Our Excellent Staff
Our staff's commitment to you
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 led by Arthur I. Erickson as president.
Arthur I. Erickson
CFSP, CPC, President
Arthur I. Erickson joined the firm in 1984 after graduating from Quinnipiac College and the New England Institute of Funeral Service, and was elected President of the firm in 2005. Arthur is a member and Past President of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA), active in the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and served on the NFDA Policy Board. He has served on the Board of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, and is a Past President of the Association. He is Treasurer of the Greater New Haven Funeral Directors Association, and serves on the Board of the Evergreen Cemetery Association.
In the community, he is a member and Past President of the New Haven Kiwanis Club, serves on the Advisory Board of the Ronald McDonald House of CT and Western MA, the Midstate Hospital Developmental Committee, and the Board of the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Alliance Committee of the Midstate and Hamden Regional Chambers of Commerce. He and his wife Wendy are the proud parents of 3 sons. Together they enjoy golf, skiing, and boating.
Richard “Rit” Aszklar
General Manager
Richard "Rit" Aszklar, General Manager, in 2007 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 the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. Rit was originally from Southington. He and his wife, Elaine LaRose Aszklar are now residents of Wallingford. He enjoys spending his free time with his son, for many years they have been involved with auto racing. Rit 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 the Polish Falcons and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wallingford.
Erin Brown Hastings
Funeral Director
Erin Brown Hastings, Funeral Director, 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. She has three active children.
Jonathan Erickson
Funeral Director
Jonathan Erickson, Funeral Director, grew up in North Haven, graduating from North Haven High School in 2006. He then went on to receive an Associate of Applied Science/Mortuary Science Degree from Lincoln College of New England in Southington, CT. He has been a Connecticut licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2013.
Karen Eighmy
Office Manager
Karen Eighmy, Office Manager, is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with a degree in Accounting. She lives in North Haven and is the mother of three children. She joined the staff of Beecher & Bennett in 2012
Catherine Marinuzzi
Administrative Assistant
Catherine Cappucci, Administrative Assistant, grew up in Wallingford, graduating from Lyman Hall High School in 2009. She joined the staff of Beecher & Bennett in 2013, shortly after earning her Bachelor's Degree in journalism from Roger Williams University in RI. A member of the Wallingford Chorus, she enjoys singing, and also plays for the Wallingford Parks & Rec Women's Softball League. She currently lives with her Husband Michael and their dog, Willow.
Carleton V. Erickson
Counsel
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