Maresca’s Funeral Home
592 Chapel Street
Maresca’s Funeral Home horse drawn hearse, c. 1890. Courtesy Maresca's Funeral Home.
Maresca & Sons began in 1888 when Alfonso Maresca established the firm on Grand Avenue near Bradley Street and became the first funeral director of Italian descent in Greater New Haven. Alfonso was one of the founders of St. Michael’s Church along with Paul Russo. His name is engraved on the bell in the tower of St. Michael’s Church. Alfonso’s fine tradition of service was carried on by his two sons, Mariano (Rene) J. Maresca and William H. Maresca. Joseph F. Rapuano, grandson of the founder carefully nurtured this fine reputation, joining the family firm after graduating from Yale University. Great-grandson Neil Rapuano is the current Director of the funeral home.
In 1920, the firm purchased the Governor James English Home at 592 Chapel Street. This home, designed by Henry Austin and originally built in 1845 for the Connecticut Congressman, Governor, and President of the New Haven Clock Company, has been designated a New Haven Landmark as part of the city’s first Historic District of Wooster Square.
Later, extensive remodeling and renovation were completed and a large wing with the new entrance was added during the firm’s expansion program.
Text source url and courtesy Maresca’s Funeral Home.
On the Wooster Square Tour
1 | Sally’s Pizza
3 | Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana
4 | Midolo’s Bakery
5 | Generoso Muro Macaroni Factory
9 | Society of Santa Maria Maddalena
10 | Maiorano’s Cheese Factory
11 | Carrano’s Market
13 | Shoninger’s & Chestnut St. Fire
13 | Slineyville Area
14 | Longobardi’s Funeral Home
15 | St. Andrew the Apostle Society
18 | St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, SIRS & Grammar School
19 | Columbus School aka Greene Street School
20 | Sacred Heart Academy
21 | Italian Consulate
22 | Congregation B’nai Scholom
23 | Winchester Davies Shirt Manufacturing Co.
27 | Luisa DeLauro Corner