In 2019 the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory will commemorate 100 years of serving the northeastern Connecticut community, a service it has provided since 1919.
In the coming months of 2019, under the direction of its current owner Robert R. Fournier, Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory are planning a number of public information events as well as community services as a way of demonstrating the company’s appreciation to the people of the Greater Putnam area.
“Since the early days of the business and its founder Alexander Gilman, the name Gilman Funeral Home has always been synonymous with community service as well as providing quality care for families during times of need. Serving all families regardless of faith or culture, the ownership and staff of Gilman and Valade prides itself on accommodating families with personalized funeral services,” said Fournier
As was the New England tradition of the time, Mr. Gilman had been affiliated with other funeral directors and ran a local hardware store. He eventually saw the need to operate his own funeral service while maintaining a second business. Eventually the Gilman family incorporated the two businesses under the name of A. Gilman Co., Inc. Alexander’s son Leonard Gilman then followed his father into the family business.
In 1938, in an historic move, the business bought the Johnson family residence, an elegant Victorian home at 104 Church St. in Putnam. Overlooking the Quinebaug River, the funeral home has continuously operated at this location for the past 80 years.
During its 100 years of operation The Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes have undergone a number of ownership changes. Leonard Gilman, Alexander’s son, with the assistance of his cousin Rheal Gilman, owned and operated the business until 1973.
Lawrence Bellerose joined the firm in 1958 and in 1973, along with his wife Arlene, purchased the funeral home. In 1980 Mr. and Mrs. Bellerose also purchased the Valade Funeral home in N. Grosvenordale from the Valade family. The Valade family had owned it since 1924. From 1995 to 2005 the business was owned by a Canadian Corporation, the Alderwoods Group.
In 2005 the funeral homes were purchased by Robert “Bob” Fournier, a young man who grew up in a family devoted to quality funeral service. Under his leadership he returned the business to local ownership. The company was expanded by Mr. Fournier in 2013 with the addition of the Park Tribute Center, Windham County’s only crematory. “Gilman and Valade is the only funeral home offering cremation services where your loved one never leaves the care of its staff,” said Fournier.
“My family has been involved in funeral service in Rhode Island since 1914. My belief is that families are more comfortable in time of need when they’re dealing with people from their own community,” said Fournier.
“Our centennial theme is, ‘A Century of Dedication, Compassion and Guidance.’ My goal is and always has been to provide individualized family service to those families we serve. By personalizing and accommodating families, we ease their burden at a time when they most require our assistance,” he added.
In the upcoming year, as part of the company’s centennial celebration, Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes plans to reach out to the people through a series of informational and educational events aimed at familiarizing people with the unique funeral services that they provide. They are planning a series of open house events at their locations in Putnam and N. Grosvenordale.
“Our staff prides itself in the quality and personalized service we provide each family we serve. The programs we’re planning throughout the year are our way of giving back to those families who have placed their trust in us. We’re looking forward to reaching out and joining with the people of northeastern Connecticut as we remember 100 years of service,” said Fournier.
Gilman and Valade operates funeral homes at 104 Church Street in Putnam, 23 Main Street in North Grosvenordale, and the Park Tribute Center on 25 Highland Drive in Putnam.
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