Testimonials

Dear Mr. Gray,

I am not sure exactly where to begin in thanking you for bringing some solace into the worst day of my life. After burying my mom three years ago, refraining from making all the painful decisions until the day of her imminent death, my sister and I decided to pre-plan my father’s funeral. I had mixed feelings about this, but we were applying for Medicaid so of course it was the practical thing to do, but in my heart I didn’t want to acknowledge that my dad, my very best friend, was going to be leaving me. I visited a local funeral home and while I didn’t expect to have a good old time, I left feeling somewhat annoyed. I realize everyone has to earn a living, but there are certain professions that I feel require enhanced empathy skills. I know I was just another customer with a sick father but a little warmth, albeit “forced” wouldn’t have been out of line. The cash wasn’t coming out of my pocket so this honestly wasn’t the issue, but I felt I was being steered into spending excessive money on unnecessary AND essential items. Ironically on my way to this particular funeral home, a friend called me and told me about your business, and since I had time on my side I decided to visit your store. I was hesitant at first because this really isn’t the type of comparison shopping that is fun to do. However, after talking to you for ten minutes, I felt it was the best decision I made regarding this entire depressing ordeal. First of all, you were honest…what a refreshing attribute to find in the business world! Second, you were able to “read” the type of person I was and tapped into my needs and feelings. You explained all I needed to know in a professional yet empathetic way. There wasn’t one ounce of insincerity in your manner, in fact you suggested that I spend LESS on a casket than I was originally planning to spend. You spent much more time than was even necessary, making me feel comfortable and at peace with my decisions. Because of this, I trusted you to make all the other arrangements (choosing the funeral home, selecting a priest to speak at my dad’s graveside, etc). When my dad died only a few weeks later, all that was required was a simple phone call and you were “there”. I not only respect you as a businessman but as a person whom I was fortunate enough to meet in this crazy, fast paced world. In fact, I find myself enthusiastically recommending your services to all my friends, even though I sometimes get some pretty strange looks!

Thanks again and again….

Sincerely,

Lori Schanback

I had time to prearrange my Mother’s funeral. I compared prices of two local funeral parlors and found them to be nearly identical. I initiated a search on the internet for similar services. First I received an education about caskets and the NY State laws pertaining to them. These included casket price list presentation and display, delivery and mandatory acceptance at a funeral parlor without surcharge. As I had fore knowledge of the casket prices and their merchandising techniques, I was fully prepared when I found your web site, directcasket.com, visited your showroom/warehouse and met your staff. Not only did I see the caskets at approximately one half the price of the funeral parlors, but I also found out about your other corporate division, Star of David Memorial Chapel. This entity, I learned, conducts appropriate religious graveside funerals and obviates the need for the commonly used funeral parlor and it’s associated costs when a small funeral is in order. However I was concerned that my Mother’s funeral would not be conducted as professionally and efficiently as a local funeral parlor would do. I need not have had that concern. I had done my due diligence and decided to use all of your appropriate services when the time came. From the moment I visited your two facilities and met with you, I was reassured that my decision was correct. Your professional demeanor, attention to details and 24/7 availability were most appreciated. When I received word of my Mother’s demise, I immediately called you. By the time I arrived at my Mother’s home, your funeral director was right behind me. The police officers at the scene commented that they never had witnessed such immediate dispatch and efficiency, including obtaining the necessary death certificate signings. This exemplary service continued throughout, including basic arrangements, body removal and preparation, hearse transport, cemetery interface, funeral supervision, the obtaining of death certificates and death notice placements. A most dreaded day went by very smoothly. In addition, I saved approximately 40% of the total cost that I had originally priced.

THANK YOU

Sincerely,
Jack Hirschfield

Dear Mr. Gray:

I was highly pleased with the fine manner in which your firm handled all aspects of my mother’s recent funeral.

In my opinion, the words reliable “reliable”, “ethical”, and “professional” are certainly appropriate to describe your firms services, inasmuch as the obvious presence of those qualities was proof that none of them had to be sacrificed to obtain a high quality package of funeral goods and services at a relatively low cost.

It is also my opinion that all satisfied clients should voluntarily provide written acknowledgement of their satisfaction to firms they have patronized—not only to express their appreciation, but also to enable such firms to acquire or maintain the sort of outstanding reputation needed to compete with firms offering similar goods and services at substantially higher prices.

I am therefore providing you with this voluntary letter of recommendation, which you have my consent to show to your firms prospective clients.

Sincerely,

Robert Sanderson

I would like this opportunity to thank you for helping to make a very difficult time much easier for my family and myself.

As if losing someone wasn’t enough, finding out how little funding there was to make funeral arrangements with, at a time when they are so inflated, was devastating. Frankly, when my husband approached me with material off the Internet, I didn’t give it too much consideration. However, after investigating and then actually going to see first-hand, I was very surprised to find the extent to which all services and “extra” considerations were offered.

I was, nevertheless, very hesitant to go with a service I had no experience with, so you can imagine what a pleasant surprise it was when you exceeded all our expectations. I was extremely pleases with your services. Even though we chose a private "good-bye" it was far from unpleasant when we viewed her. The flowers you provided alone were so lovely and realistic that we had to check then to see if they were real. They helped to make it more comforting and nothing seemed rushed. Every aspect was attended to with great sensitivity and care. Every detail and kindness was shown to all of us and I know I made the right decision. My mother would have been very pleased.

From the very beginning, my husband felt everyone was very up-front, forthcoming, and proved trustworthy. Coming from my husband and the way he feels about the industry, that is a huge compliment!

Thank you, once again, for making my mother's passing more bearable in every way. I will have no problem recommending you to anyone in the future.

Sincerely,

Dorothy McNulty

Dear Kevin,

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful services you provided for my father in-law’s funeral. I was extremely skeptical at the idea of “saving” money on such a solemn occasion, but you explained everything in a professional and sensitive (as well as practical) manner.

The harsh business side of a funeral is real. Things cost money, people grieve and there is always someone to take advantage during this trying time. You are not one of those people. You are a rare find…..a businessman who cares. The funeral home and rabbi were wonderful and I know that my family' s demands were tougher than most and you rose to the occasion each time.

What impressed me was that during our difficult time, prior to the service, you did the right thing as a businessman. That is why I am writing this letter. Please feel free to post this and show your potential clients who may have any trepidation of using your company. I am as finicky as it comes and you past with flying colors. Be assured that I will recommend your service to anyone I meet.

God Bless,

Mike and Jennifer Sharinn
Carol Scheck Michael Scheck

Dear Mr. Gray:

Although this is a sad and very difficult time in my life, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you and your employees have done. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. Your loving and caring transfer of my son’s remains to a final resting place in “Pinelawn” cemetery was noticeable. Mr. Skeeter, one of your Funeral directors who handled all of the burdensome details, is truly an asset to your organization.

His compassion and sincere devotion has made this most painful event in our lives manageable. On behalf of my daughter and myself, I want to thank you and Mr. Skeeter as well as all the members of your organization who assisted in this transition. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms as you kept my son in yours.

Sincerely,

Mr. Angelo J. Russo Jr.