What to Say while Attending a Funeral?

Expressing yourselves might be a hard task for many of us, especially at events like funerals. It is hard to find the words of sympathy, especially when you are in a state of grief. We get anxious the moment we try to express ourselves and how others will perceive it. You might be wondering that is there a better way to say it? Will they be upset if I say something wrong? According to Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at funeral services in Staten Island, there are a few things that you can on a funeral to honor the deceased without hurting the sentiments of anyone.

The first thing you must keep in mind is that you are there to support them. Losing a loved one all of a sudden can be stressful for the family members. The words should come straight from the heart, and the grieving must know that you are with them during thick and thin.

What to say at a funeral?

Try to stay as much relaxed as possible while grieving, and you don't have to say anything perfect. Words must be expressed from the heart.

Michael Scarpaci has given different examples that can be used to express the thoughts at a funeral:

I am sorry for the loss.
You and your near and dear ones are in my thoughts and prayers
If your family needs anything, I am there for you.
(Insert Name) brought joy to everyone and will be truly missed.

Try not to say the following things:
He or she is in a better place now
I know how you feel
At least the deceased is no longer suffering
Be strong
It is time for him to go

Finding the words of sympathy at a funeral is a delicate issue, says Michael Scarpaci. They must be planned before expressing them to the family of the deceased to avoid hurting their sentiments.

Funeral Etiquettes by Scarpaci Funeral Home Services

During funerals, family and loved ones come together to mourn the loss of a loved one. It can be hard on people when the loss is unexpected, as it can even take a toll on their health. Funerals are a sensitive matter. Hence it is expected that proper behavior is shown while attending the funeral of a deceased. It includes dressing up well and showing compassion while visiting the funeral home to show utmost respect to the dead. Hiring the services of a trustworthy funeral home is also essential to conduct the event smoothly. Michael Scarpaci shares a few etiquettes that you must obey while visiting a funeral service:

Cell phone manners - Keeping your phone on ringing mode is not acceptable while attending a funeral as it is a very intimate event. It is advised to limit attending calls during the event or to only participate in urgent needs.
 

Bringing kids to the funeral - If you have children at home who are relatively young to follow appropriate funeral behavior, then it is advised not to bring them along. Funeral services can be difficult for children to infer, so you must avoid tagging them along. Michael Scarpaci explains that funeral services can be intimidating for children. They may not be prepared to deal with such a situation so early in their lives. So it’s better to hire a babysitter for a couple of hours.
 

Do not post on social media - Funerals can be a very personal event. Relatives of the deceased such as cousins might come together to console each other. Make sure you don’t start posting pictures and videos on social media as it might be an invasion of privacy. Staying low key is the best resort while attending funerals.
 

Funerals can be tough to attend, as an individual has to go through a lot emotionally. Death might come as a sudden shock if it is unexpected. Hence you must try to be decisive and take care of the loved ones of the deceased. Planning the funeral at an excellent funeral home such as Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island helps you get rid of unnecessary hassle during a funeral.

Guide by Michael Scarpaci to Make Proper Funeral Arrangements

Death of a loved one is one of the most significant losses a person goes through. The person is very close to us, and it is hard for us to believe that they are no longer with us. You are grieving, and at the same time, you take the responsibility of making the funeral arrangements for the deceased one. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at Scarpaci Funeral Home Services, can help you during these difficult times. Follow the guidelines given by Michael Scarpaci, rendering top-notch funeral services in Staten Island that can help you arrange a beautiful and unique funeral for the loved one:

Make the first calls: Making the first call entirely depends on the circumstances of the person's death. Make the first call to the appropriate parties and get the deceased to the funeral home.
 

Look for pre-arrangements: Certain people plan their funeral well in advance. The funeral service must plan the events as per the requirements of the deceased. Check if the deceased has made any pre plan funeral arrangements. If he or she has, it will take the burden of making the funeral arrangements as per their preferences off of your shoulder.
 

Cemetery arrangements: It is essential to plan the cemetery arrangements well in advance as the deceased would be buried there. In case they haven't planned, have a word with the cemetery officials to purchase the interment property (Grave plot, a niche for an urn). Michael Scarpaci can make the desired cemetery arrangements on behalf of your family.
 

Select funeral and memorial products: It is vital to select the right merchandise(Casket, Burial vault, urn, etc.) while making the funeral arrangements. No one wants the trouble to take place during the last minute. You want to bid memorable adieu to your loved one.
 

Handle estate and administrative matters: After organizing the funeral, it is essential to handle the estate and administrative matters of the deceased properly. Tasks such as sending death notes, filing death benefit claims, and changing the title on the deceased's assets must be done promptly.

