Connecticut DPH board revokes embalmer Philip Pietrus's license after finding missing preneed funds

The Connecticut Department of Public Health hearing board on June 12, 2025 revoked the embalmer's license of Philip Pietrus (license no. 2545) after the department presented evidence that checks for preplanned funeral arrangements were not placed into escrow accounts as required.

In opening and closing statements, Department attorneys told the board that exhibit records and witness testimony show multiple instances in which payments intended for Access Financial Group escrow accounts either did not appear in Access’s records or were for smaller amounts than deposited checks indicated. "There was nothing on record ever. So it looked as if, no accounts were ever created," said Melissa Milen Miles, a funeral director and then-president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, describing what Access reported when the association sought account records.

The department also introduced testimony from petitioners who said they paid for preneed funeral contracts that were never shown in escrow records. "I have not heard anything from him since before that November email," Charlene Dean told the board regarding her repeated requests for contract and accounting paperwork after her husband’s funeral. A witness from Network Incorporated, Karen Tripoli, described an audit that found discrepancies…