John B. Houston Funeral Home
236 Ellison St, Paterson, NJ, 07501
License #a 1932
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in New Jersey
$3,244 – $10,202
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $3,244–$10,202. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
Business Hours
What Families Say
“I want to thank John B. Houston Funeral Home for handling my mom’s services so beautifully on January 16. During such a painful time, their staff was compassionate, professional, and very respectful to my family. Everything was organized with care and dignity. We are truly grateful for the kindness they showed us. Highly recommend.”
— Pamela James
“I just want to say that Lavar and Shane were great preparing the service for my grandmother. Also, I appreciate how professional the workers were and the funeral home staff . My grandmother was well dressed and well placed she looked beautiful. Me and my Father were so grateful and blessed to have had the honor to work with this funeral home. It was a very intimate and lovely service. Also I would like to thank Letty for her tremendous amount of help and care and guidance . She was patient and understanding the entire time . My heart if filled and I and my father thank the whole staff once again . For an amazing service and the amazing help they gave us .”
— IamRetamichele
“VERY DISAPPOINTED with how John B. Houston handled our loved ones service. We experienced several Issues: Late picking up the family on the day of the funeral. 2. Dismissive the day of funeral. Told by the director, “you are too late, I am seeing another family in 30 minutes.” 3. No video as promised at service. 4. Musician was late so service so we started late. 5. Didn’t bother to ask the family if they wanted the casket closed during the service therefore, it was kept open. 6. Mispronounced his name several times, although it was a common name, Kevin. Promised they would put a wedding band on his finger. They did not. There are more but that’s enough. Think twice before you use them. They start out nice and professional but that not how it ends. Would absolutely not recommend.”
— McQueen Family
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
Are you John B. Houston Funeral Home?
Claim your free listing to receive the families we connect you with, show your services and pricing, and partner with MedaSynq — at no cost.
Claim your free listing