When Death Occurs

Understanding What Comes Next

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the moments that follow can feel overwhelming. At Delehanty Funeral Home, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Here is a helpful overview of what to do immediately following a death.

Step 1: Contact the Proper Authorities

Before any arrangements can be made, a legal pronouncement of death must occur.

  • If the death occurs at a hospital, hospice, or nursing facility, the staff will handle this for you.
  • If the death occurs at home, call 911. Emergency personnel will respond and, if necessary, transport your loved one to a medical facility for legal pronouncement.
  • If your loved one was under hospice care, contact the hospice nurse directly. They are typically authorized to make the legal declaration.



Once this step is complete, you may contact the funeral home to begin arrangements.

Step 2: Contact the Funeral Home

After a legal pronouncement has been made, call Delehanty Funeral Home. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist with:

  • Bringing your loved one into our care
  • Reviewing any preplanned arrangements
  • Guiding you through the next steps

If your loved one preplanned their funeral or cremation, we will help ensure their wishes are followed. If no plans are in place, we’ll walk you through all available options with care and compassion.

Step 3: Begin Making Arrangements

At your arrangement conference with the funeral director, you’ll make key decisions such as:

  • Burial or cremation
  • Type of service (funeral, memorial, graveside, etc.)
  • Service details (date, time, location, officiant, speakers, music)
  • Obituary drafting and publication
  • Selection of casket or urn
  • Pallbearers and honor guards (if applicable)

If your loved one was a veteran, we will also assist you in contacting the Veterans Administration to explore military honors and benefits.

Step 4: Gather Important Information

To complete the death certificate and other legal documents, your funeral director will need:

  • Specific information on the deceased: 
  • Full legal name (including suffixes, such as Senior, Junior, or III) 
  • Address
  • Marital status and Spouse’s Name (if applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth (city and state)
  • Educational history (number of years of schooling)
  • Occupation or profession
  • Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
  • Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
  • Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial

Step 5: Locate Important Documents

Helpful documents include:

  • Pre-arrangement paperwork (if applicable)
  • Life insurance policies
  • Military discharge papers (Form DD214)
  • Social Security number/card
  • Beneficiary forms or account statements

These documents help facilitate benefits and financial matters.

Step 6: Notify Employers and Secure Personal Property

  • Secure property: Lock the home, vehicle, and secure valuables.
  • Pet care: Make arrangements for any pets left behind.
  • Mail: Have mail forwarded to a responsible family member to prevent accumulation.
  • Employer notifications: Contact your loved one’s employer (if applicable).
  • Cancel upcoming appointments: Notify key contacts of the passing.

What About Children?

Deciding whether a child should attend services depends on several factors—age, maturity, and relationship to the deceased. If a child does attend, explain in advance what to expect and how they should behave. Involving children in the grieving process can be healthy and healing when handled gently and honestly.

If you’re unsure about any step or need guidance, please call us. The Delehanty Funeral Home team is always here to help you navigate this journey with compassion and clarity.