be reached at Doherty Funeral Homes by calling (302) 999-8277 or by e-mail at bereavement@dohertyfh.com.

"Dear Ralph, Thank you for taking the time to come and calm me down to help me realize...that grief can not be rushed and everyone experiences it differently."