Our History

In 1933, Clyde Strong opened the doors to the Strong Funeral Home with the hope of providing a necessary service to people during their greatest time of need. Being part of this special community, Clyde aimed to provided that service as a neighbor and friend. Since that day, over seventy-eight years ago, we strive to honor his high standards and caring ideals on a daily basis.

In 1953 Myron Cummings became the second owner of the Strong Funeral Home. Myron grew up in Rockland, and after high school he served in the Marines during WWII. Upon his discharge, he earned his degree in Applied Embalming and Funeral Service from the McAllister Institute in New York. He and his wife raised their two children in this community where they were actively involved with the town. Myron was one of the founding directors of the Damariscotta Bank and Trust, and worked in that capacity passionately for small businesses throughout the region. During his 28 year tenure as the owner of the funeral home, he earned the respect of the midcoast community he served so faithfully.

Scott Kinne purchased the Strong Funeral Home in 1981 and became the third owner since the business was founded in 1933. Scott is a 1974 graduate of nearby Georges Valley High School in Thomaston, and a 1976 graduate of the New England Institute where he received his degree in funeral service. Scott worked at several funeral homes before purchasing the business from Myron in January of 1981. In 1988, Scott oversaw the building of a new facility which allowed him to move the business to it's current, 612 Main Street location.

Dustin Hancock grew up in Damariscotta, graduating from Great Salt Bay School and Lincoln Academy. It was while at Lincoln Academy that he started working at the Strong Funeral Home. After graduating in 1992, he attended, and graduated cum laude, from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College with his degree in funeral service. He furthered his studies at the University of New England where he received his bachelors degree in Medical Biology. He joined Scott full time in 1997, and and on June 30, 2009 he became only the fourth owner in the eighty-six year history of the Strong Funeral Home. With this change in ownership, came a change in name, and so came the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home.

 While the name has undergone a change, we pledge to continue providing the honest service begun by Clyde Strong, followed by Myron and Scott, and to provide it with all the integrity they instilled in this independently owned and operated business.