The preparation and presentation of the deceased (my dear sister) was the worst I've ever seen; it…read morebroke our hearts even further. I can't bear to describe the details, but the family had no choice but to request the casket be closed. This request seemed to irritate the funeral director to no end. He got very defensive when the family expressed dissatisfaction. My husband finally had to tell them, "Either YOU close the casket or I will". We ended up having the casket closed. The next day, at graveside, they provided a small bunch of carnations for the attendees to lay upon the casket. The flowers ran out, and the staff started pulling random flowers out of the gift arrangements to give to the guests. Definitely low-rent. There's more, but you get the point: Very poor preparation of the deceased; lousy attitudes dealing with bereaved families; poor planning of details such as graveside flowers (and cheap ones, to boot). I suggest going elsewhere.

Very kind and caring staff. They knew how to guide us through a difficult time with grace. They did…read moretheir best to make our process as easy, clear and stress-free as possible. Their website and tribute page were lovely and it was nice to be able to have several pictures of our loved one and a meaningful write-up. Thank you

I don't know for how long they've been in business, but it seems as if it has been forever, at…read moreleast to my memory. I grew up in the area and I can't remember a time when they didn't exist. The housing development standing behind their establishment now used to be a large empty field way back when. My grade school (Packanack) is just a stone's throw away, across Ratzer Rd. The Catholic Church my oldest friend had to attend as a kid is also directly across the street (when I briefly flirted with the idea of converting to Catholicism but had trouble with the idea of confessing my deepest transgressions and sins to a celibate priest I didn't know, I asked my friend what he used to confess to when he went to confession, and he said, "I made stuff up."). My 1st job at 13 was delivering Wayne Today newspapers up Ratzer Rd. in the opposite direction from Vander May (I was a scrawny nerd trying to maneuver my ramshackle bicycle up the heavily traveled roadway with a heavy canvas bag of newspapers on my shoulder in all kinds of bad weather). Still, I've only been inside Vander May twice, and never had to arrange a funeral for one of my relatives here. When my oldest friend's mother died...a kind, sweet woman I had known all my life practically...her wake/funeral was held here. I hadn't had much experience with funeral homes at that point, but everything proceeded as it's supposed to, in a professional and respectful way. My main memory of that day is seeing my friend's mother in death, and maybe for the first time confronting the reality of mortality. People you grew up around and came to love weren't going to be here forever, no matter how much you wanted to deny that bitter fact, or retreat from it. Years later, my friend's father passed, and his wake/funeral was also held at Vander May. I was older, my mother was dying torturously of cancer, and this was the man who had once referred to me as "his 3rd son," so maybe it hit me harder than it might have under different circumstances, but at his wake, I had to leave abruptly, as I started crying like a little kid. I rode up Ratzer Rd., past my old school, past where he had lived and raised his family, with tears streaming down. He was a unique man, in my experience--- very tough, a man who had been hardened by life, but maintained a good heart and spirit in spite of all that. He once owned 3 bars in Paterson, and knew a wide variety of people: actors, politicians, policemen, mobsters. His opinions of them weren't always what you would expect-- he didn't like Lou Costello, was supportive of crooked political boss Joe Bozzo, and thought mob boss Willie Moretti was a good guy (in his younger years, he palled around with Moretti's nephew, and once told me that Moretti had built a dollhouse for his daughter that was "as big as the room we're sitting in right now."). He also knew FBI agent Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family in NYC and was the subject of a movie starring Johnny Depp. In fact, Pistone arranged for my friend's father and his friend (my friend's godfather-- real godfather, not Mario Puzo's version) to have bit parts in the movie. (My friend's father grew impatient with the movie making process and didn't stick around, but my friend's godfather remained, and you can see him briefly in the scene where Depp and Mike Madsen walk through a room where flunkies are counting gambling proceeds.) Because of the emotional turmoil I was going through at the time with my mother's situation and the death of my friend's father, I was in a bit of a daze, but I do remember that...once again...everything was handled in a professional and compassionate manner. I remember my friend giving the eulogy for his father, something I would never have had the grit or strength to do. There's ample parking, and my last memory of Vander May is walking out to my car as we were to proceed to the cemetery. I remember seeing a familiar looking guy with sunglasses standing in the parking lot, and later, I asked my friend, "Was that guy in the parking lot who I thought it was?" "Yeah," my friend answered, "It was Pistone. He came to pay his respects." I guess the bottom line is that if you're in business for as long as Vander May has been, you're obviously doing something right, whether you're running a store, a restaurant, or a funeral home. I would imagine that successfully running a funeral home can be uniquely daunting. In addition to conducting the nuts-and-bolts business aspects of it, you have to deal sensitively, compassionately and professionally with a wide variety of people facing the often unexpected, tragic loss of loved ones, the harsh reality and finality of death, the accompanying emotions of grief and despair, pain and trauma, good memories and bad ones. My experiences with Vander May haven't been direct in the sense that I've had to arrange funerals here myself for loved ones, but I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to anyone.

