Frequently Asked Questions

Funeral Planning Checklist (click here)

Is embalming required by law?
No. You may select a funeral arrangement, such as a direct burial or direct cremation for which embalming is not required. In general, if there is to be an open-casket service with viewing, or if there will be a delay of more than a day or two between the time of death and the time of disposition, embalming will be required by the funeral firm.

How do I get additional copies of the death certificate?
The original death certificate is filed with the Registrar of the township in which a person dies. For instance, someone who dies in Sayville will have his or her death certificate filed with the Islip Town Registrar. Additional copies may be obtained through the Registrar either in person or by mail. Copies are available only to next-of-kin or to a representative of the estate.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice? Is either one required?
First, it is not required that you publish a notice upon the death of an individual. A death notice is a paid notice, which gives the deceased's name, date of death, survivors, and details of the funeral arrangements. An obituary contains all of the above information, plus more biographical information, such as armed service, schooling, interests, etc. and is generally placed in the paper at little or no charge.

What do I do if someone dies while away from home?
First, determine whether there are to be any services at the distant location. If not, then it is best to coordinate all arrangements through our funeral home. We have affiliates in all parts of the country and throughout the world, and can arrange to have your loved one returned here for final arrangements.

What does an average funeral cost?
There is no such thing as an "average funeral." Each funeral is unique in that there are different circumstances regarding cemetery plots, religious affiliation, and many other factors which will affect the cost. We are committed to work within each family's budget to provide a dignified funeral, no matter how simple or elaborate your wishes may be. We are always available to give you a detailed estimate of funeral costs based on your unique circumstances.

Funeral Planning Checklist
Nothing adequately prepares us for the shock of a loved one’s death. We find ourselves in a position that is emotionally confusing, experiencing feelings of panic and helplessness. Yet hundreds of decisions must be made in preparing to say goodbye. Therefore, this section is dedicated to making this difficult time a little easier by providing a “checklist” to help guide you through this burdensome process.  It will also inform you about what your local funeral director can do to help.

 

The Funeral Director’s Role
The funeral director's most important role is helping you. Making any kind of funeral arrangement involves many choices and decisions. Funeral service professionals give you and your family the information you need to make the right choices. Because they understand your need to consider all available options, your funeral director will fully explain these and take time to answer your questions.

Licensed and trained funeral directors help with both the practical arrangements and the emotional issues involved in planning a funeral. On the practical side, they typically remove the deceased from the place of death, obtain the required legal documents and prepare the body for viewing, if desired. Once you and your family are satisfied with your decision regarding services, burial or cremation, your funeral director will arrange for the final disposition, provide facilities for the visitation and funeral service, and transport the deceased and mourners to the place of final disposition.

Your funeral director will take great pains to plan a fitting tribute to your loved one. In fact, he or she will insist on taking an active role in helping you plan a personal and meaningful ceremony to begin the healing process. After the service, your funeral service professional can also provide support materials to help you deal with your grief.

 

Funeral Checklist
Funeral Checklist
When planning a funeral, try not to do everything yourself. Call on a family member or friend to help you make the following arrangements.

Notify:

  • Doctor
  • Coroner
  • Funeral home
    • They will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery or memorial park
    • They will prepare the Social Security Form and see that the number is retired
    • They will assist in determining the number of death certificates you will need and will order them
  • Clergy
  • Relatives and friends
  • Pallbearers
  • Insurance Agents
  • Banks
  • Unions and Fraternal Organizations
  • Organists

Select:

  • Cemetery property
  • Funeral service
  • Casket
  • Vault or outer container
  • Clothing
  • Flowers
  • Music
  • Thank you announcements
  • Transportation
  • Time and place for funeral
  • Time and place for visitation

Provide:

Vital statistics about the deceased

  • Birth Date
  • Birthplace
  • Father’s name
  • Mother’s name
  • Social Security Number
  • Veteran’s Discharge or Claim Number
  • Education
  • Marital status

Obituary information (the funeral home will normally write the article and submit to newspaper)

  • Age
  • Place of birth
  • Cause of death
  • Occupation
  • College Degrees
  • Memberships held
  • Military service
  • Outstanding work
  • List of survivors in immediate family
  • Give time and place of services
  • Charities for memorial contributions

Addresses of all people who must be notified

Arrangements for out-of-town visitors


In addition you will want to:

  • Find someone to help answer sympathetic phone calls, cards and letters, as well as greet friends and relatives when they call.
  • Decide appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, etc.).
  • Prepare list of distant persons to be notified by letter/or printed notice and decide which to send.
  • Locate the will and notify lawyer and executor.
  • Check carefully all life and casualty insurance and death benefits including social security, credit union, fraternal and military.
  • Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some carry insurance clauses that cancel balances upon death.
  • Notify utilities and landlord and tell post office where to send mail (if deceased was living alone).