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!

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

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.

Man at the door was very disrespectful as he asked us to leave because we were early. Mourners are…read moreMourners whether family or not. That has never happened to us before. Never go to McDonald's again unless it's to get a hamburger.