Go here for a funeral for your loved one! Charlie and the staff did an amazing job working with me…read morethrough this difficult process. The constant graceful communication and patience despite all my questions at all hours of the night and many requests was greatly appreciated. I was worried that I wouldn't have sufficient photos collages and they went above and beyond even surprising me with custom creations that I will likely frame or use again at an annual memorial celebration. The attention to detail and quality helped to facilitate a beautiful tribute to my father. While the overall process felt like an intense wedding to plan, Charlie directed the process with grace and tact each step of the way providing me with some comfort and reassurance as I wanted perfection for this final walk down the aisle with my dad. The Cemetary and church were also coordinated by Charlie and he made this easy as there were multiple moving pieces. The morning of I was a little upset because some of the posters I printed were too large and weren't laying right but Gareth went to the rescue and was able to trim the edge and posted it on a hard board so it would be perfect. I loved the photo handouts for all guests and the laminated cards and laminated obituary. They offered quality touches that I haven't seen at Vander Platt which is where I was trying to originally go. Everything happens for a good reason. I'm happy I landed here for my dads funeral/wake. They give you a checklist and make everything easy for you...there are SO many decisions to make. Even the donation cards were a nice touch. They provided me with an extra glass bowl so I could supply gum for guests and accommodated my every need and question. I loved the program and directions that were provided to the guests. Also, they packaged up everything extra in a neat bag with a bow and provide an unlimited number of custom thank you cards. This place is top notch and I'm SO GLAD I put my trust in Charlie and the staff at Vander May! Thank you for a beautiful day to remember my dad!

Of course putting together a funeral is one of the most difficult things you can do in your life…read more This funeral home really went out of their way to make me and my mother comfortable. They are upfront and honest with how the insurance can cover the costs. When my mother was crying And walking down to the front of the church director walked with her. She felt like it was her father, because her father passed away many many years ago and helping her through a hard time, burying her own son. I can't hear it enough I praise thinking of the event itself that happened over two years ago makes me want to cry. But it was the cleanest most beautiful funeral home in the area and down to earth and nicest people I have ever dealt with.

Let me start by saying, even though my dad was 90 when he passed, i wasn't ready. I thought he and…read morethe roaches would survive anything. Cancer got him. These people were compassionate and caring and kind and waited for me to stop crying before we made plans. They were so good and everything went as planned. Their place was beautiful and i will definitely use them again. You will not regret your choice if you pick them.

I've been sitting on this review for awhile now. Our family had used Caggiano's last April for my…read morefather in law's services. They were amazingly kind and accommodating then. Unfortunately recently we had to plan my cousins services right after Christmas so we contacted Caggianos again. They were again very helpful and kind...Then the most terrible situation happened, eight days after my cousin suddenly passed my sister also passed away suddenly and tragically. Not only was Michael and Pat and all the workers here so helpful, they offered us their unwavering support through this entire process. We ultimately decided to have all the services for both family members within a three day period. Michael and Pat were there for us from beginning to end. We couldn't have had more perfect people to help us during the worst time of our lives. It is impossible to explain my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for everything they did for us. They felt like family and they treated us that way. I've never felt so taken care of by people who we didn't know well before these tragedies. Our limo driver Joe was also so kind and helpful throughout the day. We were all in such a daze and had such a hard time getting through everything. Without their support and love I don't think we would have made it through the way that we did. I can't say enough good things about this funeral home and the people who work here. This review doesn't even do them justice. Thinking about how supportive they were beings tears to my eyes. I hope whoever is seeing this review decides to use Caggianos during their time of sorrow.

Our family has used Caggiano Memorial Services on two different occasions. Each time we have found…read morethem cordial and supportive. They are knowledgeable, considerate and accommodating. I would recommend their services to anyone.

