Delaware Funeral Home Spicer-Mullikin Celebrates its 12th Consecutive National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Award, Placing it Among a Select Group from Around the World
New Castle, DE — Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory is proud to announce that it has been awarded the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Award for the 12th consecutive year. This distinction is one of the highest honors in the funeral services profession.
This award is reserved for funeral homes that exemplify the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and service to families, and places Spicer-Mullikin among the most innovative, compassionate, and community-focused firms across the United States and around the world.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from our peers for the 12th year in a row,” said Matthew C. Smith, owner and licensed funeral director of Spicer-Mullikin. “To be recognized, we not only had to document that we are upholding the highest professional and ethical standards, but that we are also elevating our service to the community. It truly challenges us to innovate in the continuous pursuit of excellence.”
Spicer-Mullikin was recognized in part for their partnership with Cremation Air to offer families seamless and compliant aerial scattering of cremains at sea. “More than half of American families choose cremation, but are then often burdened with the final disposition,” said Smith. “We’re able to provide them with a dignified, trusted, and affordable option.”
“Excellence in funeral service is ultimately about people – the families who place their trust in funeral professionals, the communities that depend on them, and the dedicated individuals who make this work their life’s calling,” said NFDA Director of Public Relations Jessica Koth. “The 2026 Pursuit of Excellence honorees demonstrate every day what it means to continually learn, grow and find meaningful ways to serve others. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements.”
In 2024, Spicer-Mullikin was inducted into the National Funeral Directors Hall of Fame upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award, becoming the first Delaware funeral home to join the Hall of Fame. This year, Spicer-Mullikin was the only funeral home from Delaware recognized by the NFDA as a Pursuit of Excellence honoree.
Funeral homes that earn the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award must demonstrate proficiency in several key areas, including compliance with state and federal regulations, staff development, community involvement, and bereavement care. Participants must also adhere to a strict Pledge of Ethical Practices, underscoring their commitment to integrity and excellence.
“The NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award is a reflection on the compassionate dedication of everyone on the Spicer-Mullikin team,” said Smith. “Above all, this award symbolizes our ongoing promise to the families who put their trust in us and the communities we serve.”
###
About Spicer–Mullikin
Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory has been serving Delaware families since 1906. With locations in New Castle, Newark, Delaware City, and Middletown, Spicer-Mullikin provides complete funeral services including traditional and cremation services and funeral pre-planning. Family-owned Spicer-Mullikin is also one of the few funeral homes in Delaware to employ a full-time grief specialist for post-service care. For more information about Spicer-Mullikin and the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, please visit spicermullikin.com.
Spicer-Mullikin: Our service reflects your love.®