Richard Ables Sr. played a crucial role as a funeral director at the historic Hall Brothers Funeral Home. For many generations of Washingtonians, he was a guiding presence during one of the most difficult times: the funeral of a loved one.

Ables was dedicated to helping families navigate the emotional process of saying goodbye. He assisted with selecting cemetery plots and caskets, ensuring that each detail was attended to with care. His role extended to preparing the deceased with respect for their final journey, a task he considered an art.

A photograph captured in 2019 by Marvin Joseph for The Washington Post, shows Richard Ables at Hall Brothers Funeral Home. This image reflects his commitment to his profession and the community he served.