I was at the funeral home for a viewing and it was nice, clean and everyone there was friendly and…read morehelpful. There was a big parking lot behind her building which helps tremendously when parking is limited on street. As far as costs go, I've heard they are willing to work with you.

A month ago, unfortunately, my newborn khaliah passed away unexpected...and I was lost I don't know…read morewhat to do or how to deal with it let alone plan a service. I called Mary and I told her what happened...She told me to come there and let her handle it. When I got there she was so kind and comforting. Mary also felt just as sad as me and my man I can tell that her feelings were genuine. She and her staff also didn't charge me a single penny I only paid for the cremation..she even bought a new crib and clothes so I could view my angel one last time...And I told mary that unfortunately, we couldn't pay for it all right away she said it was fine that we could pay her when we could...I'm so thankful that they went out of their way to help us in the hardest point of our lives I would recommend them to anyone

Excellent employees make an excellent company! Take as much time as necessary and walk you through…read morethe entire process.

This is my first experience with this Funeral Home. We attended a viewing recently for a loved…read moreone. Before I go any farther I would like to be clear that I have been to and have planed funerals for members of my family and friends. To start their web site is not mobile friendly which makes looking up information a bit of a challenge. I was surprised that during the viewings no one was at the the front or back doors opening them as friends and family were coming to say there good byes. I noticed an elderly women having difficulties opening a door while using a walker. I actually held the door for her. From the outside the faculty looks very nice. Unfortunately, the inside is very dated and small which made it difficult to move around with out bumping into objects and people. We also had an issue with the flower arrangement we sent. Upon paying our respects to the family we noticed our arrangement was not out. I knew it had been delivered and asked a staff member if it had arrived. She seemed bothered that I asked and eventually came back with our arrangement saying it must have arrived late. I found that odd since we had confirmed it arrived over 2 hours before the viewing. To be honest, I was not impressed overall. The staff had to be told to refill the prayer cards, they only had one person working at both viewings even though this was the only service going on, flowers and photos were haphazardly placed and the family had to keep starting the rolling photo show. Lastly the young women I spoke with was very cold. This home proudly said they were family owned, we didn't feel very welcome.

This is the place. I have had the experience of helping to bring 3 close family members to their…read morefinal rest in the past 6 years. Heads and shoulders above and beyond is the experience this funeral home, Bizub Quinlan in Clifton (Van Houten), provided. We are so grateful for Wayne and the rest of the staff. Here are some words which describe our recent experience: respectful, professional, kind, warm, humble, caring, sincere, the ability to connect, and all with absolutely comprehensive service provision.....from making a revolving photo gallery available during the viewing to inviting guests to the repast. They took great care of my family and although it was a sad occasion, their detailed and thoughtful work eased our collective burden. Seriously, look no further than this funeral home for your needs. Thank you so very much.

I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding service provided by Bizub Quinlan Funeral…read moreHome, especially Wayne, who went above and beyond to guide us through such a difficult time. Everybody there were really thoughtful and caring, Tim and Ed, we did feel comfortable talking to them and leaving our dad funeral in their hands. Five stars service for sure!

Our family recently experienced the loss of a beloved matriarch, who lived to the age of 98. We…read moreentrusted her care to Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, where Michelle demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise throughout the process. Despite numerous challenges, particularly concerning Medicaid procedures and family grief management, Michelle maintained a calm and knowledgeable demeanor, ensuring that all nuances were addressed effectively. Her attentive listening skills, meticulous attention to detail, and prompt communication--via phone, text, and email--contributed significantly to a seamless and respectful experience. Michelle's accommodating nature was evident when we requested a last-minute viewing, which she arranged with dignity and sensitivity, honoring our loved one's memory. Her compassionate approach and dedication to service made a difficult time more manageable and memorable. For families seeking a caring, professional, and respectful funeral service, Michelle and the team at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home exemplify the highest standards of care and compassion, ensuring that every family member receives a dignified farewell.

At a extremely difficult time for my family Michelle was a beacon of calm and empathy. She is…read moredetailed oriented and diligent but just the right amount of calm- not so calm that she seems too laid back but a level of calm that puts you instantly at ease. Our family is very grateful to her for her impeccable service during a sad time in our lives. Shook Farmer was a little more expensive than some other options but my sister had a good vibe from Michelle and we're glad we chose them. Thank you Michelle!!!