Norwalk-Wilbert Vault Company, LLC.

 Established 1932

"A promise is only as good as the company making it...others promise...Norwalk-Wilbert delivers."

- Frequently Asked Questions -

What is a burial vault?

 A burial vault is a protective outer container for the casket. Though not required by law in all states, most cemeteries do require an outer container. For example, the dioceses of Bridgeport and Hartford, CT and Brooklyn, NY require burial vaults. Many families select a burial vault for the additional peace of mind it brings. A reinforced burial vault provides long-lasting protection needed to resist elements and physical conditions--including ground water, and weight from heavy equipment--over time. The burial vault also protects the casket and keeps the ground intact, thus preserving the beauty of the cemetery or memorial park.

What do I do in the event of a death?

Your funeral director is always ready at a moment's notice to make his or her complete services available to you. You will meet as soon as possible with your funeral director to review personal information about the deceased in order to complete the death certificate and prepare the obituary. Prior to this consultation, you should also ascertain whether the deceased had pre-planned for the funeral. This set of instructions will aid you greatly in assuring that the wishes of the deceased are carried out, and will take much of the decision-making burden from your shoulders.

How do I prepare an obituary announcement?

With your assistance, the funeral director will prepare the obituary announcement or paid death notice for publication in the newspapers. This notifies people of the time and place for visitation and the funeral services. He or she can also send notices to papers in other localities, often former places of residence of the deceased. Your funeral director can advise you of the most effective and informative notices to send.

What about the paperwork?

Unfortunately, there will be a lot of paperwork, but you won't have to contend with it on your own. Your funeral director can assist you in securing all the benefits rightfully due your family. He or she can answer may of your questions, guide you to the proper resources, and assist you in much of the paperwork required to file for insurance, Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits. Your funeral director can assist you in the following ways:

• Help you obtain the required certified copies of the death certificate necessary to file for insurance benefits;

• Send an appropriate form of the death certificate to the district Social Security office;

• Direct you to your nearest Social Security office to determine current benefits and to file a claim, including Survivor benefits, and Medicare benefits to help pay the final medical bills if the deceased was over 65 or over;

• Obtain an American flag for placement on the casket for any honorably discharged veteran;

• Assist you in applying for a veteran's grave marker and in making arrangements for burial in a national cemetery for eligible veterans and family members.

How do I make plans for the funeral?

Throughout all of the planning, your funeral director will be respectful of the family's wishes. The visitation and funeral can be a valuable experience as it meets the religious, social and emotional needs of the mourners. The funeral arrangements are particularly important in giving friends and family a meaningful way to express themselves.

The Visitation: Usually the visitation will be held at the funeral home. during visitation hours, your funeral director assists you in the reception of those who call. Whether you prefer a small or large gathering, your funeral director can help you make arrangements to best suit your needs.

The Service: Your funeral director will help you arrange a service that will best satisfy the preferences of you and your family. Most funeral homes offer a chapel or other appropriate setting for the service where an atmosphere of comfort, beauty and reverence is offered. You may also choose to hold the service at the family church, synagogue or other suitable location.

The Tribute: You will also consider what kind of tribute you may wish to make. A suitable tribute might include a eulogy or personal remark either by the clergy or a close personal friend.

Flowers and Flags: A family may choose to place a floral spray from the family on the casket. The caskets of veterans may be draped with an American flag. Your funeral director can obtain an American flag without charge from the Veterans Administration for you. After burial, this flag is presented to the next-of-kin.

Casket Bearers: Together with other family members, you will select casket bearers, to be notified by either your funeral director or a member of the family.

What about cremation?  If cremation is preferred, you will still be able to make the same decisions concerning the visitation and service. For a cremation service, you may select a casket for the visitation or viewing, and an urn for the cremated remains. If you choose not to have a viewing, you will still need to select a casket or alternative container. After cremation, many people prefer to bury the urn. While not required by law, many cemeteries or memorial parks do require the use of an urn vault. Please see our wide selection of urn vaults where you may select from over 30 styles.

Norwalk-Wilbert Vault Company, LLC. - 136 James Street - Bridgeport, CT 06604

800.826.9406  -   203.366.5678  -  fax:  203.337.5433  

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