If you are in search of a funeral home that is sympathetic, attentive, and courteous during your time of grief and planning for the funeral of a loved one, Pumphrey's will not be the place to go. At least that's what my family and I experienced with a Mr. John Parker in the Rockville location. This certain funeral director had behaved awfully unprofessional, uncourteous, and strangely hostile during our appointment. He behaved as if my family were a nuisance- almost like he was personally affected and bothered by our requests. We of course understand that personnel might be short, for example, and that if a business has prior commitments they ought to honor those first-- we get that. We were not asking to be especially catered to at that point-- just looking to see how accomodating he could be and if he could assist us with perhaps another date or finding another funeral home that will. However, because of his hostility and all around gross behavior (i.e slamming the door behind him when he walked out of the meeting to tend to something) we refused to conduct any business with him or anybody at the location even.
We ended up having to consult with his superior in the Bethesda location--David-- who exemplified professionalism and sympathy. The staff in Bethesda were much more considerate and adept. Although we ended up working with another funeral home in Frederick, we are grateful for David and the staff in Bethesda for their competence and understanding. The same cannot be said for Mr. Parker and the Rockville location.
I urge anybody going through the death of a loved one (an already painful experience) to take their business elsewhere. It is only right for your loved one to be treated with respect and not as a nuisance.