News

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.

Center of the Community

A View of Potter's Park at FE Brown & Sons Funeral Home

F E Brown Sons Funeral Home Honored by NYS Senate, Local Chamber of Commerce

Located in the heart of Orchard Park and just a few blocks from the cemetery, the 169 year-old home is an ideal place for traditional funerals.

But the FE Brown Sons Funeral Home doesn’t just serve the traditional family – so owner Timothy J. Gardner decided to add on, so-to-speak.

In his 40 years as a funeral director, Gardner often heard family members remark how nice it would be outside on pleasant days. So he took that idea and turned it into reality.