Two recent additions to the Billings Funeral Home staff enable us to serve families even more extensively. Mr. Tony Cinelli, an Elkhart fireman of 25 years and native to this city, and Mr. Eric Ericksen formerly of Chicago, Illinois, graciously join our dedicated group of individuals. Both men offer first-hand experience that simply intensifies Billings’ capabilities to assist in all areas of funeral arrangements.
Mr. Cinelli knows first-hand what people go through when dealing with a loss of a loved one; he sadly lost both parents and a sister, stating, “God took care of me all these years, now I have the chance to be there for others.” He’ll lend that important listening ear when family members reminisce about good times, funny times, and joyful milestones as they honor the memory of their loved one. “Billings Funeral Home is sensitive to the family through respect and care of the deceased (even when family isn’t around), and the employees are a close-knit group all on the same page when it comes to service,” states Tony.
For Mr. Ericksen, an interest developed by growing up beside a funeral home and playing there as a four-year-old. Early on, he owned a hearse and transported whenever needed in the Chicago area. Eric considers the entire service cycle with a family rewarding since, “People call in or come in and do not know what to do or where to turn. Once they talk to us they calm down, they understand we can help, they trust that everything will be taken care of. They are so appreciative of the services we have, and a friendship grows from it.”
Brad Billings says of his long-time friend, “Tony’s compassion for others will serve him well as an associate in our company,” and for Eric, “He is poised and stately. People feel an immediate connection that puts them at ease.”