Another Garrettsville institution, the Carlson family has owned Carlson Funeral Homes for 37 years. “Garrettsville has gotten bigger,” Dr. Mike Carlson noted, “but it has maintained the ‘small town’ atmosphere.” Dr. Mike noted that he and his three brothers purchased the business, which includes locations in Brunswick and Medina, and set about helping grieving families to heal from their losses.
Now that two of Carlson brothers have passed away, the remaining two brothers, now in their 70’s, are ready to retire and place their businesses in capable hands for the next 30 plus years. But since no one in their families felt called to continue the business, the brothers set out to find someone with similar values to carry on serving the community.
Earlier this year, they sold their businesses to Heritage LLC, based in Tennessee. According to Dr. Mike, Heritage owns a majority of funeral homes throughout Ohio and Michigan. When they purchased Carlson, the holding company also acquired over a dozen more funeral homes throughout the Warren and Youngstown areas.
Dr Mike has stayed on throughout the transition, as David Napoli joined the team to assume the role of Funeral Director at Carlson. “It’s been my honor to serve Garrettsville families,” Dr. Mike noted. “I’m confident that Dave and his staff will continue that mission moving forward.”
Dave explained, “I don’t think Dr. Mike is the only one without family members wanting to take on their businesses. Being a Funeral Director is kind of a calling,” he noted. “It’s a very unique business and ministry, working with people at the lowest, saddest time in their lives.” He continued, “We serve families regardless of their race, income, or religion.”
Dave left Catholic seminary in 2008. He began working at a funeral home shortly thereafter. “It more than simply a business; it requires thinking like a social worker and minister and requires being on call 24/7.” Dave explained. “It’s a calling that isn’t for everyone.”
But it’s the circuitous nature of life and death that led Dave to meet his wife. Her twin and his friend introduced them after the two meeting while he served her family during her grandmother’s funeral.
Dave noted that there’s a shortage of Funeral Directors in Ohio due in part to strict licensure. To become a licensed Funeral Director in Ohio requires a four-year degree and two-year apprenticeship, while embalmers must earn a two-year degree. In addition, 18 hours of continuing education are required every two years. “Learning is key to making tasks easier and in working together with families.”
While finding the right person to take over the business took Dr. Mike two years, the changeover has been fairly seamless. Carlson Funeral Homes maintained the same name, the same pricing, and the same services. “Dr. Mike made it very easy to step in,” Dave noted. He added that if a family wants Dr. Mike to return and assist with their needs, he’s graciously agreed to help serve them. “Other than spending more time on the golf course,” Dr Mike joked, “I’m not going anywhere.”
This new arrangement is a win for both gentlemen, as Dr. Mike gets to slow down and enjoy his retirement. Dave and his family also experience a slower pace, as he’s moved from managing nine funeral homes on the West side of Cleveland to managing Carlson’s three locations.
Which simply means that Carlson is the same family business the community has come to rely on in their time of need, offering consolation, understanding, and whatever services they require. Dave and his staff carry on Dr Mike’s philosophy, “You take care of each other, and we’ll take care of everything else.” Dave echoed that sentiment, noting, “We’re here to give families the time to be together.”
For more information, call (330) 527-2188 or email david@carlsonfuneralhomes.com.Transition at Carlson Funeral Homes
