Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Funeral and Cremation Services in New Canaan
Hoyt Funeral Home has served New Canaan and surrounding communities for over a century, offering personalized and dignified funeral and cremation services. Founded in 1925, our team combines deep local knowledge with 47 years of dedicated leadership from owner Tom Cicalese. We maintain national recognition for excellence in customer service, having been ranked among the top 20 funeral homes by Johnson Consulting in 2016 and 2017. Our staff regularly participates in continuing education programs to stay current with evolving regulations and best practices.We pride ourselves on community involvement, supporting local organizations and providing compassionate guidance through end-of-life planning. Our facilities offer a welcoming environment for memorialization, with 24/7 availability for immediate needs. We maintain transparent operations while honoring diverse cultural, religious, and economic considerations for every family we serve.
Services
Funeral Services
Cremation Services
Pre-Need Planning
At-Need Arrangements
Obituary Writing
Funeral Etiquette Guidance
Floral Arrangements
Memorial Services
Burial Services
Pre-Arrangements Online
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of experience in funeral services
- Our owner has 47 years of continuous service in the industry
- Recognized in the top 20 funeral homes for customer service
- Available 24/7 for immediate needs and emergency services
- Actively involved in supporting local community organizations
What people say
Compassionate and dignified
Incredible professionalism
Thoughtful and caring assistance
Beautiful and proper sendoff
Exceptional sensitivity
Services
Funeral Services
We provide traditional funeral services with personalized options for visitation, ceremony, and burial. Our experienced directors guide families through every decision, from casket selection to cemetery arrangements. We accommodate religious, cultural, and personal preferences while maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism throughout the process.
Cremation Services
Our cremation services offer respectful alternatives to traditional burial with flexible memorialization choices. We explain all options including urn selection, columbarium placement, and scattering ceremonies. Our staff maintains strict protocols to ensure accurate identification throughout the cremation process while providing compassionate guidance for families making these important decisions.
Pre-Need Planning
We help individuals plan their funeral arrangements in advance, reducing future burdens on loved ones. Our pre-need services include detailed documentation of preferences and optional pre-payment plans. This proactive approach ensures personal wishes are honored while providing financial security and peace of mind for families.
At-Need Arrangements
We provide comprehensive support for families needing immediate funeral arrangements. Our team handles all logistics including death certificates, permits, and transportation. We offer 24/7 assistance to guide families through decisions about service type, obituary preparation, and memorial details during these difficult times.
Obituary Writing
Our staff assists with creating meaningful obituaries that honor loved ones' lives. We help craft narratives that include biographical details, accomplishments, and personal anecdotes. This service ensures accurate information dissemination while capturing the unique story of the deceased for family and community remembrance.
People
Tom Cicalese
Owner
With 47 years of experience, Tom Cicalese has dedicated his career to providing compassionate funeral services. He began his career at 18 and purchased Hoyt Funeral Home after seven years with the Hoyt family.
Nicholas F. Cognetta Jr.
Co-Owner
Nicholas Cognetta Jr. has served in the funeral industry since 1979. He co-founded multiple funeral homes and established Connecticut's first crematory. He brings extensive experience in both funeral services and cremation options.
Thomas M. Gallagher
Co-Owner
Thomas Gallagher has over 25 years of funeral service experience. He owns two additional funeral homes and brings a strong commitment to community service and personalized care for each family.
Kurt Lilja
Funeral Director
Kurt Lilja has worked in funeral services since 2012. With experience in multiple states and a US Coast Guard background, he provides compassionate guidance and manages daily funeral operations with professionalism.
Brian Garrity
Funeral Director
Brian Garrity transitioned to funeral services after a 20-year financial services career. He graduated from mortuary school in 2021 and brings both financial expertise and compassionate service to his role.
Questions
What types of funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, cremation services, and customized memorial options to meet individual preferences and cultural traditions.
Can I personalize funeral arrangements?
Yes, we encourage personalization to reflect the deceased's life, including special themes, music selections, and unique memorial elements.
Do you offer pre-planning services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive pre-need planning with documented preferences and optional pre-payment options to ease future burdens.
Are you available for emergencies?
Our licensed funeral directors are available 24/7 for immediate assistance with urgent arrangements and transportation needs.
What's included in your service fees?
Fees cover professional services, facility use, transportation, documentation, and basic memorial coordination as specified in your arrangements.
