Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home

Nestled in the heart of Derby, Connecticut, the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home stands as a beacon of compassionate service and enduring family tradition. Established in 1935 by Edward F. Adzima on Main Street, the funeral home quickly became a trusted pillar of the community. After a brief relocation to Factory Street and a devastating fire in 1944, the business found its permanent home at 253 Elizabeth Street—a beautiful Victorian residence originally owned by R.W. Blake, president of the Sterling Piano Factory. For decades, the Adzima family lived upstairs while serving the public downstairs, weaving their lives into the fabric of the Valley.

When Edward F. Adzima passed away in 1964, his son Andrew H. Adzima—a semi-professional basketball player on the verge of signing with the Boston Celtics—stepped away from the court to carry on his father’s legacy. For 35 years, Andy served the community with dedication and distinction. In 1999, with retirement in sight, Andy sold the business to Joseph A. Pagliaro, Sr. of the Riverview Funeral Home in Shelton, ensuring that local family ownership would continue. Following Joseph’s untimely passing in 2004, the funeral home has been stewarded by his nephew Edward J. Sheehy, Jr., his son Joseph A. Pagliaro, Jr., and his son-in-law C. Brett Haywood. Together, they remain committed to the standard of service excellence established by the founders.

Today, the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home offers a full range of services designed to honor each unique life. Families may choose traditional funeral services, cremation services, memorial ceremonies, graveside services, and veterans’ services. The staff works closely with every family to handle logistics, paperwork, and coordination with cemeteries and clergy, tailoring each arrangement to reflect the life being honored. The funeral home is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, and offers on-site services and parking. Pre-planning options are available to spare loved ones difficult decisions during an emotional time, and grief support resources—including a 365-day healing email program and a 52-week support newsletter—are offered to help families navigate the first year of loss.

With a rating of 4 stars and a legacy spanning over 80 years, Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home remains a trusted partner for Derby and the surrounding communities. Whether for an immediate need, an obituary inquiry, or advanced planning, the dedicated team is available 24 hours a day, providing the care and attention every family deserves.