When my Mother passed recently we found out she had a trust set up for her funeral, it turned into…read morea nightmare, until Jeff Collette. This was the hardest day in my life and I truly feel God put Jeff into my path. He was wonderful from start to finish. He made everything so much easier and we knew Mom would be taken care of. I truly can not thank that man enough. God bless you Jeff, this is why small business is so important, I don't think a large place would have done everything they did. My family and myself will always be thankful. Sincerely, Kellie Nardin

Jeff and his staff are the absolute best funeral home I have ever dealt with. They offer…read morecustomized, personalized service plus all the other services other "big" funeral homes offer, but for much more affordable prices. Not only did he offer to come meet us at the hospital we were at for our first meeting (so we didn't have to leave my mother-in-law's side in order to drive to the funeral home), but he treated us like we were a member of his own family from start to finish. Jeff went out of his way to ensure that we were happy with everything for my mother-in-law's funeral, he personally ensured that my mother-in-law was in his care at all times after her passing, and even ensured he had the right person in place to do her African American hair and make up (for the viewing). He knew we were concerned about costs (since my mother in law did not have an insurance policy) and was always helping us think of options that were affordable to fit in our budget. We had his personal cell phone number so we could call him directly with any questions or concerns--and he was endlessly patient with us, even when we called him three times a day or at 2 in the morning. I have never had better service--it was truly a wonderful experience. I highly recommend Jeff and his staff at Konicek and Collett.

Parker Brothers is the best! Under the circumstances, they went out of their way to accommodate…read moreeverything needed for my mom's services, and I am so grateful for their support. Vince and the other staff were so kind, caring, and always receptive to our requests. Their compassion and professionalism made a very difficult time a little easier for our family, and we are truly thankful for everything they did. They treated us with dignity and grace from beginning to end, and we will never forget the comfort they provided during such a painful moment in our lives.

Unfortunately, this is the second time I have used Parker Brothers Funeral home. I don't mean that…read morein a negative way but that is where both my parents have been entrusted on the last step of the journey of life. I can't say enough good things about Mike, Vince and all of the staff. This is not a time in any family's life that you want an amateur handling your loved ones. Parker Brothers Funeral Home is the A-team. Thanks Mike. Ken "Kew" Kruszeski

I have used the services of Simple Choices twice now over the last 7 years. Each time, Roy and his…read morestaff have been professional and compassionate. I felt at ease from first contact that my loved one (and I !) would be treated with care and respect. I appreciated the prompt response from the moment I reached out. Without hesitation, I would recommend Simple Choices for end of life arrangements.

I'm a year late writing this review, but it was recently the first anniversary of the death in our…read morefamily and it reminded me that we intended to share our glowing review of Simple Choices but didn't get to it in the months immediately after. At the time, I called around to at least 4-6 different places in the Albany area to understand the cremation options available, at a very stressful time obviously. Roy was BY FAR the most compassionate, patient, responsive, and clear about what to expect. Seriously, you just don't want to deal with the impersonal or callous attitudes that came across in my first phone call with some of the other places that offer cremation services. There wasn't even the smallest hint of anything other than the ideal level of genuine helpfulness from Roy. On top of that the prices were extremely fair, and the environment and decor in the Simple Choices funeral home is very comforting. Looking back, it also feels good to have supported a business & team that is committed to doing the right thing for people at their worst times. They live out ALL the values stated on their website. Oh, and I should also mention just in case anyone's looking for this detail in a review - our family isn't Christian, and Roy was nothing but pure kindness and understanding on adjusting the decor in the funeral home for our small family viewing. Roy & team, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your excellence at serving us at such a difficult time. If we could leave you a 6 star review we would!

It takes a cruel lack of compassion to DELETE a heart-felt post in tribute to a long time friend…read moreposted on BryceFuneralHome.com! $262.92 was refunded because Felthousen Florist refused to fulfill flowers sold and purchased in the morning for a 1:00 p.m. funeral service! The website tribute was deleted because the site didn't keep the $262.92 sale! There was plenty of notice, and neither business put forth effort except to suggest sending the "FUNERAL" arrangement somewhere else, another day, when it was more convenient for them, although completely inappropriate, to fulfill the commission-based sale. The funeral spray stand was ONLY appropriate to stand by the side of a wonderful friend for the funeral they were purchased for. The flu prevented attendance! Felthousen Florist, orders@cfsfuneralhomes.com, and Bryce Funeral Home (as the web site is theirs), are ruthless partners for deleting such a sensitive thing as a tribute due to a refund caused by an unfulfilled order? The Glorious Farewell Spray purchase, the tree in memory, and the sincere heartfelt farewell, deleted in one selfish vengeful sweep! Yet, anyone can post their farewell thoughts without a commissioned purchase? There is no response to this post that can correct this hurtful act. Do not re-post the tribute! Sincere thoughts are better honored than a money-driven website! The reality is...these are three $$$-motivated BUSINESSES. Even so, this tribute to the businesses won't be deleted. I pray this never happens again and the person it would hurt the most, never finds out!

This is an old school Troy funeral home where you feel very comfortable and well taken care of…read more Staff are friendly unprofessional and welcoming. During this Covid time they had hand sanitizers took names and contact information and you felt very safe as well as requiring masks. Although the viewing room is small and intimate.

St. Agnes is a very beautiful cemetery. It is incredibly large compared to other local cemeteries…read more It is also very convenient to travel through as well as visiting loved ones. I highly recommend at least to take a drive through and see the beauty for yourself!

From the owner: A Tradition of Faithread more

Having been to the FDR Library and Museum this weekend, I was still tripping for Presidents and was…read morepleased to learn that the late 21st POTUS was laid to rest here in Albany. Yes, Chester Alan Arthur (1829-1886) served as President of the United States from 1881 to 1885, taking over for the assassinated James A. Garfield. I did not know much about President Arthur other than the brief reference to him in Die Hard With a Vengeance (the school with the bomb was named after him). He achieved little notoriety as a President, though this quote says much about him: "No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted as Chester Alan Arthur, and no one ever retired ... more generally respected, alike by political friend and foe." It seems to me that he was a great leader for America. His tomb here is quite nice. You're looking for lot 8, section 34. I suggest downloading this helpful map https://albanyruralcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Notables_Map.pdf which also points out some of the other famous residents of the cemetery. [Review 11509 overall, 1289 of 2019.]

This was my first visit to the Albany Rural Cemetery even though I have resided in the Albany area…read moreall my life. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping on this glorious day. Strange to visit a cemetery without having to gone to a funeral first. It turns out that this is resting place that is visited by a good number of visitors on any given day. Chester B. Arthur is also a resident of this cemetery. The mature trees and rickety roads all lead the way to the unique headstones and mausoleums with angels keeping watch over all those resting in peace. It's a beautiful place to visit. I am sure I'll be back for another visit.