Michaels Funeral Home,Inc.

Michaels Funeral Home,Inc. We are here to continue to provide the highest standards for our community and to the families that No “gloomy faces. It was not what she envisioned.

By Matt Kennedy, pastor of Good Shepherd, Binghamton NY, Anglican, Reformed, etc. My grandmother, who I loved very much, was a selfless person who no doubt thought she was doing us a favor by insisting that there be no formal funeral service after her death. She hated the thought of anyone “making a fuss.” She specified instead that we all get together for a meal and share our memories of her. She

said that she wanted everyone to be happy and to “celebrate her life” rather than mourn her passing. Several days after her death we gathered to honor her wishes. No one knew what to say. The words that did come were awkward, embarrassed, forced. Everyone was too grief-stricken to contemplate a “celebration” I was in seminary at the time. Since then I cannot count the times people have told me that they want celebrations rather funerals, informal parties rather than stuffy requiems. I’ve presided over funerals in which families, trying to honor the wishes of their departed loved ones, have wanted to bring in balloons, play rock and roll, tell wild stories about the deceased’s youth…all in the effort to run from grief and mourning and solemnity. But the human soul yearns to mourn in the face of death. It must be done. It cannot be avoided or suppressed. Death is the great enemy that divorces body from soul, the union we all know in the depths of our being that should never have been torn apart. Mourning cannot and must not be avoided. And, thanks be to God, the Church has by and large preserved her ancient liturgies, tried and tested by time, to meet this need. No one needs to conjure up new words or songs or things to say. Words have been given to us, and acts, and ceremonies, and hymns that allow us to grieve and yet not as those who have no hope. If you are preparing to die, please do not place the burden of “celebration” or “informality” on those who remain after you. Let those who love you be borne through the necessary grief in the arms of the Church and through her, Christ himself. If you have been moved by the queen’s funeral, that is because the queen in her wisdom loved her family and people well. She gave herself to the ancient ceremonies knowing these would be salve for the hearts of those who loved her and give glory and honor to her Lord. While royal burials are far from what you or I can expect, the ancient words, the ceremonies, the hymns - you can have those. Those belong to the Church and they can be for your family and loved ones however humble your circumstances. Please don’t neglect this gift from God.

06/12/2025
Congratulations to St. Margaret class of 2025. May God Bless you in all of your endeavors!
06/08/2025

Congratulations to St. Margaret class of 2025. May God Bless you in all of your endeavors!

05/01/2025

SAO PAULO (AP) — Sister Inah Canabarro, a Brazilian nun and teacher who was the world's oldest person, died on Wednesday just weeks short of turning 117, her religious congregation said. Canabarro died at home of natural causes, said her Teresian nun congregation, the Company of Saint Teresa of Je...

Cornelius Manzak, a Catholic priest has been kidnapped in Nigeria. Pray for his safe release.
02/07/2025

Cornelius Manzak, a Catholic priest has been kidnapped in Nigeria. Pray for his safe release.

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79-22 Metropolitan Avenue
New York, NY
11379

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+17188945500

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It's a common enough experience; a loved one dies and now you've got to face something you've never ever done before. You've got to go to a funeral home to make their funeral arrangements. Now, not only are you emotionally affected by their death, you're anxious and really need to know what to expect when you arrive. So, let's talk about that for a bit. You should know that we've taken great pains to make your experience with us as easy as possible. Here's how: We've put a lot of work into making our funeral home a pleasant place to spend time. That means our interior design is easy-on-the-eye, the rooms are spacious yet cozy, and the furniture is comfortable. Our staff is both professional yet personable. We believe that when you leave, you'll consider us more than funeral directors; we'll be well-on-our-way to being friends. Friends you can really trust to compassionately care for your loved one...and for your family. We've streamlined the funeral arrangement process. Since we've been making funeral arrangements with families for a very long time, we've had ample opportunity to learn the easiest, most efficient way to get through the process. Believe us when we say; it won't take as long as you think. Our team is trained to handle all the details. And we do mean all of them. From filing insurance, social security or veterans administration paperwork; to greeting and bidding farewell to your guests—and everything in between. Exactly What Happens at the Funeral Home? While we can't speak to every situation, we can tell you the bare basics of what to expect on your first visit to our funeral home. When you come through the front door, you will be greeted warmly by a staff member. Names will be exchanged, and hands shaken in cordiality. Some words of comfort will be offered. Once informed of the reason for your visit, you will be directed to the funeral director's office or arrangement office. Before the funeral arrangement conversation goes very far, you will be given a copy of our General Price List, Casket Price List, and any other appropriate price-related documents. This is done to ensure compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule.