Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

This afternoon, the Second Annual Gary M. Gise Embalming Award and Scholarship was presented to a student from the 2026 graduating class of the Mortuary Program at the University of the District of Columbia. The recipient of this award is selected by the program professors and shows a passion for embalming and has the skill to match. This year’s recipient was Jane Baden. This year was extra special, as Jane is a member of Hines-Rinaldi’s funeral assistant team!

This award was created in memory of one of our dear funeral directors, Gary Gise, who was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 38 years. Gary served families at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home for the last 15 years of his career, before succumbing to a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer in March 2023. Our General Manager and Mortuary Program Advisory Board Member, Neva FinGado, was honored to be able to create and present this award to honor the legacy of a wonderful colleague and friend. She states “Gary’s memory will continue to live on in those that show the same dedication and reverence he did and I am so very excited to see those qualities in the next generation of funeral professionals.”

Congratulations to all of the 2026 graduates of our local mortuary programs and those throughout the country!

We just want to take a moment to say how genuinely grateful we are for our administrative team here at the funeral home.

They are the ones who notice the little things, solve problems before they even reach the rest of us, and somehow keep everything (and everyone!) on track. Their kindness, patience, and steady presence make such a difference in our day-to-day work.

Things run better, feel easier, and are a whole lot more positive because of you. Thank you for all the care and effort you put in—it truly means more than you probably hear. We couldn’t do this without you!!

Pictured from left to right are Ann Marie Cruz, Office Manager; Arlene Ferguson, Admin Support; Neva FinGado, General Manager; Sharon Morton, Reception; Lanease Paul, Reception.

Today we celebrate National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day 🤍

With heartfelt appreciation, we want to recognize the dedication, compassion, and quiet strength of our incredible morticians and apprentices. Every day, they serve families during some of their most difficult moments with grace, professionalism, and care.

Their commitment to honoring lives, supporting loved ones, and upholding the dignity of our profession does not go unnoticed. We are truly grateful for the kindness, patience, and heart they bring to this work.

Thank you for all that you do — today and every day. We appreciate you more than words can say.

Pictured below from left to right: Timothy Savoy, Mortician; Paige Adgerson, Mortican; Quentae Barnes, Mortician, William Finn Trotman, Apprentice; Neva FinGado, Mortician; Benjamin Stallings, Mortician; MJ Hazelbaker, Mortician; Rich Diaz, Apprentice; Johnny Chavarria, Mortician. Missing are Bobbie Branch, Sherri Johnson Wilkins and Kendra Harris, Morticans; Paulette Davidson, Apprentice.

Faith and humility shall unite us with the Divinity. Holy Ash Wednesday wishes to you and your family.

Rumor has it from the reindeer stables that Santa is thrilled to be participating in our event on December 13th. We are excited to welcome you!

Join us for our annual Hot Cocoa with Santa event on Saturday, December 13th from 10 am to 12 pm!

It’s that time of the year again for our Annual Pet Supply Drive! Please help our furry friends by donating whatever you can.

Come see our awesome team at Pride in the Plaza in downtown Silver Spring today!

Last evening, the First Annual Gary M. Gise Embalming Award was presented to a student from the 2025 graduating class of the Mortuary Program at the University of the District of Columbia. The recipient of this award showed a passion for embalming and had the skill to match. This year’s recipient was Legba Carrefour.

This award was created in memory of one of our dear funeral directors, Gary Gise, who was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 38 years. Gary served families at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home for the last 15 years of his career, before succumbing to a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer. Our General Manager and Mortuary Program Advisory Board Member, Neva FinGado, was honored to be able to create and present this award to honor the legacy of a wonderful colleague and friend. She states “Gary’s memory will continue to live on in those that show the same dedication and reverence he did and I am so very excited to see those qualities in the next generation of funeral professionals.”

Congratulations to all of the 2025 graduates of our local mortuary programs and those throughout the country.