My friend Maria from Stapleton called me crying last month. Her dad had just passed, and she’d spent three days calling different funeral homes around the island, only to feel like most places treated her like just another credit card waiting to be swiped. Look, with over 40 funeral homes serving Staten Island’s 475,000 residents, finding the right one shouldn’t feel like you’re navigating some kind of maze when you’re already dealing with the worst day of your life.
Quick Resource:
Writing a eulogy while grieving is never easy. The Eulogy Generator helps Staten Island families create heartfelt, personal tributes that honor their loved one’s life with compassion and care.
I’ve spent way too many hours researching this stuff – probably more than I should have, honestly. But after watching Maria go through that nightmare, I figured someone needed to actually dig into which places on Staten Island genuinely care about families versus which ones are just going through the motions.
When you’re ready to write your loved one’s story, the Eulogy Generator helps you find the right words — quickly and beautifully.
TL;DR: Quick Overview
Nobody wants to spend hours researching funeral homes when they’re grieving, so here’s what I found after digging through everything.
Casey Funeral Home has been around for 150 years and they’re really good with veteran services. They’re part of that Dignity Memorial network, which means more resources but also higher prices. If you’ve got a veteran in the family, they know what they’re doing.
Bedell-Pizzo has the longest track record – we’re talking 182 years. They’re still family-owned and treat everyone like they’re part of their own family. Not flashy, just solid.
Scarpaci-Cisi is another family operation since 1910, and they actually help you with the grief stuff afterward, not just the funeral itself. They’re available 24/7, which is pretty rare.
Matthew Funeral Home sits right there on Victory Boulevard near the mall. They’ve been doing their thing for 50+ years without any drama. Sometimes reliable and straightforward is exactly what you need.
Cherubini McInerney focuses on really personalized planning. If you want something that feels unique to your loved one, they’re good at making that happen.
Virginia Funeral Chapel shares space with Casey but has different staff. It’s like getting premium facilities with your choice of team, though you’ll pay premium prices.
Hanley Funeral Home keeps things simple and traditional. Their website could use some work, but sometimes that old-school approach works for people.
Staten Island Memorial Services Network represents a bunch of smaller neighborhood places. Hit or miss depending on which one you end up with, but they know their local communities really well.
Comparison Table
| Funeral Home | How Long They’ve Been Around | What They Offer | Staff Quality | Facilities | Honest About Pricing | Local Connection | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casey Funeral Home | Really good (150 years) | Everything + great with veterans | Professional, well-trained | Nice facilities | Pretty clear, network pricing | Deep Staten Island roots | Solid choice |
| Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home | Amazing (182 years) | Traditional stuff + cremation | Treats you like family | Old-school but well-maintained | Fair, family-focused | Nearly two centuries here | Really good |
| Scarpaci-Cisi Funeral Home | Long history (since 1910) | Everything + actual grief help | Family owners involved | Traditional with modern touches | Very transparent | Generations of commitment | Top choice |
| Matthew Funeral Home | Solid (50+ years) | Traditional, cremation, pre-planning | Community-focused | Good Victory Boulevard location | Price list available | Half-century on Staten Island | Dependable |
| Cherubini McInerney | Good reputation | Really personalized planning | Compassionate team | Modern approach | Flexible options | Active in community | Good for custom services |
| Virginia Funeral Chapel | Network presence | Full cremation and burial | Professional network training | Premium shared facilities | Standard network pricing | Corporate but local presence | Premium option |
| Hanley Funeral Home | Been around, limited info | Traditional services | Community-based | Standard facilities | Need to ask about pricing | Local Staten Island operation | Basic but honest |
| Staten Island Memorial Network | Varies by location | Depends on which one you pick | Hit or miss | Range from basic to nice | Usually competitive | Really know neighborhoods | Depends on location |
What I Actually Looked For
I’ll be honest – I’m not a funeral director, just someone trying to help families avoid what Maria went through. Here’s what I figured mattered most when families are dealing with this stuff.
How long they’ve been around matters because funeral homes that have survived decades or centuries usually know what they’re doing. You don’t stay in business for 150 years by treating people badly.
What services they actually offer – some places do everything, others stick to basics. If you need something specific like military honors or cultural traditions, you want to know upfront.
Whether the staff actually cares – this one’s huge. You can usually tell pretty quickly if someone genuinely wants to help or if they’re just going through the motions.
The facilities – you’re going to be spending some emotional time in these places. Are they comfortable? Clean? Do they have enough parking? (Trust me, parking matters when you’ve got a bunch of family coming.)
