Brentwood Funeral Home

Brentwood Funeral Home, located at 839 First Street in Brentwood, California, has been a cornerstone of the East Bay community for over a century. Established in 1905 by George Shafer, who converted a modest four-room house into Shafer's Funeral Parlor, the business has evolved through several ownerships and renovations while remaining at its original location. Today, it operates as part of the Dignity Memorial network, offering a comprehensive range of funeral and cremation services with a commitment to personalized, respectful care.

The funeral home’s rich history began when George Shafer, also the town constable and deputy coroner, transformed his home into a place where families could gather to honor their loved ones. In 1931, the Shafers expanded the building, adding a large chapel. After changing hands in 1949 to Roy Bartheld, who renamed it Bartheld Funeral Service and modernized the facility, it was purchased by Patrick McHenry in 1969. A fire in 1979 necessitated another remodel, and the business continued under the McHenrys until 1993. Raymond Glosser managed the home from 1996 until his retirement in 2007. In 2015, the funeral home underwent a major renovation to align with the downtown Brentwood redevelopment plan, resulting in a facility capable of hosting full-service funerals, cremation services, memorials, catered events, and social gatherings.

Brentwood Funeral Home offers a wide array of services, including traditional burial, cremation, and personalized celebrations of life. The team specializes in creating unique tributes that reflect the individuality of each person—whether it’s a basic cremation with ashes scattered in a meaningful location, a funeral in the cozy chapel followed by cemetery burial, or a contemporary celebration featuring live music, favorite foods, or even a San Francisco-themed send-off with a cable car. The facility features updated amenities, including spacious family rooms with comfortable seating, an onsite chapel, and plenty of room for large gatherings. Accessibility is ensured with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, and free on-site parking is available.

Community involvement is a core value. The funeral home actively partners with the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, supports local veterans and seniors organizations, and collaborates with the Brentwood Police Department on the Every 15 Minutes program, which educates high school students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Additionally, the team works with Urban Farmers to harvest and donate fruit from the property’s trees. As part of the Dignity Memorial network, Brentwood Funeral Home offers a 100% service guarantee, 24/7 availability with a real person on the phone, and prepayment plans with up to 10% savings. With a rating of 4.6 stars on Google and a reputation built on compassion and professionalism, Brentwood Funeral Home remains a trusted partner for families during their most difficult times.