If you've spent any time driving through the winding, hilly streets of Norwalk, you know that the "Historic" label isn't just for show. It’s baked into the bricks. Right at 5 East Wall Street, there is a white building that has watched this city change for over 150 years. That's the Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk, and if you’re looking for someone who knows the names behind the headstones in this town, you're looking for John Lesko.
Death is a weird thing to talk about. Most people avoid it until they absolutely can't. But in a place like Norwalk, where families have lived for generations, the "who" and "where" of a funeral matters more than you might think.
The Lesko Name and the Wall Street Legacy
Honestly, the history here is a bit of a labyrinth. John Lesko didn't just walk into this building one day and decide to be a funeral director. He's actually a fifth-generation funeral director. Think about that for a second. His family has been doing this since 1909. Back then, they weren't even called "funeral directors"—they were livery providers. They provided the horses and the carriages.
Basically, the transition from driving the hearse to managing the service was a natural evolution for the Lesko family. John spent a decade managing what was then known as Hoyt-Cognetta. In 2018, he took the leap and became the owner. He didn't just keep the old name, though. He brought back the "Raymond" name to honor the heritage of the site, which has served the community since 1873.
It's Norwalk’s longest-running funeral home.
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Finding Obituaries and Recent Services
When people search for Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk John Lesko owner obituaries, they’re usually looking for a specific person. Maybe a neighbor they haven't seen in a while or a distant relative. The home maintains a digital archive that’s actually pretty easy to navigate compared to some of the clunky, older sites out there.
If you are looking for someone right now, here are a few names from the most recent records as of January 2026:
- Robert L. Depelteau, Jr. (Monroe) – Passed away January 11, 2026.
- Rosemary Murphy Pettit (Ridgefield) – A proud Irish-heritage matriarch who passed on January 9, 2026.
- Benito Amador, Jr. (Norwalk) – A local father who passed away at age 50 on January 8, 2026.
- Lila M. Mays-Verges (Stamford) – Known for her quiet strength, she passed on January 5, 2026.
The digital tributes allow people to light virtual candles or post photos. It’s a bit 21st-century for a 19th-century building, but it works.
What It’s Like Inside
Funeral homes can be creepy. We’ve all seen the movies. But John Lesko’s place is different because it’s a literal house. A big, white, renovated historic home.
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The vibe is "gracious home-like atmosphere," which is basically code for "not a sterile hospital basement." They have a large outdoor porch, which is actually a really nice touch. If you've ever been to a three-hour wake, you know that sometimes you just need to step outside and breathe some air that doesn't smell like lilies.
They also handled the logistics of the "new" Norwalk well. The parking lot is off-street and large, which, if you know Wall Street, is a minor miracle.
Let’s Talk About the Money Side
People hate talking about funeral costs. It feels gross to talk about dollars when you're grieving, but let's be real—it's expensive. John Lesko has been pretty transparent about the "Raymond.care" pricing model.
Basically, a traditional burial service there hovers around the $6,905 mark. That includes the director’s fee (around $1,995), embalming ($995), and the use of the facilities. If you’re looking at direct cremation, it’s closer to $1,995.
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It’s not cheap, but it’s also not the "upsell" nightmare people fear. The reviews for Lesko often mention that he doesn't pressure families into buying the "gold-plated casket" version of a service. He’s a member of the Planning Commission and the Chamber of Commerce; he’s got a reputation to maintain in this town.
Why the "Historic" Part Matters
There is a sense of continuity at 5 East Wall Street. When you see an obituary listed under the Raymond name, you’re seeing a continuation of a story that started when Norwalk was a tiny coastal hub.
John Lesko is now training the next generation—John Philip Lesko—making them the first sixth-generation owned funeral home in Connecticut. That kind of longevity is rare. It means when you walk in there, the guy behind the desk probably knew your grandfather. Or at least his family did.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you are currently dealing with a loss or planning ahead, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check the Archives: If you're looking for a specific obituary, go directly to their tribute page. They partner with Legacy, so the search function is robust.
- Verify the Location: Don't get confused with the Lesko Funeral Home in Fairfield. That's a different branch of the family tree. The Norwalk location is 5 East Wall Street.
- Pre-Planning: If you’re a Norwalk local, you can actually walk in and do a "Talk of a Lifetime" session. It’s basically a way to document your story before you’re the one in the obituary.
- Parking: If you’re attending a service, use the entrance on the side to access the large off-street lot. Don't try to find a spot on Wall Street; you’ll just end up late and frustrated.
The reality of Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk is that it’s a bridge between the old-school Norwalk and the modern city. John Lesko has managed to keep the "neighborly" feel in a business that often feels corporate and cold.