State Street Location Sale

Today is a bittersweet day for our family and for the many families who have walked through the doors of 172 State Street. A few months ago, we shared that the property was for sale. Today, we finalized the sale of the real estate in preparation of opening our new Cremation, Funeral and Gathering facility this fall on Allen Avenue in Portland.

Our State Street location has been a Portland institution for nearly a century. Built in 1847 as a private residence, it became the R.J. Duddy Funeral Home in the late 1920s. John Conroy and Ralph Tully purchased the property in 1962, and for nearly four decades Ralph, his wife Theresa, and their son Paul cared for Portland families here. In 2001, longtime employee Christopher Crawford and his late wife Beverly took ownership, carrying forward its tradition of family service. My wife Caitlin and I became part of that legacy on October 1, 2014, and in the years since have had the privilege of serving 1,497 families within its walls—each one a reminder of the history we inherited, and the trust families continue to place in us.

But for us, State Street was not only a funeral home — it was our family’s home. Our children learned to walk in its chapel. Staff meetings often included toddlers at the table. Laughter from hide-and-seek echoed after services, and even our family dog became a source of comfort to grieving families. It was the community’s funeral home, but it was also deeply and personally ours.

When the time came to sell, we received many offers. Some envisioned office space; others hoped to convert the building into dense apartments. In the end, we chose not the highest bid, but the one that gave us peace of mind: local buyers who we believe will honor the history of the home and protect its place in Portland’s story.

Our final day of service at 172 State Street will be October 1, 2025. On that day, Fr. Michael Seavey will join us in prayer for all the souls who have passed through this home and their families. Though the gathering will be private, you are welcome to reach out if you would like your loved one remembered by name. And for those with prearrangements in Portland, please rest assured: your plans remain fully secure and will be honored at our new Allen Avenue facility or at our South Portland location.

Looking ahead, we are filled with both nostalgia and excitement. Our Allen Avenue location was designed to be more accessible, more welcoming, and with an emphasis on family focused care. Just this week, I brought our three children to see the progress there. As we waited for Caitlin to arrive, they asked — as they so often had at State Street — to play hide-and-seek. Their laughter filled the new building, and in that moment, we knew this too is now our family’s funeral home. The walls may be new, but the love, care, and commitment within them remain the same — perhaps stronger than ever.

From our family to yours: thank you for trusting us with your most sacred moments. We are humbled, grateful, and honored to continue serving this community in the years to come.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at (207) 773-6511 or Adam@ConroyTullyWalker.com.

With gratitude,