Escondido leader urges families, neighbors, and institutions to build stronger networks for those experiencing loss
ESCONDIDO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / October 15, 2025 / After more than two decades of guiding families through loss, Escondido funeral director Ronald Moy is calling for more awareness and support around community-based grief care. Featured recently in a spotlight interview on his career, Moy shared stories and lessons from his journey-and issued a reminder that grief does not end at the funeral home doors.
"People often think grief ends after the service," Moy said. "The truth is, that's only the beginning for many families. Without support, isolation can set in-and that can be just as hard as the loss itself."
Why Grief Support Matters
According to the National Alliance for Children's Grief, more than 6 million U.S. children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before turning 18. Adults, too, face long-term impacts: studies show unaddressed grief can increase risks of depression, substance abuse, and health problems.
"Grief is not one-size-fits-all," Moy explained. "Every culture, every family, every person grieves differently. Communities need to recognize that and give people safe spaces to share."
Initiatives in Escondido
In Escondido, Moy has introduced programs to ease that journey. He organizes monthly grief support circles, giving families room to talk openly and connect with others. He has also developed multilingual grief guidance pamphlets, making sure no one feels excluded by language barriers.
"These are small steps, but they matter," Moy said. "Sometimes the most healing thing is simply being heard."
A Call to Action for Families and Neighbors
Moy emphasizes that building grief support doesn't always require formal programs. "Start by checking in on your neighbor who lost someone," he urged. "Listen without judgment. Ask if they'd like company. These everyday gestures make the biggest difference."
Research supports this. A 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 70% of people felt better able to cope with loss when they had regular support from friends and community members.
"Grief doesn't follow a timeline," Moy added. "If someone lost a loved one months or even years ago, your care is still needed. Don't underestimate the power of showing up."
Looking Ahead
Moy continues to mentor future funeral directors, teaching them that technical skills must be paired with compassion. He also advocates for schools, hospitals, and community centers to include grief communication training in their programs.
"Empathy is a skill," Moy said. "And it's one we can all practice. The more we do, the stronger and healthier our communities will be."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Ronald Moy
Ronald Moy is a funeral director based in Escondido, California. With more than 20 years of experience, he is known for his compassionate leadership, attention to detail, and innovations in grief support. He also teaches grief communication at the local community college and volunteers with neighborhood organizations.
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SOURCE: Ronald Moy death
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