We recently entrusted Gately Funeral Home with our mother's final arrangements, and we are profoundly grateful for the exceptional care and compassion we received. From our very first call late on a Saturday night, Leo Spano responded promptly and guided us through every step with professionalism, patience, and kindness. Leo's attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine compassion made a difficult time easier for our family. He ensured that every detail--from the preparation and presentation to the church service and burial--was carried out beautifully. Our family wishes to sincerely thank Leo for his outstanding service and support. He is truly an invaluable member of the Gately Funeral Home team. read more

Losing my father unexpectedly was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. However, Leo and the entire team at Gately Funeral Home provided an exceptional level of care and professionalism that brought our family great comfort during this painful time. From our very first meeting, it was clear that Leo is deeply dedicated to his work. He told us that he only has one opportunity to do things right, and he truly lived up to that promise. Leo was compassionate, honest, and transparent throughout the entire process. He never attempted to upsell us or pressure us into unnecessary purchases. Instead, he asked about our budget and helped us find ways to stay within it. He even mentioned that we could purchase certain items elsewhere, though he often offered better prices himself. His integrity and empathy were evident in every interaction. Leo provided his personal cell phone number and responded promptly to every question or concern we had. Because my father's passing was unexpected, he first had to go through the medical examiner. During that time, Leo kept us updated regularly and contacted me immediately once my father arrived at the funeral home. We felt confident that my father was being cared for with the utmost respect and dignity. The wake and funeral services were beautifully arranged. Since my father was a Navy veteran, Leo ensured that he received full military honors. When the two representatives performing the flag ceremony did not fold the flag correctly, Leo personally offered to have it redone properly and delivered it to my mother's home a few days later -- a gesture that meant a great deal to our family. At the cemetery, a miscommunication caused confusion regarding the burial plot. While the issue was ultimately with the cemetery, Leo went above and beyond once again, offering to bring my father back to the funeral home until everything was resolved. His concern and advocacy stood in stark contrast to the cemetery's suggestion to "leave the vault out overnight." Ultimately, the cemetery resolved the issue by removing a tree that was in the way -- something we thought would take months -- but thanks to Leo's persistence, it was completed within a week. I cannot thank Leo and the staff at Gately Funeral Home enough for their compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail. They treated our family with kindness and my father with the respect he deserved. I wholeheartedly recommend Gately Funeral Home to anyone in need of funeral services. They truly go above and beyond in every way. read more

My wife and I attended a funeral service yesterday at Incarnation Church in Melrose the funeral home the family used was Gately I have attended many services but this one was performed perfectly. This is a first class operation. During the funeral procession to the cemetery the funeral home had traffic stopped at all intersections to allow for an uninterrupted procession this was very impressive. The funeral director made sure everything was perfect at the cemetery and handed out roses to every person that attended the service. Well done read more

My review isn't for Gately Funeral Home, it's for the owner Mr. John Gately. You'd figure someone who makes a living off the unfortunate loss of your loved ones would be built with an ounce of compassion. That is so not the case. Today at another funeral home, waiting in line to go bury my boyfriends grandfather, Mr. John Gately, was at the truck in front of me tapping his watch & swearing, saying "it's my day off & I should be out on my boat" as the daughter of the deceased walks by & said "wouldn't we all" & he responded with "well it's not my funeral." She of course said, "well it's my dads." Again, you pay for your boat, & your days off - through burying people. You should know there is not a convenient time for someone to die, no ideal weather & on behalf of my family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss of a boat day. I hope there's some miracle you're able to go on the boat one more time, because the loved one we lost & said goodbye to today, doesn't have a chance to do anything again. Thank you John Gately for your whole hearted compassion & I hope you have a great weekend on the water. read more

100% lacking in "bedside manner". 3 days ago, I attended a wake at this facility. It was emotional and I had tears streaming down my face when I left. As the owner/proprietor held the door open, he said "Have a nice night now, ok". REALLY? How about "Thank you for coming" or "Would you like to sit for a few minutes before driving?". A fountain of tears pouring down my face and he thought "Have a nice night" was appropriate. Stay away from this place. I can't image how they treat families if this is how they treat guests. read more

Gately funeral home is one of the few that is still family owned. The owners are compassionate, respectful, and very professional. I cannot say enough good things about Gately funeral home. I know I am more than 100 percent satisfied. I'm glad I found such a wonderful funeral home. read more

Gately Funeral Home - Rocking my Red Sox cap - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Melrose, Massachusetts

Although our family has done business many times with the Gately Family, I am grateful for the professional behavior and the operational details that John demonstrated. The youngest of the Gately Family, John showed quick response to all my questions and requests. When asked, he offered advice and guidance but was never pushy or "selling add-ons". I appreciate that John did not overly commiserate with my family because that would have been a sign of false sympathy. John was willing to move the furniture, the flowers, etc. simply because I asked. He was available 24/7 to answer questions and give answers. When he was uncertain of an answer he simply found the correct information and got that to me asap. He is a very valuable asset to The Gately Funeral Home. It was more than helpful that he was the go between with the church and the Priest. The service exceeded all my expectations. read more

My mother's funeral services were taken care of by Gately. They are on top of their game. Fred and Tom are caring and conscientious taking care of details that a bereaving family just cannot think of. Greatly appreciate their attention to detail. Highly recommend Gately. read more

