History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our firm has been recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association with the prestigious "Pursuit of Excellence Award" for outstanding funeral service and service to our community. In fact, we have received this award every year since 2009 and have been inducted into their Hall of Excellence. This honor has been awarded to less than 100 of the country's 22,000 funeral homes.
Our History
Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services is White Plains’ most prestigious funeral, cremation and memorial service provider. Those who turn to us receive highly personalized services delivered with unprecedented attention to detail and the utmost respect. Our service standards, instilled by Arthur Ballard and George Durand, ensure the highest level of care for you and your family.
For many years, the staff of the Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services has helped families say farewell to loved ones in a special way. While many of you may remember the high quality of service received or the beauty of our facility, many of you may not be aware of the deep roots Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services has in this community.
A staple in White Plains for over 70 years, the funeral home was founded in New York City in the late 1800's. In 1930, it was relocated to Cromwell Place. It was relocated again to the corner of Maple Avenue and South Broadway, where it remains today. Once the residence of eminent citizens such as the Honorable Humphrey J. Lynch, the home has since become a historic landmark in the community.
The building at 2 Maple Avenue was purchased by Arthur Ballard in 1938. A bit later, George B. Durand became a partner in the firm, and continued to serve families after Mr. Ballard’s death in 1951. Mr. Durand died in 1980 at the age of 73.
Today, this century-old heritage is maintained by Matthew J. Fiorillo. With his staff of dedicated funeral professionals, Mr. Fiorillo has maintained a commitment to the community of White Plains with personal attention, competitive pricing, quality merchandise, and premier facilities.
“We offer the finest options available to design a personalized,
lasting impression of your funeral or memorial service.”
~ Matthew J. Fiorillo – Owner/Director
Our Valued Staff
Matthew J. Fiorillo, CFSP, President/Owner
Matthew J. Fiorillo, the owner of Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services, is a licensed funeral director in New York State and Connecticut. He has earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc. This is noted by the CFSP acronym. Matt has committed to a program of lifelong learning to serve you and families in your community with the level of excellence expected of a CFSP. He is a lifetime member of the White Plains Historical Society, a member of the Knollwood Country Club, and is presently a board member with Hospice and Palliative Care of Westchester. In his spare time, he participates with the Westchester Amateur Astronomers. He is a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, and is originally from West Nyack, NY. He is a long-time resident of Westchester County, where he currently resides with his wife, Sara.
Joseph A. Lucchese, CFSP, Funeral Director
Joseph A. Lucchese is a licensed funeral director in New York. He graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute in 1991 and earned a Master’s degree from Fordham University in 1996. Joe has earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc. This is noted by the CFSP acronym. He has committed to a program of lifelong learning to serve you and families in your community with the level of excellence expected of a CFSP. Joe is also a member of the New York Athletic Club and the Knights of Columbus. He lives in the Bronx with his wife and three children.
Marisol Fuentes, Funeral Director
Marisol is a licensed funeral director in New York. She graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute in 2009, she is committed to maintaining the excellent standard that Ballard-Durand has been providing families in the community for over 70 years. Her previous work experience has been client service and satisfaction, as a relatively new licensed funeral director she is dedicated to honor your loved ones life in every detail possible. Marisol currently resides in the Bronx with her two children.
Robert G. Barber, Funeral Director/Advance Planning Advisor
Robert is the former owner-manager of the Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services, Bob began his funeral service career in Carmel, NY where he purchased his first funeral home, then several years later he established a Funeral Home in Mahopac, a few years later he purchased a Funeral Home in Mt. Kisco, after which he purchased Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services and then opened a Funeral Home in Hawthorne. Bob remains affiliated with Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services where he enjoys meeting familiar faces of those families he served through the years. Bob is a resident of Westchester County and is affiliated with many local organizations including the Rotary Club.
John Manocchi, Funeral Director
John started in the funeral industry as an apprentice in New York City in 1960. He obtained his Funeral Directors License in 1962 and has worked with Riverside Memorial Chapels both in Manhattan and in the Bronx. He also worked at several locations of Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home and Park West Memorial Chapels in Manhattan. A person of many interests, John has also worked outside the funeral industry in a variety of independent ventures. Presently, John lives in Westchester County with his wife. He is an active volunteer member of the Ossining Fire Department and also a member of the Riverhills Ski Club of Stamford Conn.
Roy Watkins, Funeral Assistant/Driver
Roy Watkins, was born and raised in London, England, where he received a degree in Electronic Engineering. He has lived in the Westchester/Putnam area since moving to the United States in 1972. He started working on a part time basis with the funeral industry in 1977 leading to a full time position with Ballard-Durand in 2006. Families appreciate Roy’s courtesy and professionalism during calling hours and services.
Michael Tucker, Funeral Assistant/Driver
Michael Tucker, a Rockland County native and resident of Pomona, has been a full-time employee of Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services since 2010. Michael is excited about his recent acceptance to American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service where he seeks to further his passion for serving bereaved families and caring for the loved ones of this community. You will find Michael assisting families, guests, and staff as an outside greeter as they arrive at the funeral homes.