Honest pricing – nobody wants surprise bills when they’re grieving. Good places tell you what things cost upfront.
Local connection – Staten Island isn’t Manhattan. Places that really know the island understand our neighborhoods, our families, our way of doing things.
Need help expressing what made them special? The Eulogy Generator gently guides you through crafting a meaningful tribute.
Casey Funeral Home
Best for Veteran Services
Casey Funeral Home has this crazy history – they’ve been around since 1875, and get this, they were founded by Mary Casey, who was apparently New York State’s first female funeral director. That’s pretty cool. But what really sets them apart is their veteran services – they’re what they call a “Level Four Founding Community Partner” with We Honor Veterans, which honestly sounds impressive even if I’m not sure exactly what it means.
I’ve driven past this place probably a hundred times on my way to work, but I never realized it’s been in the same family for five generations. They’re part of that Dignity Memorial network now, which means they’ve got more resources but also corporate backing. Some people love that, others prefer the mom-and-pop feel.
What They Offer
They do everything – traditional funerals, cremation, pre-planning (which honestly more people should think about), and they’re really good with veteran services. The military honors thing is apparently their specialty. They’re open 24/7, which is good because grief doesn’t keep business hours.
If you’re honoring a veteran or loved one, the Eulogy Generator helps you write a respectful, heartfelt eulogy that fits their legacy.
The facilities are nice – spacious rooms, decent parking, chapel areas that don’t feel cramped. Plus they’ve got that Dignity Memorial guarantee thing, so if something goes wrong, there’s backup.
The Good Stuff
150 years in business speaks for itself. You don’t survive that long without doing something right. The veteran services are legit – if you’ve got a military family member, these folks know the protocols and honors better than anyone else on the island.
The staff gets professional training through the network, so there’s consistency. And that guarantee thing provides peace of mind, which matters when you’re already stressed about everything else.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
It’s corporate now, which means higher prices. The Dignity Memorial network isn’t known for being budget-friendly. Some families told me it felt a bit too polished, like they were getting the corporate treatment instead of personal attention.
Also, if you’re looking for something really unique or off-the-beaten-path, the standardized approach might not be flexible enough.
Bottom Line
If you’ve got a veteran in the family or you want the security of a big network behind your funeral home, Casey’s a solid choice. Just know you’ll pay for those extras.
Community Feedback
Most families I heard from were happy with Casey, especially for military services. The complaint I heard most was about cost, but people generally felt like they got what they paid for.
Pricing
It’s on the higher end because of the network affiliation. You’re paying for comprehensive services and that guarantee, so if budget’s tight, you might want to shop around.
Check out Casey Funeral Home’s website for more details.
Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home
Best for Family Treatment
Okay, this one blew me away – Bedell-Pizzo has been around for 182 years. That’s not a typo. They’ve literally been serving Staten Island families since before the Civil War. The thing everyone mentions about them is how they treat every family like their own family, which sounds like marketing speak until you hear people talk about their actual experiences.
I tried to find more info about them online, but honestly, their web presence could use some work. Sometimes that old-school approach means they’re better on the phone than on the internet.
What They Offer
Traditional funeral services, cremation options, and pre-planning. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel – just doing solid, personalized funeral services the way they have for nearly two centuries.
From what I could tell, they really focus on listening to what families want rather than pushing packages or upsells.
The Good Stuff
182 years. I mean, come on. You don’t stay in business that long without genuinely caring about people. Multiple generations of Staten Island families have used them, so they must be doing something right.
Everyone I talked to mentioned the personal attention. They actually listen to what you want instead of telling you what you should want.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Their online presence is pretty weak, so you’ll need to call or visit to get real information. If you’re someone who likes to research everything online first, that might be frustrating.
Also, being traditional might mean they’re less flexible if you want something really unconventional.
Bottom Line
If you want a funeral home that’s been part of Staten Island longer than anyone can remember and treats families like actual people, not customers, Bedell-Pizzo seems like a safe bet.
Community Feedback
The feedback I heard was consistently positive about the personal attention and genuine care. People felt heard and supported, not rushed through a process.
Capture their legacy with love — start your personalized eulogy using the Eulogy Generator.
Pricing
They seem to focus on fair pricing rather than being the cheapest or most expensive. Competitive for what you get.
Visit Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home or give them a call for real information.
Scarpaci-Cisi Funeral Home
Best for Ongoing Support
Here’s what caught my attention about Scarpaci-Cisi – they actually help you deal with the grief stuff after the funeral is over. Most places are done with you once they get paid, but these folks have actual grief support programs. They’ve been family-owned since 1910, and from what I can tell, the family is still actually involved in running the place.