Our family wants to thank John and his staff for kind and professional service provided to our family in the passing of our Father. The staff at Gately's took care of all our concerns and thoughtfully walked us through the process. It was extremely helpful to have all the details taken care of in a thoughtful manner. Thank you so much, The Tuscano Family read more

Please don't go to this funeral home. My dad died a few weeks ago and my aunt decided on Gately as the agency to handle burial. My dad was a melrose guy so I figured it would be ok. So I sat down with John Gately, the owner, on a Sunday, one day after death. He seemed professional enough. Said most of the right things. Had this crooked smile going...I knew he was a slick salesman. But it's the business right? Definitely gave me a weird feeling though. He added up the charges. 4,700 and change for a cremation and simple burial with military honors. I'm kinda naive about the whole thing but it seemed kinda hefty for what they actually had to do. But here I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. I asked them about a death certificate and they said they would have it by Wednesday...Maybe Thursday. This is 5 days after death. I hand over the check immediately. BAD IDEA. I called them on Thursday when there wasn't a death certificate (my mom died a month earlier and her death certificate came to me 5 days after death) and they told me they weren't sure they had it. I said, well can you check? Then he (John gatelys son) said it was out of their control...automated system...blah blah blah. But then I said, well can you check? He said, "well, we probably don't...I'm out of the office..." And then I said, well, when you get back can you check??" They said that they'd check and call me back. They did not call me back. Dads funeral was in a few days so I let it go. So the service is on the following Saturday at Wyoming cemetery. They have this guy Leo there as a Gately representative. The guy, whenever he talked to me, got uncomfortably close to me. Right up in my grill. Unsure what that was about...but he must have been trained to do that during funerals to show that he was empathic to what I was going through. I almost told him to give me some space...but I didn't want to be rude. Other then a military honor guard stuttering at my fathers funeral (on b b behalf of a g g grateful nation...) it went ok. I asked him about the death certificate and he told me it would get there on Monday, if I wanted i could come by and pick it up. I told him I was working, couldn't take anymore time off...could he immediately send it out via mail. He said he would call me on MONDAY to let me know it had been mailed. Monday goes by...Tuesday goes by...Wednesday...Thursday...now it's Friday. No call. No death certificate. I call up Gately on Friday at 4:40. Where's the death certificate? Oh it's at city hall...some kind of problem. Why wasn't I called like someone said I would be called? Um...not really sure sir, they say. I say, listen...I was told on Monday death Cert would be ready and a phone call made...now it's Friday.... The guy, Fred, interrupts me and starts saying something about the computerized system...blah blah blah. I tell him, listen don't interrupt me...someone said they'd call...they never called. I want to get some answers, some accountability. He then says that he'll take down my number and get someone who has answers. So I get a phone call 20 minutes later...it's John Gately. He's upset, starts YELLING at me to treat his employees better. I tell him, do not bully me...I am a customer who just lost his father...I am looking for some accountability here. Someone told me death certificate would be ready and they never called. He then starts screaming at me to be more respectful to his employees. I get into it with him and say, "I already paid you your money so I know you think it's now ok to treat your customers this way...especially one who just lost his dad AND his mom within a month. But you WILL NOT bully ME." He then starts yelling some more trying to interrupt me and I mention my moms death certificate and how it got to me and my brothers in 5 days. He then changes his tune and starts to play nice. "I delivered them myself to the post office sir, you'll get them by Monday." A full 15/16 days after death. He kept saying "we've been in the business for 126 years for a reason". Like it's ok to rest on your laurels. Well, mr. Gately, you'll be lucky to last to year 127 of you keep treating your bereaved customers like you did me. read more

Gately Funeral Home has handled the funeral services for all my family members. My mom,dad, two sisters and infant grandson as well as numerous in-laws. I cannot give them enough praise and thanks for the caring sensitive way they have helped us through these most difficult times. John Sr., John Jr. and all of their employees were so sincere and attentive. I cannot say enough about these wonderful people and all they do to help make your loss a little easier . read more

I recently used the services of Gately Funeral Home, and am beyond satisfied, therefore giving them the highest rating possible. All of the planning was done long distance, since I am in CA and my Aunt was a resident of Melrose. As this was my first experience planning a formal funeral, Mr. Gately walked me through every decision, without overlooking a single detail. He answered all of my e mails and calls promptly, and accurately. When it came to the day of the service, I was delighted to see that Gately Funeral Home has a resident therapy dog in service, to help those who need a little K9 comfort through their grieving. John and his staff were there with us every step of the way, including the mass at the church, and the burial. By the end of the day, I felt like he was family. John Gately is a consummate professional, who I would highly recommend. Thank you for everything you have done for the Brambilla family, we are eternally grateful. read more

My family and I recently used the services of Gately Funeral home when my father passed away. We were all 100% satisfied with the degree of professionalism, service and help we received throughout the entire process, especially at the Wake, which was extremely busy. Mr. Gately is a true gentleman who handled everything with nothing but the best intentions of our family and our wishes and is a true professional. We will highly recommend Gately for our friends and family who may need Funeral Services. Thank you again, for all of your help and guidance with this process. I know that my dad would have been very proud of the services. Jen Doak-Deraps read more