NEW YORK STATE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION ELECTS 2002-2003 OFFICERS AT ANNUAL MEETING

Albany, NY (August 14) -- More than 700 members of the funeral industry attended the
New York State Funeral Directors Association's (NYSFDA) annual convention which
concluded today in Saratoga Springs, New York. More than 50 exhibits showcased
products and services that support the funeral industry.

During the meeting, NYSFDA membership elected their 2002-2003 officers: President
James P. Nolan, Jr., president of the Nolan and Taylor-Howe Funeral Home in Northport;
President-Elect Patricia Knight Scholl, manager and corporate secretary of the Keegan-
Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home in Syracuse; Vice President Thomas L. Kearns, president of
Leo F. Kearns, Inc. Funeral Directors in Richmond Hill, East Meadow and Rego Park and Secretary/Treasurer Douglas R. Wilson, owner of the Devine-Wilson Memorial Home Inc. in Norwich.

As part of the funeral industry's continuing education program to ensure that funeral
directors remain current with the many State and federal health, safety and price disclosure regulations governing the profession, NYSFDA offered four seminars including reviews of the State's laws and regulations governing funeral directing and cemeteries.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral
service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members serve. More
than 800 member firms and 3000 licensed funeral directors who operate across the State
belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining
a Website at www.nysfda.org, NYSFDA also publishes a newspaper column "Transitions" and brochures which educate and inform consumers about end-of-life issues.