I have had to help plan 3 funerals, all in different funeral homes. This time, I decided to ask my parish church, for a reference. Though the woman who answered my call said that all the locals homes were good, she told me that she had used New Hyde Park for both of her parents and had been very happy. I understand fully why she returned to them.
From my first phone call up to the interment at the cemetery, I was treated with complete, unconditional respect and compassion. The facility was spacious, clean and cozy, with ample parking in the back. The staff arranged not only the wake, but the church service and, since I already owned a plot at Pinelawn Memorial Cemetery, the paper work at the cemetery. My only responsibilities were clothing my husband, Ron, and finding pictures of our life so that THEY could scan them onto a CD for their electronic picture screen at the wake.
My husband was sick for a long time and his face showed the toll he had taken. I was not sure that I should have an open casket. Rene could not have done a better job in preparing him for the viewing if he had known him in his prime. He looked like himself, peaceful and healthy, as if he truly was sleeping and just about to wake and stand up. I'm pretty sure the tears I shed when I first saw him were tears of joy.
The pallbearers were the most professional I have ever seen. They approached the casket with complete respect, compassion and military form. The casket was carried on their shoulders in perfect unison. They were dignified and quiet through the entire service.
The driver of the hearse was also amazing. He keep the procession of about 10 vehicles together safely. He had a good sense of when the lights would turn red and stopped at the green, allowing them to turn in order for us all to go through together, safely and legally.
Though I hope that the occasion does not arise soon for me to use their services again, I will most definitely return to New Hyde Park Funeral Home if it does. They are a class A+ establishment.
Thank you, Rene, Alisa, Ed, Charlie, my pallbearers, and all those who helped me get through this devastating ordeal.
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