Years ago, when I had just started a new job after graduation, the department head's mother died. Of course I signed the card and dropped some money in the envelope that went around. I was pretty shocked that several of my coworkers attended the funeral. It would not have ever occurred to me to attend the funeral of someone I didn't know and whose relatives I was not close with. To this day it looked like a big kiss-up festival to me. I think when it's not a close friend, "I'm sorry for your loss" gets the point across without being awkward.

Anonymous wrote:Is he now an orphan? It might be nice to invite him over for dinner.

No. Weird. Write a perDonal note in a card.

Is he now an orphan? It might be nice to invite him over for dinner.

Please, write a personal note and hand it to him. It's the act itself that says you took the time to care.

Ditto to all above.

company usually can pitch in flowers or so on- ask your boss' boss.. if you don't feel comfortable- a card is good. My DH went through this recently and he appreciated the card and emails.

Sympathy card is fine, and doing whatever you can at work to support his role so he can take time off without having to think about the office.

Sign the card, say "I'm so sorry for your loss." And maybe pitch in to whatever charity/flowers for the funeral the office is doing (doesn't have to be much, can be $10).

OP. I forgot to say it's a small office (30 people), team of 5 of us report to boss.

Newish to my job. Boss just lost his mother. Ordinarily (in pat jobs) I would do something (maybe john a collection to acknowledge death). Other than sign a card, is there anything else I can do without seeming creepy. We're not close, keep it professional. Thanks.