News

A Friend of Funeral Service

Photo shows award being presented to Sen. Betty Little

NYS Senator Receives Award from NYSFDA

ALBANY, NY (July 31, 2017) -- The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) was pleased to present a “Friend of Funeral Service Award” to the Honorable Elizabeth “Betty” Little (45^th S.D.) recently for her State Senate sponsorship and tireless advocacy to successfully secure a law allowing funeral homes to serve light food and refreshments in New York State.

The law removing the prohibition on food and beverage in the funeral home took effect statewide on January 17, 2017.

Personalized Funerals

Photo shows 2017 celebrant training graduates

Certified Celebrant Training Grads Learn to Provide Personalized Funeral Tributes

ALBANY, NY (June 29, 2017) -- A diverse group from throughout the northeast recently completed a three-day program focused on helping to provide families the healing gift of a personalized funeral tribute built on the stories of a life.

[VIDEO: NYSFDA member, Peter J. Rose, shares his experience with the program.]

Held at the Albany headquarters of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), the program featured discussion on concepts including grief, meeting with families, and providing memorial services for a growing segment of American society – those unaffiliated with formal faith communities.

Behind the Scenes

Photo collage shows funeral director John D'Arienzo behind the scene of youngsters participating in an after school program at the Settlement House in Brooklyn

Funeral Director Honored for Meaningful Impact in Community

People often hear about anonymous supporters helping out great causes.

These are often folks who give of themselves to benefit their community - but they stay behind the scenes because they’re not doing it for recognition. Most prefer not to not get any attention at all.