RG Ortiz Funeral Home, a Bronx-based funeral home chain, has been accused of preying on customers for years by providing shoddy service. At least 48 customers have complained about the funeral home over the past five years, with reports of bodies being presented in plastic bags, smelling of decomposition, and eyes not staying shut during viewings. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has filed papers against RG Ortiz with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, alleging violations of city codes and the need for restitution to customers.
The funeral home is accused of various offenses, including refusing to disclose the location of loved ones’ remains, mishandling bodies, misrepresenting prices, and failing to provide paid-for materials and services. With eight locations across the five boroughs, RG Ortiz primarily serves Spanish-speaking communities. Families have also reported delays in receiving their loved ones’ remains, with some waiting much longer than originally promised. One customer waited three weeks to receive their dad’s ashes, but allegedly had to wait nine months to actually receive them.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has filed a petition seeking civil penalties against RG Ortiz for code violations. The agency emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable consumers from being exploited during a difficult time like mourning the passing of a loved one. RG Ortiz did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations. One grieving family sued the Bronx funeral home in 2018, claiming that their sister’s remains had been lost. The funeral home has faced previous scrutiny for mixing up memorials, including presenting a casket with the wrong person inside during services.
Overall, RG Ortiz Funeral Home has faced numerous complaints and legal challenges regarding its handling of customers and their loved ones’ remains. The allegations against the funeral home include improper handling of bodies, delays in providing cremated remains, and misrepresenting prices and services. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has taken action against RG Ortiz, seeking restitution for customers and civil penalties for code violations. The funeral home has been accused of preying on vulnerable consumers during a difficult time and failing to provide the respectful and professional service expected of such establishments.
