Our Story
As a funeral home that has held the community’s trust for many years, our team is here to serve the families of Berlin, Gorham and all of Northern New Hampshire with the utmost care and compassion along with an unparalleled level of service.
1893
Established by Arthur W. Walters, the funeral home has served area families continuously since that time. The photo below shows A. W. Walters original building, located on Main Street in Berlin near the public library and across from the Berlin Fire Department. The Funeral Home was moved to its current location on Hillside Avenue sometime in the World War II era.
1928
Bradford S. Parker became affiliated with A.W. Walters & Co. Mr. Parker purchased the business from Arthur Walters and later formed a partnership with G. Harold Holmes and they moved to the present location at 180 Hillside Avenue in Berlin. The photo below of A. W. Walters & Co. fleet from the early 1900s.
1966
Bertrand E. Bryant of Colebrook purchased the business from Brad Parker and Harold Holmes. Bert and his wife Beverly operated the business for decades to come.
1978
To better serve area families in Gorham, Randolph, Shelburne and the surrounding areas Bert & Bev opened our Gorham location on the corner of Promenade Street and Route 16. The photo below shows Bert and Ed in the Milan Old Home Days parade in the 1970s. The hearse originally was built and used in the town of Milan. In the 1970s, before the bicentennial parade, the hearse was in major disrepair. Bert acquired the hearse with the understanding he would have it restored in time for the bicentennial parade, which he did. We still own the hearse and take it out on occasion, although it is no longer used to transport decedents, as modern caskets do not fit inside the coach.
1981
B. Edward Bryant, Bert’s son, became affiliated with the funeral home, obtaining his license in 1984 following graduation from New England Institute in Boston, MA.
1995
Ed and his wife Laurie became the owners of the business, with it remaining as a local family-owned and operated funeral home. The photo below shows Ed (left) and Bert (right) standing on Hillside Avenue in front of the Funeral Home with the business 1990's era motor vehicle fleet behind them.
2012
David E. Bryant, Ed and Laurie’s son, joined the business. David graduated and became licensed in 2016, continuing the family tradition and marking the third generation of licensed Bryant family funeral directors.
2015
Androscoggin Valley Crematory was established. As more families turn to cremation as a means of disposition and recognize a need to further serve families, the crematory was added to ensure that your loved ones are always being properly cared for. The facility is located on the grounds of the Berlin funeral home. By taking the cremation process in-house we now ensure your loved ones never leave our care.
2016
Bryant Monument Company was established. More and more families wanted to simplify their advanced or at-need arrangements, and we were increasingly asked for monument services. By coordinating all monument-related needs in-house, families can coordinate with one firm for all services they may need or desire.
2020
On October 1, 2020, the Bryant Family purchased the Fleury-Patry Funeral Home of Berlin. The Fleury-Patry facility was closed, and Fleury-Patry families started being served from Bryant's two existing facilities. Originally the Fleury Funeral Home, the Fleury-Patry firm at one time had three locations between Berlin and Gorham and had served area families Since 1938. As part of the purchase, the Bryant Family is overseeing all preplanned funeral arrangements made with the Fleury-Patry firm.
