Tony and Charlotte Maluski founded The Samaritan Ministry, Funeral Aid in 1986, following the sudden death of their son Robert in a car crash. Following eight years of development, implementation, and service in each phase of the Ministry, they were led to extend the Ministry by teaching in both Catholic and Protestant Churches. Their training came from  attending conferences and seminars learning from the leading authorities in the field of loss and healing.

There is a great need for this ministry. Some churches have parts of the program, often provided by the pastor and a few volunteers, but large portions of the churches have nothing. Experience shows that many people want to serve but they hesitate due to lack of training and time constraints. This program was developed to have a spot for everyone and to work together with what may already be in place.