Inside a NY Funeral Home During the Coronavirus Crisis

May 12, 2020

MAY 12, 2020 – Featured on NBCLX

“If medical workers are the first responders of the coronavirus crisis, then funeral home staff may be considered the last responders. As the death toll of the pandemic has soared in hot spots across the country, funeral homes have been tasked with handling the remains of the unprecedented numbers of deceased and finding new ways to comfort their families who have to say good-bye in isolation. At the same time, they need to be vigilant about keeping themselves safe from the deadly virus. In our "Frontlines" series, we profile one of the people in the middle of this crisis. Matthew Fiorillo is president of Ballard-Durand Funeral Services in White Plains, New York. He says he's been scared every day for his own health and the health of his staff. But the crisis has forced him to put the families he serves first. "As soon as I get through the front door, my focus shifts," he said. "And I don't have time to be scared anymore."’

Click here to view the video clip

Death and Taxes

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Death and taxes (seemingly unlikely bed fellows at first glance) are often linked together because they have long been considered unavoidable life events. Some even say they are the only two things that are certain in life. Neither is something people typically look forward to, but they are both events that are anticipated and can be prepared for in advance.

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The butcher, the baker, the candle stick maker. Does anyone go to the butcher for a candle? Would anyone even think of asking the funeral director for investment advice? The financial advisor, while very knowledgeable about money and investments, has little experience in helping a family honor the life of someone they love.

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By Ballard-Durand Admin • January 23, 2025
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By Matt Fiorillo • November 14, 2024
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By Matt Fiorillo • September 17, 2024
Maybe you’ve said it, or thought it? “I don’t need a funeral. You can just bury me in the backyard”. That’s the male version of negating the need for a funeral. But the sentiment is not unique to men. Women just say it differently. “I don’t want you to make a fuss. I don’t need a funeral.” These folks are right. The person who died doesn’t need a funeral. They just need a legal, respectful disposal of their body. It’s the people who are left to do the work of grieving that need the support and community from a funeral.

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