Habing Family Funeral Home, 2010 Small Business of the Year
Established in 1943, Habing Family Funeral Home provides burial
services, cremation services and memorial services to Gilroy. The
Habing family also owns and operates Gavilan Hills Memorial
Park
&
amp; Crematory, which was purchased in 1986.
Habing Family Funeral Home, 2010 Small Business of the Year
What they do: Established in 1943, Habing Family Funeral Home provides burial services, cremation services and memorial services to Gilroy. The Habing family also owns and operates Gavilan Hills Memorial Park & Crematory, which was purchased in 1986.
Jim Habing said while growing up, his family name was always associated with the funeral home. To this day Gilroy’s only funeral home remains a family affair.
The business has been passed down from generation to generation. It is now owned by Jim, Susan Habing Ferreira and Steve Habing. Before that, it was operated by parents Bernie and Ruth Habing with grandparents Bernard Sr. and Rose Habing taking on the duties before them.
Jim, Susan and Steve were raised in the house next door to the funeral home which is still a residence for the funeral home.
“I was kind of the next son in line,” explains Jim on how he got into the family business. “I was young. I was a bit unsure I was in the right business. In my 30s, I grew into it – I understood it. I realized I loved it.”
Why the business received the award: Susan Valenta, President/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, said the Habing family has a strong business ethic, are passionate about Gilroy and have taken leadership roles in making Gilroy a better place to live and work.
“Habing Family Funeral Home is a strong contributor to our community. They have always been a part of the fabric of Gilroy, and that support from the family has spanned generations,” she said.
The current generation of Habings is no different. Jim, Susan and Steve have all been involved in coaching their children’s sports teams while supporting school activities and various charities in Gilroy. Jim has served on the Gilroy Downtown Business Association Board of Directors, was president of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association in 2000 and is a past board member of the Gilroy Rotary Club. He has been active with the club since 1979. He currently sits on St. Joseph’s Family Center Board of Directors, and is active with the Gilroy Sportsman Chefs Club and Gilroy Foundation.
Jim’s wife, Andrea Habing, is active in the Gilroy Assistance League.
In their own words: “It’s a giving type of business. You take care of people. You feel it,” said Jim. “The rewarding part is families after the funeral service saying everything went really well.”