They’re available 24/7, which is pretty rare. Death doesn’t happen on a schedule, and neither does grief, so having someone you can actually reach matters.
What They Offer
Full funeral and cremation services, pre-planning, and those grief support programs I mentioned. They’ve got virtual showroom stuff too, so you can look at options from home if that’s easier.
The 24-hour availability isn’t just for emergencies – they understand that questions and emotions come up at weird times.
The Good Stuff
True family ownership means the people making decisions actually care about the reputation long-term. The grief support thing is huge – most places disappear after the funeral, but dealing with loss goes on for months or years.
Their “open door policy” means you can come talk to them about costs and options without pressure. That’s refreshing.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Being smaller means they might get overwhelmed during busy periods
Being smaller means they might get overwhelmed during busy periods. If there are multiple services happening at once, resources could get stretched.
The facilities are traditional, which is fine, but if you’re looking for something really modern or fancy, you might want more options.
Bottom Line
If you want a funeral home that’ll actually stick with your family through the tough stuff afterward, not just handle the funeral and disappear, Scarpaci-Cisi looks like they get it.
Community Feedback
Families really appreciate the ongoing support and the fact that the family owners are actually involved. People felt like they mattered beyond just the funeral service.
When emotions are high and time is short, the Eulogy Generator helps you craft heartfelt words that bring comfort.
Pricing
They emphasize fair, transparent pricing with no hidden surprises. The open-door policy means you can get real numbers upfront.
Check out Scarpaci-Cisi Funeral Home for more information.
Matthew Funeral Home
Best for Reliable, No-Drama Service
Matthew Funeral Home sits right there on Victory Boulevard near the mall – you’ve probably driven past it. They’ve been doing their thing for over 50 years without any big drama or major changes. Sometimes that steady, reliable approach is exactly what families need.
They’re not trying to be fancy or revolutionary. Just solid funeral services without complications. For some families, that’s perfect.
What They Offer
Traditional burial, cremation, pre-planning, and grief resources. They’ve got virtual showroom options and personalized service, but it’s all pretty straightforward.
The Victory Boulevard location is convenient for most of Staten Island, and they understand the local community after five decades here.
The Good Stuff
Fifty years of steady service means they know what they’re doing. The location is convenient, and they’ve built a solid reputation without any major controversies or problems.
Pre-planning options are good for people who like to prepare ahead, and their track record suggests they’ll be around to honor those arrangements.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
They’re not particularly distinctive compared to other options. If you’re looking for something special or unique, they might feel a bit generic.
Less history than some of the century-old places, if that matters to you.
Bottom Line
If you want a funeral home that’s been reliably serving Staten Island for decades without drama, Matthew Funeral Home is a solid, safe choice.
Community Feedback
People appreciate their straightforward approach and professional service. No major complaints, but no one’s raving about amazing experiences either.
Pricing
Moderate pricing with clear general price lists. Nothing too fancy, nothing too cheap – right in the middle range.
Contact Matthew Funeral Home for specific pricing and service details.
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
Best for Really Personal Services
Cherubini McInerney focuses on making each funeral feel unique to the person who died. They’re not about cookie-cutter services – they actually sit down and figure out what would honor your loved one specifically. Their approach feels more modern while still being respectful.
They seem to really get that every family is different and every person deserves something that reflects who they actually were.
What They Offer
Personalized funeral planning, flexible cremation options, and grief support. They work with you to create services that actually fit your family’s needs instead of trying to fit you into their standard packages.
Their compassionate approach extends through the whole process, not just the initial meeting.
The Good Stuff
If you want something that feels personal and unique, they’re really good at making that happen. The grief support continues after the funeral, which most places don’t bother with.
Flexible cremation options mean you’re not stuck with one-size-fits-all choices. They adapt to what your family actually wants.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Being newer means less historical presence if that matters to you. Some families prefer places that have been around forever.
Limited pricing information online means you’ll need to call to understand costs, which can be annoying when you’re trying to compare options.
Bottom Line
If you want a funeral that feels like it’s actually about your loved one, not just following a standard script, they seem to excel at personalization.
Community Feedback
Families really appreciate the personalized attention and the effort to create meaningful services that capture their loved one’s personality.
Pricing
Flexible pricing based on what you actually want rather than standard packages. You’ll need to talk to them directly to get real numbers.
Visit Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home for consultations and pricing.
