Do you do non-religous funeral services?
Do you do memorial services in private homes?
Do you do graveside ceremonies?
Do you recommend using the services of a funeral home?
Do you do memorial services for pets?
Q: Do you do non-religous funeral services?
I do. Everyone deserves to have a funeral (or memorial) service that is respectful, memorable and meaningful. When I do a non-religious service, my main job is guiding the family through ways to express their grief and share their memories. This time together is an important part of the healing process.
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Q: Do you do memorial services in private homes?
Yes, I do. Sometimes the family cannot afford a service in a funeral home – or just prefers to do something at home. Some of the nicest services I've been involved in were memorial services in private homes. It can be more personal that way, and often more relaxed too. It all depends upon what your family wants.
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Q: Do you do graveside ceremonies?
Yes, I have done many such ceremonies at Calverton and Pinelawn Memorial Cemeteries and at Green Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn – just to name some of the larger ones. Funeral directors usually appreciate when clergy accompany them to the cemetery for the committal, since having clergy minister definitely helps in these final, momentous, often difficult moments at the graveside.
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Q: Do you recommend using the services of a funeral home?
I definitely do. Just try to choose wisely. A good funeral home staff will care for you and help you in many ways that you'll appreciate. It's not a time when you want to be in charge, or making a lot of decisions on your own. They've been through this, and bring a lot of expertise – and usually heart, to the process. I've seen what sometimes happens when families try to short circuit the grieving process – either to rush things or save money. That's not usually a very healthy approach. It's good to take the necessary time to grieve, and a good funeral director can walk you through some of the worst of that.
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Q: Do you do memorial services for pets?
Yes. These days pets are like members of the family. It's huge when we lose them. When they leave us it's only natural to want to honor them and give thanks for them. It's also an important time to care for the grieving family. Some people might not understand, but most pet lovers know how horrific it can be. It's a wonderful time to be supported by family and friends who can share the grief with you, and a memorial ceremony is the best way to do that.
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