Oakwood Cemetery is an amazing location full of scenic beauty, incredible history (and multitudes…read moreof historic figures), unique memorials and architecture, and a lovely place to rest in peace. I have a family plot here and visit often. Many folks come just to walk the miles of roads and trails in the peace and scenic nature here. With over 60,000 graves from the early 1800's thru today spread out over 325 wooded and hilly acres, makes it very difficult to maintain. Grounds crews do what they can with limited budgets and personnel to keep the grass and weeds cut and trimmed but all except the front lawns sometimes get a bit overgrown before the grounds crews cycle back thru all the sections. The front lawns near the main entrance on Oakwood Ave are always kept looking good. Many memorials that were placed on the 1800's and early 1900's without adequate foundations are often leaning and toppled but the caretakers have been making a valiant effort at restoring and repairing as many of these old memorials as they can. I often volunteer here with locating and photographing memorials for Find-a-Grave and the office staff is very helpful in assisting in locating specific graves even though all records are manual with very little digitized. The manual system they use is ancient but it works for them. I do wish it was fully digital and searchable though. If you come to enjoy this place for whatever reason, please respect the people buried here and the families that may be visiting their lost loved ones. Maintaining an air of peace and quiet and reverence is what keeps this beautiful location special.

We were here to visit the final resting place of "Uncle" Sam Wilson, the famous Uncle Sam thanks to…read morea link from Atlas Obscura, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/grave-of-uncle-sam. According to the story, Sam Wilson joined the American Revolution as a teenager just as the war was ending. He landed in New York and made a living as a meat packer. He supplied troops with meat and the barrels were stamped "US" and the legend grew from there. Iconic during World War I and World War II, even though Sam had died well before in 1854. Still, he's officially the official Uncle Sam thanks to a Congressional resolution in 1961. It's a beautiful cemetery with clear paved paths. Pretty, restful and really nice. They have many signs that point the way to Uncle Sam. You can pretty much drive most of the way. [Review 11507 overall, 1287 of 2019.]

We can't thank Mike Barna enough for the guidance, support and kindness he showed our family during…read moreour recent loss. His assistance as we planned services and support after is appreciated and stands out in a time that this level of service is often difficult to find.

We recently had to use their services. They were so helpful, guiding us in what needed to be done…read moreand they helped get everything done. They gave us prices beforehand so we could compare what we wanted and our options. They are so caring and compassionate, especially in your weakest time. They get everything done, A to Z, while keeping you informed and giving you the chance to choose what you want. They took Greta care of us and my Uncle Jimmy and we so appreciate it!

This Funeral is the worst , if not the worst funeral home to ever exist…read more Their communication sucks a lot. They don't bother to reply to questions or inquiries. They took an Obituary down since November supposedly it is being re-Written and here we are , almost 3 weeks, and the my mother's Obituary page is still not found on their site. Sickening and people should look elsewhere for their families eternal place and service. This funeral home sucks big times.

Excellent, compassionate service. They were just the right…read moreamount of business and sympathy.

It's necessary to point out that one of the funeral directors is a close friend. That said, you…read morewould be in caring, professional hands in a well-maintained environment. Considering the circumstances, though, you most likely would not notice. Also, it's gluten free.

Somebody told me they were going to a wake at Applebee's and I'm like, "What? Was Chili's already…read morebooked?!" But seriously, I've been there a bunch of times and it's always very nice. This is where I want to go if I should suddenly kick the bucket. Very professional.

I honestly cannot say enough positive about Newcomer in Latham (Watervliet), particularly…read moreJacquelynn and Nick. They handled every detail of my beloved grandmother's services with the utmost respect and professionalism and, perhaps even more important, showed sincere caring and sympathy for our grieving family. I don't hesitate to recommend them highly. Prices are fair, service is impeccable and these are truly people who excel at their profession and are good at heart besides. Jacquelynn's superb attention to every detail and careful guidance and accommodation made this heartbreaking time easier for our family to bear and for that, we are forever grateful.

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.

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

We had a celebration of life for my father and mother at Konciek Collett funeral home. The care…read moreand compassion Jeffery and Daniel Collett took in caring for my family was beyond any expectation we had. They focused on every detail, from the video presentation, to prayer cards, to placement of flowers. Every detail was well thought out and gave us such peace. I highly recommend Jeffery and Daniel in your time of need.