Virginia Funeral Chapel
Best for Premium Resources with Choice
Virginia Funeral Chapel is interesting – they share facilities with Casey Funeral Home but have their own staff team. So you get access to really nice facilities but can choose different funeral directors. It’s like having options within the premium tier.
They’re part of the same Dignity Memorial network, so you get all those resources and guarantees, but with a different service approach.
What They Offer
Complete funeral and memorial services, cremation options, and all the network resources like online obituaries and memorial websites. Professional staff with network training standards.
Same premium facilities as Casey but different team dynamics, which some families prefer.
The Good Stuff
Access to really nice facilities without being locked into one specific service team. Network backing means comprehensive resources and that service guarantee.
Professional training standards ensure consistency, and you get choice in your funeral director relationships.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Still corporate network pricing, so it’s not budget-friendly. Some families find the corporate structure less personal than family-owned places.
Less independent feel compared to traditional family operations that some people prefer.
Bottom Line
If you want premium facilities and resources but like having choices in your service team, it’s a good option. Just expect to pay premium prices.
Community Feedback
Families like having service team options while accessing quality facilities. Professional standards are appreciated, though some miss the personal touch of smaller operations.
Pricing
Premium pricing in line with Dignity Memorial standards. You’re paying for comprehensive resources and quality guarantees.
Learn more at Virginia Funeral Chapel through the Dignity Memorial site.
Hanley Funeral Home
Best for Simple, Traditional Approach
Hanley Funeral Home keeps things simple and traditional. Their website looks like it’s from 2005, but maybe that doesn’t matter if they handle the important stuff well. They serve families who want conventional funeral arrangements without modern complications.
They’re not trying to be flashy or innovative – just straightforward funeral services for Staten Island families.
What They Offer
Traditional funeral services, standard burial options, and memorial arrangements. Local Staten Island operation focused on community-based service.
Their approach emphasizes conventional funeral practices without extensive customization.
The Good Stuff
Local community presence means they know Staten Island neighborhoods and family preferences. Traditional approach offers comfort for families wanting conventional arrangements.
Probably competitive pricing due to smaller operation overhead. Personal attention from smaller staff creates more intimate relationships.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Limited online presence makes research difficult. You’ll need to call for any real information about services or pricing.
May lack modern amenities that some families expect. Less digital accessibility could be frustrating for tech-savvy families.
Bottom Line
If you want simple, traditional funeral services without bells and whistles, they might work well. Just don’t expect much online information.
Community Feedback
Limited feedback available, but families who’ve used them seem to appreciate the straightforward, no-nonsense approach.
Pricing
Likely competitive pricing, but you’ll need to call directly since they don’t publish much information online.
Contact Hanley Funeral Home directly for service details.
Staten Island Memorial Services Network
Best for Neighborhood-Specific Services
This isn’t one funeral home but a bunch of smaller, neighborhood-focused places scattered around Staten Island. Each one serves specific communities and understands local customs and preferences really well.
The idea is you get intimate, personalized service within your own neighborhood while benefiting from shared resources and competitive pricing.
What They Offer
Multiple neighborhood locations, culturally-specific services, and personalized attention. Competitive pricing across different providers makes quality services more accessible.
Strong local community ties mean deep understanding of neighborhood customs and family traditions.
The Good Stuff
Really personalized neighborhood service creates close relationships between funeral directors and local families. Cultural sensitivity addresses diverse community needs throughout Staten Island.
Competitive pricing across multiple providers offers budget-friendly options. Strong community connections ensure familiarity with local customs and religious practices.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Service quality varies between different network providers, so you need to research individual locations. Limited resources compared to larger operations might restrict options.
Facility quality ranges from basic to nice depending on which location you choose. May lack comprehensive grief support programs that larger funeral homes offer.
Bottom Line
If you want funeral services within your own neighborhood from people who really know your community, this network approach could work well. Just research the specific provider in your area.
Community Feedback
Families value neighborhood accessibility and cultural understanding from local providers. Personal relationships with funeral directors who understand community needs get positive mentions.
Pricing
Generally competitive pricing focused on value and accessibility across diverse economic situations.
Research individual network providers in your Staten Island neighborhood for specific information.
Notable Mentions
A few other options serve specific communities or needs on Staten Island, though I couldn’t get as much detailed information about them.
Sacred Heart Funeral Services
Focuses specifically on Staten Island’s Catholic community with traditional liturgical services. They work closely with local parishes for proper religious observances.
Contact local Catholic parishes for Sacred Heart referrals.
Hillside Memorial Chapel
Specializes in Jewish funeral traditions and customs, serving Staten Island’s Jewish families with kosher preparation and traditional burial practices.
