Fall River Funeral Home Owner Offers Free Services to Families of Deadly Gabriel Home Assisted Living Fire Victims

FALL RIVER ─ Three days after the devastating fire Sunday that claimed the lives of nine residents of the Gabriel Home assisted living facility and hospitalized at least 30 elderly patients, the Fall River community continues to step up in amazing ways to help victims.

Now, the owner of a local funeral home has generously offered to provide any funeral arrangements and services for free to those who perished in the fire and their families.

Tom James, owner of the South Coast Funeral Home at 1555 Pleasant Street, said like others, he was struck by the tragedy and wanted to contribute.

“I don’t sell food, I don’t sell clothing,” said James. “Then I thought about Sandy Hook where a funeral director donated his services. Why should this situation be different? I decided let’s just give everything for free.”

There are already victims’ families making funeral arrangements with James.

Talos Farris, the city’s veterans’ agent confirmed that a military veteran who perished will have his funeral at South Coast Funeral Home.

The offer for free funeral services will also extend to those who may die because of their injuries.

James said he knows that families aren’t prepared for tragedy like the one at Gabriel Home with the added stress of having to pay for arrangements.

“People shouldn’t be thinking, ‘oh my God, how am I going to get my mother, my father, my sister, my brother out of this situation. They shouldn’t have to worry about that,” said James.

“Everyone should be doing their part.”

James said families of the Gabriel Home victims can contact him directly at 781-579-1752.