Commonly Asked Questions

What type of funeral services are there?

Funeral services can take many forms; there are so many options available. Funeral directors are here to help families decide on the best way to honor and celebrate the lives of a loved one. Of course there are caskets, which the deceased lays in. Funeral services can be conducted with an open or closed casket, depending on the wishes of the family. Someone can even have an open casket funeral before they are cremated. If someone is cremated, the urn is placed for family and friends to see during the visitation and/or funeral service. Burial takes place in a cemetery of the families choice. In the case of cremation, of course there is the option to scatter ashes or keep the urn with the family. These are just a few scenarios for funeral services. The possibilities also include, but are not limited to, green burial (biodegradable casket or urn), services at the funeral home, a place of worship, or gathering hall. 

How can a service be personalized?

A funeral service is a testament to the life of the deceased. For example, veterans are entitled to a flag, burial in a military cemetery, and honors from their branch of service. Members of organizations and faiths can always involve their own ceremonies into a funeral service. Families are more than welcome to bring in pictures, diplomas, honors, videos, heirlooms and other personal things to tell the story of your loved one. Every funeral is different and there is always a possibility for unique touches to be added with the help of the director.

Do we need to have an obituary notice and what is included in one?

It is highly recommended to have an obituary notice that’s either placed in a local newspaper, or placed online.  An obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred, and gives them information about the service.  Obituaries generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city and date of birth and the city they were living in when they died.  It also includes the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children or grandchildren.  Family may wish to include details the life, legacy, and accomplishments of the deceased.  All obituaries drafted with our funeral home have the option of being placed online; these can be shared on social networking sites and allow friends and family to leave condolences online.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

Funeral directors are in charge of all the logistics following a death.  They complete all the necessary paperwork, make arrangements for the transportation of the body, perform embalmings, restorative cosmetology, and put into action the choices made by the family in regards to the funeral service and the final resting place of the body.  Beyond the logistics, funeral directors are there to provide moral support and guidance for someone coping with death. Your funeral director cannot provide legal counsel but can most often connect families with the proper offices and organizations to assist them in matters beyond the funeral home.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week regardless of time of day or any holidays. 

What if a death occurs away from my home town?

We are here to help, we can arrange to have someone transported home from anywhere in the world.  We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements with carriers, funeral homes, and authorities to ensure safe transit for your loved one back home. We can also handle sending anyone from our local area to any international location.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body; it also slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of the body damaged by traumatic death or illness.  Embalming gives time to the family of the deceased to arrange a service, and allows the family to have an open-casket viewing for friends, co workers, and acquaintances to pay their respects.

Do I need to have an embalming?

There is no New York State law that requires embalming. However, funeral homes are allowed to hold a policy in their firms on embalming. For an open casket service for the public, our funeral home does require the deceased be embalmed. There is no requirement for embalming if there is only to be a private family gathering to see the deceased or if the casket will remain closed during public service.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs are variable for many reasons. Mostly, costs are determined on the services and merchandise chosen by the family.  In some cases, choices may result in a requirement from a church or cemetery that effects the final cost.
We direct you to our 2015 General Price List, which can be found under the "Services Offered" tab on the top toolbar.

Who regulates funeral homes and funeral directors?

Funeral directors are licensed professionals who are governed by the State Health Department. 
In New York, there is a Bureau of Funeral Directing, a branch of the State Health Department.
Their contact information is available in our Resources for Families