Contact local synagogues for Hillside Memorial Chapel information.
Staten Island Veterans Memorial Services
Exclusively handles military veteran funerals with flag ceremonies, military honors, and VA benefits assistance.
Contact VA offices for Staten Island Veterans Memorial Services information.
Compassionate Care Funeral Cooperative
A newer cooperative model offering budget-conscious families quality services through shared resources and community support.
Research cooperative funeral services for information about this alternative model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for funeral services in Staten Island?
Honestly, it varies like crazy. Traditional full-service funerals typically run $8,000 to $15,000, while cremation services usually cost $3,000 to $8,000. Places like Casey and Virginia Funeral Chapel are on the higher end because of their network affiliation and comprehensive services. Neighborhood providers and cooperatives offer more budget-friendly options.
Pre-planning can lock in current pricing, which helps since funeral costs keep going up. Many places offer payment plans if you need them.
How quickly can funeral services be arranged?
Most Staten Island funeral homes can get things arranged within 3-5 days, depending on what you need and any religious requirements. Some traditions require faster arrangements, others give you more time.
Things that affect timing include autopsy requirements, family traveling from out of state, religious observances, and cemetery availability. Good funeral directors work with you to accommodate timing needs while handling all the legal stuff.
What are the benefits of pre-planning funeral arrangements?
Pre-planning helps in two big ways – financially and emotionally. You lock in current pricing and can pay gradually instead of hitting your family with a huge bill during grief.
Emotionally, it takes pressure off surviving family members by eliminating difficult decisions during mourning. It ensures your preferences are honored and prevents family arguments about arrangements. Most funeral homes offer free pre-planning consultations.
Should I choose cremation or traditional burial?
Depends on personal preferences, religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and practical stuff like cost and environmental impact. Cremation generally costs less and offers more flexibility in timing and location.
Traditional burial provides a permanent memorial location and may be required by certain religious traditions. Many families choose cremation with traditional funeral services, combining cost savings with meaningful ceremonies.
Which funeral homes offer specialized veteran services?
Casey Funeral Home leads Staten Island in veteran services – they’re a Level Four Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans. Staten Island Veterans Memorial Services specializes exclusively in military funerals.
Most established funeral homes can coordinate basic veteran services like flag presentation and military honors, but specialized providers offer more comprehensive recognition and help with VA benefits.
Final Thoughts
Look, I hope you never need this information, but if you do, at least you won’t be starting from scratch like Maria did. Choosing a funeral home during your family’s worst moments shouldn’t add more stress to an already overwhelming situation.
Here’s what I learned after all this research: Experience matters – places like Bedell-Pizzo (182 years) and Casey (150 years) have proven track records through generations. Personal attention varies – family-owned places like Scarpaci-Cisi provide intimate care while network providers offer comprehensive resources. Specialized services make a difference – veteran families benefit from Casey’s military expertise, while cultural communities can find appropriate providers throughout the network.
Pricing transparency helps families make informed decisions without financial surprises during vulnerable moments. Community connections ensure funeral homes understand local customs and family preferences across Staten Island’s diverse neighborhoods.
At the end of the day, you need to trust your gut. The right funeral home for your family might not be the same as what worked for someone else.
Beyond selecting the funeral home, a lot of families struggle with writing eulogies. Writing a eulogy when you’re grieving is brutal – I remember my cousin staring at a blank page for hours when his mom passed, and time was running short. During these challenging moments, having guidance for crafting meaningful eulogies becomes really valuable for families trying to express their feelings appropriately.
That’s where something like Eulogy Generator can actually help Staten Island families. It’s an interactive tool that guides you through simple questions about your loved one, helping you remember important details even when grief makes clear thinking difficult. Within minutes, you get a personalized, professional-quality eulogy that captures your loved one’s unique spirit.
Whether you choose Casey’s veteran-focused services, Scarpaci-Cisi’s comprehensive grief support, or any other Staten Island provider, having a well-crafted eulogy enhances the memorial service and provides comfort to grieving families. Some families might also consider celebration of life ceremonies as an alternative to traditional services.
For $35, you get unlimited edits, 24/7 customer support, and a 100% money-back guarantee. Don’t let eulogy writing add stress to funeral planning – it helps you create the perfect tribute to celebrate your loved one’s life. You can also explore their collection of eulogy quotes for inspiration and meaningful words.
You don’t have to do this alone — create a beautiful, lasting tribute today with the Eulogy Generator.
Visit EulogyGenerator.com if you need help crafting a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time.
