Michael J. Rabara addresses guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rabara Memorial Chapel in Downtown Fresno. Rabara, who has nearly 30 years of experience in funeral service, opened the family-owned business in the city's Arts District. Photo via Mayor Jerry Dyer's Facebook page

Rabara Memorial Chapel, a new locally owned and operated funeral home, has opened in Downtown Fresno’s Cultural Arts District, bringing nearly 30 years of funeral service experience to families across the Central Valley, according to a news release.

The business is owned by Michael J. Rabara, a Fresno resident and licensed funeral professional who said the new chapel reflects a commitment to providing compassionate, affordable and family-centered funeral services while investing in the continued growth of Downtown Fresno.

What’s happening

Rabara Memorial Chapel officially opened its doors in Fresno’s Arts District and marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony presented by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce on June 1. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and other community leaders joined the celebration, according to company officials.

The funeral home offers traditional funeral services, cremation services, memorial celebrations, veteran services and personalized care for families throughout Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley communities.

 

Historic building gets new life

The new funeral home occupies the historic Graff Home at 916 E. Divisadero St., a Neoclassical residence built in 1905 and designed by architect Eugene Mathewson. The home was originally built for Hans Graff, a Danish immigrant who became one of Central California’s most successful grocers in the early 20th century.

The property most recently operated as Wildrose Chapel and Funeral Home, which opened in 1993. According to a recent real estate listing, the facility includes chapel and gathering spaces, embalming and preparation areas, cold-storage facilities and offices. The funeral home property was offered for sale earlier this year as a business, real estate asset or combined purchase.

Why it matters

The opening adds another locally owned business to Downtown Fresno as city leaders and private investors continue efforts to revitalize the city’s urban core.

 

Rabara, a graduate of Cypress College School of Mortuary Science and California State University, Fresno, brings nearly three decades of funeral service experience to the venture. He holds multiple California professional licenses, including funeral director, embalmer, crematory manager, cemetery manager and insurance sales agent.

Beyond his professional work, Rabara has been active in civic and community organizations throughout the region. Most recently, he served as district governor for Rotary International District 5230, representing clubs throughout Fresno, Monterey, Kings and Tulare counties.

“Downtown Fresno is experiencing an incredible revitalization, and I wanted to invest in the heart of our city while continuing to serve the community that has supported me throughout my life and career,” Rabara said in a statement.