Obituaries

Eileen Bondra
B: 1935-06-19
D: 2024-03-16
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Bondra, Eileen
Dennis Tang
B: 1939-10-19
D: 2024-03-15
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Tang, Dennis
Elaine Mustakas
B: 1929-04-22
D: 2024-03-13
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Mustakas, Elaine
Henry Kaps
B: 1939-03-08
D: 2024-03-11
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Kaps, Henry
Marget Smith
B: 1930-08-05
D: 2024-03-09
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Smith, Marget
David Creese
B: 1958-01-10
D: 2024-03-08
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Creese, David
Carmen Blanchard
B: 1933-10-12
D: 2024-03-07
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Blanchard, Carmen
Joan Strieder
B: 1936-12-26
D: 2024-03-06
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Strieder, Joan
Joan Hinderer
B: 1939-01-30
D: 2024-03-05
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Hinderer, Joan
Clarence LaBarge
B: 1933-09-02
D: 2024-03-05
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LaBarge, Clarence
Ronald Coviello
B: 1967-10-29
D: 2024-03-03
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Coviello, Ronald
Teddy Murphy
B: 1955-10-24
D: 2024-03-03
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Murphy, Teddy
John O'Shea
B: 1958-08-18
D: 2024-03-03
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O'Shea, John
Manfred Schunzel
B: 1928-01-31
D: 2024-03-03
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Schunzel, Manfred
Robert McDonald
B: 1965-04-22
D: 2024-03-01
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McDonald, Robert
Nat Marinelli
B: 1932-10-08
D: 2024-02-28
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Marinelli, Nat
Patricia Rutledge
B: 1955-06-22
D: 2024-02-26
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Rutledge, Patricia
Jennie McDonald
B: 1929-12-19
D: 2024-02-26
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McDonald, Jennie
Joan Taurone
B: 1934-11-28
D: 2024-02-26
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Taurone, Joan
Jane Lusk
B: 1940-07-31
D: 2024-02-25
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Lusk, Jane
Marianne Valente
B: 1947-04-19
D: 2024-02-24
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Valente, Marianne

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895 Route 82
P.O. Box A
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Phone: 845-221-2000
Fax: 845-227-1862

The Cremation Process

Cremation has been a part of the human death experience for a very long time. If you would like to understand more about the cremation process we invite you to read this section. We'll also take a look at cremation costs that will help you with your decision.

A Short History of Cremation

According to Wikipedia, cremation dates back at least 20,000 years ago in Australia, while in Europe, there is evidence of cremation dating to around 2,000 B.C. Cremation was common in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it remains a standard practice in India. The practice of cremation faded in Europe by the fifth century and during the Middle Ages, it was primarily used in the punishment of heretics or in response to the fear of contagious diseases. Today, cremation is preferred by more and more people around the world.

The Flame Cremation Process

Traditional cremation is the process of reducing a body at very high temperatures until it is nothing but brittle, calcified bones. These are then processed into what we commonly call ashes. Returned to the family in a temporary urn (or a more personal urn selected by the family), these ashes can be kept, buried, or scattered. Some families even choose to place a loved one's cremated remains in a hand-crafted piece of cremation art.

Author Michelle Kim, in How Cremation Works, details the cremation process: "In modern crematories, the body is stored in a cool, temperature-controlled room until it's approved for cremation. The body is prepared by removing pacemakers, prostheses and silicone implants. The body is then put into a container or casket made out of flammable materials such as plywood, pine or cardboard."

The container is placed in the retort or cremating chamber. It takes anywhere from two to three hours to reduce an average adult to ash. When the cremated remains are cooled, they are processed to a uniformly-sized pebble-like substance and placed in an urn. The funeral director then returns the cremated remains to the family.

Cremation Costs

Cremation typically costs one-third of the cost of a traditional burial. While it's true that cost is a big factor for many families, it's important to remember that cremation is only one part of providing meaningful end-of-life care for a loved one. Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is important and can be achieved with a memorial service. Bringing family and friends together provides everyone with the opportunity to share memories and receive support.

Spend Time with Us

Sit down with us to discuss your cremation options. We appreciate the opportunity to share our insights and experience to fully support you in making end-of-life decisions for you and your family. Call us at  845-896-2000 or 845-221-2000 to schedule an appointment or drop by our office.


Online Sources:

Wikipedia, "Cremation"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation


 

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