About Us
Holt Funeral Home is committed to providing the highest levels of personalized service, professionalism, integrity and care to the families we are privileged to serve each day.
As such, our team is dedicated to providing you and your family with services – before, during and after a death – that are designed to assist you in your travels along the journey of grief. Our team of professionals are here to listen compassionately and to provide experienced guidance throughout this process.
We understand that every family is unique and as such your needs are also unique. With over 85 years of experience helping families, our team of professionals are well equipped to meet your needs to ensure your expectations are not only met, but exceeded – before, during and after the funeral. We always welcome feedback as we strive to provide the highest standards of personal care and service to all in our community as they honor the life of their loved ones.
Our History
Curtis J. Holt’s Sons was established in 1930 by Wallace S. Holt. A storefront operation in the North End soon shifted to the family’s home on Rockland Avenue. It was then that the longtime partnership with his brother, Randolph C. Holt had developed. In 1935, a third brother, Howard M. Holt, joined them. In 1943, the present location was purchased. It is the original Victorian mansion of Frederick Harris, of the Harris and Mowry Department Store. Dedicated to serving their community, the primarily protestant firm grew stronger and more firmly embedded in the city’s landscape.
In 1956, Wallace’s son, Howard R. Holt, entered the family business and helped to develop the reputation it still enjoys today. Facing the challenges of social and industrial growth in the area, Howard devoted over 45 years to creating the standards of excellence that transcended the social barriers and elevated the firm to the unique position of leading ecumenical funeral home of Woonsocket.
Wallace S. Holt
1901-1977
Randolph C. Holt
1904-1995
Howard M. Holt
1908-1979
Curtis J. Holt
1868-1957
History of the Kilcline Funeral Home
The Kilcline Funeral Home was established in 1929 by Bernard A. Kilcline. In 1940, Bernie was joined in the business by his younger brother, Bill, who later took over the business when Bernie retired in 1963. Upon his graduation from the New England Institute of Anatomy in 1968, Bill’s son, Bill Jr., joined the business after serving 12 years as a Navy Radioman. Bill Sr. retired in 1973.
William T. Kilcline Jr.
In 1992 Bill’s son, Kevin, continued the family tradition and joined the firm. Bill Jr. retired at the close of the millennium in December of 2000.
In September 2005, after 76 years of serving Woonsocket, the Kilcline Funeral Home closed its’ doors due to a devastating fire. Cynthia Noble and James Gallagher have taken over the business and the Holt Funeral Home is now maintaining all records and honoring the pre-arrangements.
Who is eligible?
Military members on active duty, Military retirees, members and former members of the Selected Reserve, eligible U.S. veterans of any war, other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable.
How are Social Security and Veterans’ benefits handled?
Holt Funeral Home will notify both agencies. Social Security pays a lump sum death benefit directly to the spouse. Veterans receive cash benefits based on disability or other requirements.
How do I make advance arrangements?
Send a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) that we will keep in our permanent files. If you wish, call us and we will handle all details over the phone.
What are veterans honor services?
Retired Military
Military honors are available to all veterans regardless of rank or location of burial. If you are retired military with 20 years or more of service, we will call and request an active duty honor guard from your branch of service. The ceremony will consist of a Chaplain to speak, flag folding and presentation to next of kin, rifle salute and the playing of TAPS.
Honorably Discharged Veterans with less than 20 years
Currently, we call volunteer, local veterans groups for Military Honors requests. Typically these are retired veterans with incredible service histories. The ceremony will consist of a Chaplain to speak, flag folding, presentation and the playing of TAPS. Rifle Salute is not regulation but is often offered. Payment is not required but these groups accept donations.
Wood Flag Cases
The Military provides a wood flag case for any active duty deaths. For all other veterans, we stock wood flag cases.
What are options for Veteran cemeteries?
All veterans, and possibly their spouses and children, are entitled to free cemetery spaces, grave opening/closing, grave liner and headstone at a VA cemetery. We will work with you to get you available options.
Want More Information?
Veterans funeral and burial benefits can be complicated! We’ve answered the toughest questions on eligibility, benefits and reimbursement for those who have served. We have even added a section on grief for Veterans. Download our complimentary PDF today!