Cremation Services

Most people are aware of cremation, but not everyone has experienced making arrangements for cremation services as part of a pre-need plan or on behalf of a deceased loved one. It's for that reason alone we chose to include this page in our website: we know how important it is to be prepared at such times. After all, "knowledge is power". In the next few paragraphs we'll briefly review the process of cremation, share important information on crematory operational standards, and discuss the cremation services we offer. If you'd rather speak with one of our funeral professionals about these issues, we encourage you to call us at 718-351-5858.

Understanding Cremation

There are many fine online sources describing the history of cremation and the cremation process. Take for example the article, "How Cremation Works" (source citation below) where the author Michelle Kim explains how our imaginations can color our view of cremation. While you might have the fanciful idea of a flaming Viking ship drifting out from shore, or an "open-air funeral pyre", as in Hindu and Buddhist cremation practices;  modern cremations take place in a fully-licensed and professionally-staffed crematory.

The cremation process is one of incineration, where the body is reduced, at a very high temperature (1400-1800° Fahrenheit) and then further processed into what is commonly called "ash". Rather than go into greater detail about the cremation process here, we'd like to spend more of our time together discussing the importance of rigorous crematory operational standards, as well as the cremation services offered by our firm. Should you have more interest in the cremation process, please give us a call at 718-351-5858.

Why Should You Care about Crematory Operational Standards?

Naturally, you'd be concerned about the type of care the body of a deceased family member will receive. You want to be confident he or she will be in the hands of responsible, trained cremation professionals. For that reason, we think it's important for you to know New York regulates the operations of all crematories in the state. However, the New York Department of State, Division of Cemeteries webpage, Crematory FAQ's notes there are limitations to their oversight: of the forty-seven (47) active crematories, the State oversees the operation of 44, but has only limited jurisdiction over the other three (3); two (2) of which are operated by municipalities, and the other by a religious organization. There are special stipulations for the operation of those not-for-profit crematories, based on Not for Profit Corporation Law section 1517, including:

It may also offer you greater peace-of-mind knowing, as the Division of Cemeteries webpage notes, that our state has some of the strictest standards for the operation of a crematory in the country. In addition, it is one of the few states that require crematory operators to be certified by an organization approved by the Division of Cemeteries. Currently, CANA, the Cremation Association of North America conducts state-specific certification courses, in conjunction with NYSAC, the New York State Association of Cemeteries. For additional information on cremation we suggest you read our Cremation FAQ page.

Why Choose Us?

Government oversight of crematories and certification training for crematory operators aside, what can you expect when you choose cremation with Colonial Funeral Home? In short, you and your deceased loved one will receive compassionate, thoroughly professional cremation services. It begins with your first phone call to us, and continues through to the time when we return their cremated remains to you.  Your peace-of-mind is important to us. For additional information on cremation we suggest you read our Cremation FAQ page, or call us at 718-351-5858 to learn exactly what we can do for your family at this most difficult time. 

 

Sources:

Kim, Michelle, "How Cremation Works", How Stuff Works, accessed April, 2015

NFDA, "Cremation FAQ", National Funeral Directors Association, accessed April, 2015

New York Department of State, Division of Cemeteries, "Crematory FAQ's", accessed April, 2015