Your Name: David Allen

Business Name: Abrazo Funeral Home and Cremation

Town/Neighborhood: East Valley-Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction, San Tan, Florence, Queen Creek.

Hours of operation: 24/7

Personal background/highlights: We love being in Gilbert. We own a hobby farm where we teach our kids to work, be responsible and take care of God’s creations. We have cows, chickens, bees and pigs.

Professional background highlights: After being out of the industry for three years, I felt called to give back to the funeral industry to be able help, guide, care for and show compassion to wonderful families, who are having the roughest days of their lives.

What I do: We special in giving care, compassion and big hugs (abrazos) to families who have lost a loved one, by guiding then through the entire funeral process.

What I like most about doing business here: Many funeral homes here in the Valley are being acquired by large, expensive corporations, it is very easy for us now to provide, personal care, affordable arrangement, and incredible customer service and me to answer the phone 24/7.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: Having more funeral homes who are taking care of their families by providing better care, more compassion and doing what is best for their families. Also letting families create beautiful celebrations of life.

What am I promoting: Helping families and veterans to plan, honor their loved ones by creating the most memorable celebrations of life.

What I’m excited about and why: We have incredible funeral planning which helps families put into writing their wishes and desires so that their children do not have to be stressed, burdened or overwhelmed by having to pay for their loved one’s funeral services.

Favorite community cause and why: We help veterans and low-income families.

My family: David, Jessica, Schuyler, Kirkland, Jeri, Shadow and Evie, 30 chickens, (our cow) Cheeseburger and T-Bone, and our honeybees.

My interests and hobbies: Gardening and learning how to grow vegetables in Arizona weather.

People who inspire me (and how): My parents, they taught us that we could achieve anything we could anything we wanted to. My beautiful wife, who is so patient and kind and works on the farm. The savior, Jesus Christ.

My guiding philosophy: Do unto others that you would have them do unto you.

My advice to today’s youth: Give more hugs and kisses to your loved ones. Be more patient, be more kind and forgiving of all people, because you don’t want to have any worries or regrets because you don’t when your loved ones might die.

Contact info: Abrazo Funeral Home; David Allen: 480-983-7753. se habla español; abrazofuneralhome.com