Bloomfield Funeral Home Celebrates a Special Birthday

The Van Tassel Chickene – Arthur K. Brown Funeral Home celebrated 125 years in business with a special celebration and Open House on Saturday afternoon.

An open house – at a funeral home? Yes, but this one is different. A definite history, not only of Bloomfield but of Glen Ridge and Montclair as well, permeates here. Visitors enjoyed a tour of the renovated facility, took in some local history, and feasted on catered food and drinks under a tent on the front lawn.

You see, it takes a lot of care and compassion to last 125 years.

“When choosing a funeral home, you have many things to consider,” said Manager Mark H. Erich in an email. 

"You must feel comfortable that your loved ones are in good hands. Emotional support to help you through the grief process must be available. And, you prefer a facility that will take care of ‘the little things’ to provide the perfect atmosphere and experience through its professional amenities, caring staff, and willingness to go above and beyond for you and your family's needs,” said Erich.

With roughly two dozen funeral homes in a 10 mile radius, the funeral home business is certainly competitive. “This necessitates the need to set ourselves apart through unique advertising and marketing strategies, in addition to the service we provide,” added Erich.

The business and building itself has a lot of history.  Originally founded by Arthur Kerr Brown, Brown acquired in 1923 the funeral establishment of John D. Keyler, which was founded in 1883. Today, Van Tassel remains as Bloomfield’s oldest funeral home, with its splendor and rich history rising grandly on Belleville Avenue. 

In 1960, George H. Van Tassel even dedicated a unique historical room in the funeral home, complete with a painting of General Joseph Bloomfield, pen and ink drawings of old Bloomfield and Glen Ridge homes, a collection of turn-of-the-century maps, and a fireplace to keep the room warm if need be.

“It’s not gloomy here,” said Fred Branch, a former head of the Historical Society of Bloomfield. “It’s not gloomy here; its’ cheerful and comfortable.” He glanced up towards the ceiling, admiring the work done. “Look at the lights, and they’ve opened it (the inside walls) up. This was an old house at one time,” remarked Branch.

Ken Komal has owned the building and business for 10 years. “It has been one of the oldest in Bloomfield funeral home-wise. It has a great history, prominent in Essex County.” When Komal first saw the building, he bought it and oversaw renovations so people can enjoy it further as a facility. “We want to make sure we serve the community as well. When people come here, they’ll be well treated. And we’ll turn no one away; we work with people.”

“We’ve tried to maintain the history of serving people as well, because I want to give back to the community.”

Eloy and Ofelia Hernandez have been Bloomfield residents for 50 years, and have referred roughly 25 families who’ve lost loved one to Van Tassel. “Our church was right across the street – it used to be First Presbyterian Church – so it’s convenient this way,” said Eloy.

“This is the third owner since we’ve been here,” noted his wife Ofelia. “We’re very satisfied when we come here. George (Silva, Office Manager) is a very nice person and it’s close to the church and cemeteries.”

Mayor Raymond McCarthy, who was also in attendance for the event, recalled his Inauguration Day in 2002, which quickly turned solemn when he learned that a Bloomfield fireman had tragically perished in a fire. The mayor recalled, with a touch of sadness, that his first official act in office was attending that fireman's wake in the very same building.

“It’s a great building,” said the mayor looking around the historical room. “It’s always been a great building here in town.”  “It’s nice to see the old come back again,” he added with regard to the Open House and recent renovations. 

However, with age and time comes many challenges noted Erich. “The changing demographics of our community will be challenging us the most.  The diverse ethnic population and their religious beliefs are import to consider and understand.  It is an ambitious project to relate to the customs of such a diverse population.  This is a challenge we are certain looking at going forward.”  

“Providing excellent service for such a long period of time is a tribute to the leadership of the many dedicated owners and employees throughout the history of our firm.” 

Van Tassel Chickene – Arthur K. Brown Funeral Home, 337 Belleville Avenue, (973) 743-1234, www.VanTasselFuneralHome.com