Gately Funeral Home
79 W Foster St, Melrose, MA, 02176
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in Massachusetts
$3,119 – $9,810
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $3,119–$9,810. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
Business Hours
What Families Say
“Gately Funeral Home has faithfully served my family’s needs for many years. They are the only funeral home my family would use in Melrose. Leo Spano is a model Funeral Director. He cares deeply for his profession and it shows in his care for families.He has honored my family with his service and recommendations to personalize the Celebration of Life we arranged. We will be forever grateful to him. Thank You Gately Family For Your Service To The Community.”
— Donna O'Brien
“My family and I have used Gately Funeral Home with both my grandfather and most recently, my grandmother. I truly cannot say enough good things about them. During two of the hardest times in our family’s life, they were compassionate, professional, and incredibly supportive every step of the way. I have had the pleasure of knowing Tucker. A past comfort dog of Gately Funeral Home. At the age of 6 and 7 my sister and I enjoyed feeding him ham outside our grandparents bakery. John W. brought Tucker by my grandparents bakery daily. Which lead to my sister and I feeding Tucker an absurd amount of ham. Recently, I met Mogul. A beautiful Bernese mountain dog who is a gentle giant. Not only the comfort dogs but both John W., and his son John H., treated our family with genuine care, respect, and kindness. The staff, including Leo, made a very emotional process feel manageable and comforting. Every detail was handled thoughtfully. We never felt rushed or overlooked. They were amazing with the services and checked in with us consistently. I am deeply grateful for the kindness they showed our family, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone needing funeral services. They are truly amazing.”
— Isabella Avellino
“Gately Funeral Home has an amazing reputation and my recent experience with them further supports their dedication to families, commitment to the process and their expertise. Leo Spano recently handled my mother’s death; she had requested Gately’s (when the time came). From our first ‘sit down’ at the Home to discuss services to our final farewell grave-side, Leo met each concern and conflict with genuine grace, positivity, knowledge and understanding. My siblings, father and I were in different places with our grief and Leo was able to support each of us with comfort and care (& even a little humor, when it was appropriate) which is a gift. Many thanks, Leo! The experience far exceeded our family’s expectations.”
— Kristina Colbert Lourie
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
Are you Gately Funeral Home?
Claim your free listing to receive the families we connect you with, show your services and pricing, and partner with MedaSynq — at no cost.
Claim your free listing