When you drive down Revere Street, the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home stands as a bit of a local landmark. Honestly, it’s one of those places people in the city just know. It isn't just about the brick and mortar or the sign out front; it's about the fact that they’ve been around since before the Great Depression even hit. Most families in Revere have probably stepped through those doors at least once, whether it was for a neighbor, a grandparent, or a close friend.
Established way back in 1911, the story didn't actually start here in Massachusetts. Leopoldo Buonfiglio and his wife, Rosa, originally opened their first funeral home in Schenectady, NY. They didn't make the move to Revere until 1923. That’s over a century of history. It’s kinda rare to see a business stay in the same family for five generations, but that’s exactly what happened here.
The Evolution of Paul Buonfiglio Funeral Home Revere
Most people don’t realize that the current chapel wasn't built until 1964. Before that, Paul Buonfiglio (the second generation) was running things out of the family residence on Mountain Avenue. Imagine that for a second—a full funeral service operating right out of a home. It speaks to a level of community connection that feels a little lost in the modern corporate world.
Things took a sudden turn in 1972 when Paul passed away unexpectedly at just 54. His son, Paul Jr., was only 24 years old. He had to step up immediately. He didn't just maintain the status quo; he kept the family name synonymous with Revere's local culture for over thirty years before semi-retiring.
A Merger of Legacies
In 2004, a major shift happened. The Buonfiglio family acquired the Bruno Funeral Chapel. By early 2005, the two names were joined, creating the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home we see today. This wasn't just a business move; it was a consolidation of two historical reputations in a city that values its roots.
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The current leadership includes Paul III and Victor, and most recently, Paul Stephen Buonfiglio. He’s the fifth generation. It’s interesting to note his background—he’s a U.S. Navy veteran and a Revere firefighter. You don’t often find funeral directors who are also active-duty first responders, but it adds a layer of "one of our own" to the way they operate.
What it Costs and What You Get
Let's talk money, because honestly, that's what people are searching for when they're stressed and grieving. Funerals aren't cheap, and the pricing at Buonfiglio is fairly transparent compared to some of the bigger corporate chains.
Based on recent industry data for the area, a Direct Cremation here starts around $1,495. If you’re looking for a full Traditional Service—we’re talking two days of visitation and a formal morning funeral—you’re looking at a package price closer to $7,100. That usually covers the professional services, embalming, and the hearse, but remember, it doesn't include the "cash advances."
What are cash advances? Basically, the stuff the funeral home pays for on your behalf:
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- The cemetery fee (which can be a massive hidden cost).
- The Medical Examiner’s fee.
- Newspaper obituaries.
- Flowers and church fees.
Service Flexibility
They’ve adapted to the times, too. It’s not just about the mahogany casket and the organ music anymore. They offer "Gather" live-streaming for relatives who can't fly into Logan Airport. They also handle international shipping—given how diverse Revere and East Boston are, getting a loved one back to their home country is a specialized service they do often.
Real Community Impact
One of their staff members, Manny, joined the team specifically to bridge the gap with the local Latino community. It’s a smart move, but also a necessary one. Revere has changed a lot since 1923, and the funeral home has had to change with it.
They aren't just sitting behind a desk. Paul Buonfiglio III is known for being incredibly active in local organizations. He even received the 2023 Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association President’s Award. It’s one thing to have your name on a building; it’s another to be recognized by your peers for actually doing the work.
Misconceptions About Pre-Planning
A lot of people think pre-planning a funeral is just a way for the home to "take your money early." In reality, it locks in today's prices. With inflation being what it is, a funeral that costs $7,000 today might be $11,000 in ten years. By setting it up now through the Buonfiglio staff, you’re basically freezing that cost. Plus, it saves your kids from having to guess what kind of music you liked while they're in the middle of a breakdown.
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Practical Steps if You’re Dealing with a Loss
If you find yourself needing to call the Paul Buonfiglio Funeral Home Revere right now, here is what actually happens:
- The First Call: They are available 24/7. Whether it’s 3 AM or mid-afternoon, a licensed director handles the initial transfer.
- The Meeting: You don’t have to go to them if you’re overwhelmed. They’ll actually come to your house to make the arrangements.
- Paperwork: They handle the death certificate filing with the State of Massachusetts and help you navigate Social Security and Veteran benefits. This is a huge relief because that paperwork is a nightmare when you're tired.
- Customization: Don't feel pressured into a "standard" service. If you want a tribute video or a specific type of prayer card, ask. They have an in-house team that handles the media side of things.
The funeral home is located at 128 Revere St, Revere, MA 02151. If you're coming from out of town, it's easily accessible from Route 1 or Route 1A.
Ultimately, choosing a funeral home is about trust. You're looking for someone who won't treat your family like a transaction. The fact that the Buonfiglio family has been doing this for over 110 years suggests they’ve figured out how to balance the business side with the human side.
Actionable Insights:
- Request a General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give you this. Review it before making any big decisions.
- Check Veteran Status: If your loved one served, the staff at Buonfiglio (who are veterans themselves) can help secure a spot at a National Cemetery and obtain military honors at no extra cost for the honors themselves.
- Ask about Cremation Options: You can still have a full viewing and "rental" casket before the cremation takes place if you want that traditional goodbye without the high cost of a burial plot.
For those needing immediate assistance or looking to start the pre-planning process, visiting the home in person at their Revere Street location is the best way to get a feel for the facility and the staff. You can reach them directly at 781-284-3376 to discuss specific needs or to begin the documentation process for a loved one.