When you need to turn to someone...It is comforting to know something about that person. Our professional staff shown here, together represent many years of experience and care giving.
Founded in 1894 - Henry W. Beecher and James M. Bennett (brothers-in-law) established the funeral service firm on Elm Street in New Haven. By 1919, the firm had grown and the famous landmark building at 100 Broadway was built. Iver A. Erickson joined the firm in 1932 and became its president in 1958. Carleton V. Erickson joined his father in the firm in 1958, becoming president and owner in 1978. Carleton is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Today, the firm is lead by Arthur I. Erickson as president and Todd C. Erickson as vice president.
(Left to Right) Carmen Lupoli, Richard Ascklar, Conrad Henning, Erin Hastings, Carolyn Szymaszek, Carlton Erickson, Arthur Erickson (Not Pictured: Charles Roderick)
Arthur I. Erickson, CFSP, President, joined the firm in 1984 after graduating from Quinnipiac College and the New England Institute of Funeral Service. Dedicated to his profession, Arthur is a member and Past President of the Connecticut Funeral Director’s Association (CFDA), active in the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH),International Order of the Golden Rule (IOGR), and is Treasurer of the Greater New Haven Funeral Directors Association (GNHFDA). He has earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner designation fulfilling the requirements of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, and Certified Preplanning Consultant designation from the National Funeral Directors Association, and also holds the Connecticut State Insurance License.
In the community he is a member and Past President of the New Haven Kiwanis Club, serves as a director for the Connecticut Motor Club AAA, participates in the “Relay for Life”, and was the corporate secretary for the Regional VNA for several years.
He and his wife Wendy, are the proud parents of three sons. A funeral director for over 20 years, Arthur was elected President of the firm in 2005. He recognizes the needs of the families and is most helpful in planning a meaningful tribute.
Richard (Rit) Aszklar, General Manager recently joined the professional staff of Beecher and Bennett as General Manager after serving the Hamden and surrounding communities as a Funeral Director for over 30 years. He is a 1974 graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. Rit was originally from Southington. He and his wife, the former Elaine LaRose, are now residents of Wallingford. He enjoys spending free time with his son, Zach 18 and currently a senior at Sheehan High School in Wallingford, working on and racing sprint cars. He is an active member of the Hamden Rotary Club and is very involved with its
state amber alert child registration program. He is also a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wallingford and the Polish Falcons.
Carleton V. Erickson, of Counsel,is a graduate of Springfield College and taught in the Hamden School system before joining his father in the firm in 1958. He attended the American Academy of Funeral Service and succeeded his Dad as President in 1978. He turned over the active management of the firm to his two sons; Arthur and Todd in 2005. Carleton has been active in the Masonic fraternity and has served on the Masonicare Board of Trustees for 20 years, 17 years as chairman. He has served many other organizations in a leadership capacity, such as; the Northern Branch Y.M.C.A., The Greater New Haven Y.M.C.A., The Quinnipiac Club, The Connecticut Motor Club AAA, a Corporator of Springfield College, and the Church of the Redeemer. He is a Past President of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association and a past Board Member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes
Georgia Clark Erickson, (Carleton's wife) is a Registered Nurse, graduating from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing. She joined the firm in 1978 after receiving her B.S. from Albertus Magnus College. The parents of five children, they now have 13 grandchildren. Georgia is a Past President of the New Haven Quota Club, served on the Board of Directors of the Regional Visiting Nurses Association, a Trustee, Deacon and Moderator of the Church of the Redeemer. Georgia enjoys an occasional round of golf and keeping track of the grandchildren. She arranges the Annual Holiday Memorial Services and assists our Pre-Need Funeral Arrangement Program.
Charles (Charlie) Roderick, of Counsel, a Cape Cod native, he graduated from the New England Institute of Funeral Service. He joined the firm in 1957 and a year later married Constance Dooley (a New Haven native). They are the parents of three children and have four grandchildren. Charlie and Connie have served in many leadership positions in the Church of St. Rita, The Hamden Rotary Club, Easter Seal - Goodwill Rehab Center, The Wilsonian Club and the Catholic Charity League. After 47 active years as a Vice President in charge of daily operations, Charlie now serves as an advisor, helping as needed.
Carmen M. Lupoli, of Counsel, a resident of Orange, has been a licensed Funeral Director for over 45 years. He managed a local funeral home for many years before joining the firm of Beecher & Bennett in the Fall of 1996. Carmen grew up in the Hill section of New Haven and attended the local school. He graduated from Providence College and the McAllister School of Embalming and Funeral Service. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Captain. Married to Giovanna DeMaio of Hamden, they are the loving parents of two daughters and three grandsons. Carmen is a Past President of the New Haven Funeral Directors Association and had served as a National Mediator for the Thana Group of the National Funeral Directors Association. He is a member of the Providence College Club, The Quinnipiac Club, Knights of Columbus and several sports clubs. Carmen is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Life insurance Agent. Growing up in the funeral business instilled in him the ability to know and understand a family's needs in time of sorrow. Because of his long experience, he strongly supports the benefits derived from Pre-Planning one's funeral.
Conrad D. Henning, came to Beecher & Bennett in 1963. After working as an assistant Funeral Director for many years, he became licensed in 1982 and has been serving families ever since. He is a member of the West Haven Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Widowed after 20 years, Conrad married Maryann Zwicharowski. His children are all married and he is a grandfather many times over. Having experienced a loss personally, Conrad understands the feelings and emotions of those he serves.
Carolyn Szymaszek, a life long resident of Meriden, graduated from Briarwood College with an Associates Degree in Funeral Service, where she was an Honors student and named "Outstanding Student of the Year." A single parent, she has two children. A member of St. Stanislaus Church, she had served on the Church Festival Committee. Having grown up and attended the Meriden Schools, Carolyn's knowledge of the Meriden Area helps her serve families in their time of need.
Erin Brown Hastings grew up in Durham, graduating from Coginchaug High School. She received an Associates Degree from the New England Institute of Funeral Service at Mt. Ida College in Massachusetts. A soccer player in high school, she also played in college. After serving her Internship at Beecher & Bennett, Erin received her State License in 2003. Married to Elliott Hastings, she has three active children.
