East Greenwich, R.I. – The Hill‑Skeffington Funeral Home announced that its newly renovated facility is set to reopen in the coming weeks. After a devastating fire in February 2025 that forced the demolition of the original building, the funeral home has rebuilt and expanded its services to better serve the community.
Rebuilding after the fire
The fire that struck the funeral home last February caused extensive damage, prompting a complete teardown of the structure. Over the past year, the owners worked with local contractors and city officials to design a modern facility that meets contemporary standards for safety, accessibility, and compassionate care.
New features for families
The updated building will include a state‑of‑the‑art crematory, allowing families to choose cremation services on site. In addition, Hill‑Skeffington will offer an on‑site pet cremation service, recognizing the importance of honoring beloved animal companions alongside human loved ones.
Understanding the emotional toll of loss, the funeral home has also added an in‑house grief counselor. The counselor will be available to families throughout the funeral planning process and beyond, providing professional support and resources to help navigate bereavement.
Continuing service during construction
While construction was underway, Hill‑Skeffington maintained operations from a temporary location in East Greenwich. Families have been able to schedule services, meet with staff, and access essential resources without interruption. The funeral home’s leadership emphasized that the temporary site will remain operational until the new building is fully ready for public use.
Community response
Local residents have expressed relief and optimism about the reopening. “Hill‑Skeffington has been a trusted part of our community for generations,” said longtime East Greenwich resident Margaret Doyle. “Knowing they’re back with even better facilities gives our families peace of mind during difficult times.”
City officials also praised the swift reconstruction effort, noting that the project adhered to all zoning and safety regulations. The town’s planning department worked closely with the funeral home to ensure the new structure fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood.
Looking ahead
With the reopening imminent, Hill‑Skeffington Funeral Home is preparing a series of open‑house events to introduce the community to the new space and its expanded services. The funeral home invites families to tour the facility, meet the grief counselor, and learn about the pet cremation options.
For more information or to schedule a visit, families can contact Hill‑Skeffington at (401) 555‑1234 or visit their website.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
