City Funeral Service

“Peter and the staff were thorough and professional. The handling of picking up my mom and allowing me and some family members to see her for a few minutes before cremation was caring. We appreciated that. Ashes and all documents were ready for pick up on date indicated.”

— Gerry Pad

“As we know when a loved one passes many emotions are running in all directions. Often times we forget to think about being level headed and understand what is needed from us to ensure our loved ones are remembered at their best and most peaceful. My mom passed the same day while I was on the west coast celebrating my friend’s next decade birthday. My emotions were on a marathon pace and I had to collect myself on what to do. I asked my husband to look at the most economical cremation services. And he found City Funeral Services (CFS) online. I kept reading the website and I called up a few funeral homes to compare prices. My goodness no one prepared me for the price gauging when you are the most emotional and irrational. I went to a funeral home in downtown Manhattan and they were priced insanely high and shown all types of caskets from top tier 20k to the least expensive of $3.8k casket just for cremation only. This just doesn’t make any sense and I understand it’s business however there are other ways to make it less transactional. In the end I went and called up CFS and left a message with the receptionist. She’s rough on the edges but took my name and number and said the owner will get back to me as he’s on the road. I got a a callback within 30minutes. I told Peter I wanted something very simple such as a viewing with a few family members flying in from out of town with a 3 hour viewing / wake. I wanted my mom to look her best and after she’s been seen her cremation would follow. All this was a fairly reasonable priced and I committed. I completed the necessary form and my mom was retrieved in Peter’s hands. Everything was communicated via email with all the necessary additional forms such as Death Certificates, Contract, Permit for Cremation etc as these are all relevant paperwork that you must read carefully including the name of the deceased especially if you need to sort out the bank accounts, policies, etc. We are all responsible to do the right thing and in the end when my mom’s viewing was taken place, she looked amazing with her dress and scarf I provided as she needed to go in style, her nails were did and lipstick on point. I purchased a bio degradable Urn from Amazon and had it sent to CFS. She looked so peaceful and the Chapel was surrounded by family and friends who popped in during the timeframe. A few flower arrangements with my mom’s picture frame in the circle made it easier by Wallyfloristandgifts (Alex) who understood what I needed and he helped arrange for the frame of my mom to help celebrate her. That’s all we needed. Stephen the front door manager was very cool and he made it easier for us ensuring if we needed anything just let him know during the viewing. Perhaps we were a bunch of chill folks who wanted mom to be at peace and we celebrated her. We live in Long Island and we chose to celebrate mom in the Bronx. I hope review helps others if you wanted a simple wake without the extra trimmings as cremation can be the way as we are all trying to be planet friendly. To each’s own. No photos were added as the Chapel room was cozy, clean with plenty of sofas and chairs.”

— Marissa Tai

“I understand that it’s a city service. However, their attitudes could be a lot better. They’re just not sensitive people.. they behave very much transactional and not sympathetic nor trying to make you feel comfortable throughout the process. However, on the plus side the ashes and death certificates arrived in a promptly manner.. which was nice.. at least they kept their word which is respectable… I just wanted to leave an honest review with hopes that this changes their attitude.. that no matter if whether a family is using the lower cost city services or their personal funeral services that they will treat the family equally with dignity and respect. Personally, due to the lack of empathy I wouldn't advise any individual to use their services if you’re able to do better… do better. Maybe if you spend more money Peter will be nicer.”

— Simple Days&Nights