Follow these tips given by  Michael Scarpaci, offering the best funeral services in Staten Island. Planning the funeral well in advance will keep you organized. Celebrate the life of the deceased by making funeral arrangements that resonate with their interests and life.

What are the benefits of prepaying your funeral?

Death is inevitable! One day everyone has to die.

Once the person dies, the next important step is arranging a funeral ceremony. It takes lots of planning, preparation, and decisions, which may become chaotic for some people. Besides emotional burden, often families also experience financial problems after the loss of their loved ones, especially if he/she was the only one earning bed and butter for the family. Therefore, in such situations, arranging a funeral service can further add on to their financial burden, says Michael Scarpaci.

If you don’t want to put your loved ones through financial difficulties after your death, then prepaying your funeral is the best way. Well, prepaying your funeral comes with several benefits. By doing this, you can not only take care of the cost but also plan a desirable funeral ceremony. Michael Scarpaci and his team, at Scarpaci Funeral Home of Staten Island, have helped a number of clients organize their funeral and memorial services.

Are you still confused about whether to choose a pre-paid funeral or not? If yes, then below are some of the reasons by Michael why prepaying your funeral is beneficial.

Peace of mind - There is nothing more comforting than knowing that everything will be in order, even after your death. Of course, your family and friends will always miss your presence. But at least, they won’t be dealing with finances to arrange your funeral when life already will be chaos.

By prepaying your funeral, you can lessen the financial burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family the details of the funeral home where you have pre-planned your funeral.

Plan a desirable funeral - Almost everyone has some thoughts about their funeral ceremony. For example, you probably want your family and friends to play your favorite music, use your favorite flowers for decoration or bury/cremate your body.

With so many things to manage during the funeral, your loved ones may forget to use your favorite flowers or play your favorite music. Therefore, it is best to leave your funeral ceremony planning to professionals. By pre-planning your funeral, you can tell your wishes to the funeral home manager, such as the theme, the venue, the flowers, the music and more. However, make sure you involve your loved ones in funeral planning, as it plays an important role in grieving.
 
It saves you money - Another major advantage of prepaying your funeral is that you can save a lot of money. When you plan ahead and prepay your funeral, you pay according to the current price and the cost of the funeral will rise due to any reasons, even inflation.

In closing

When it comes to prepaying your funeral, it is not only empowering but also brings a great sense of peace of mind. This is because your loved ones don’t have to experience financial and decision making stress after your death. Instead, they can take part in your funeral, which is an important part of grieving.

Attending a funeral ceremony? Swap those flowers with these alternatives

Time is changing, and so are the way funerals and memorials are celebrated.

Today, people are ditching the old ways of celebrating the deceased's life. From playing their favorite music to using their personalized things for decoration and cooking their favorite meal, these are some of the ways people choose to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Michael Scarpaci, at Scarpaci Funeral Home of Staten Island, has been helping people arrange customized funeral ceremonies for them and their families.

Although flowers have been associated with funerals for many years, people have started to swap them with other alternatives due to various reasons. Maybe your bereaved friend doesn’t like flowers or flower arrangements may not seem an ideal way to show your love and affection.

If you’ve recently lost a close friend or family member and they don’t like the idea of keeping wilted flowers days or weeks after the funeral, then you may want to choose an alternative to sympathy flowers.

The following are the alternatives to sympathy flowers that you can choose to show your love and respect towards your bereaved loved one.

A potted plant - One of the major disadvantages of flower arrangements is that they wilt after a few days and eventually die. It is often disheartening for the deceased’s family to throw those flowers away. This is why unlike flower arrangements that are usually thrown to the dust bin, a potted plant can last longer and brighten up a room. However, it is advisable to choose a plant that requires minimum care and water to survive.

A charitable donation - These days, people are choosing to make a charitable donation then spending money on lifeless flower arrangements. After all, it is always better to opt for a cause that is close to the heart of your deceased loved one. For example, if your loved one was suffering from a particular disease, you can donate to organizations or charities helping people with cure and care.

Food - Another great way to tell the bereaved that you care is cooking food. It is one of the best ways to lend your support to the grieving family, as food would be the last thing they would be thinking after the loss. Therefore, you can either cook food for the bereaved or send a basket of muffins and cookies. Or, if you’re looking for a healthy option, a fruit basket is also a great option.
In closing

If you’re looking for a unique way to show your love and respect to the bereaved, then choosing one of these options is the best idea. 

Michael Scarpaci:Everything you need to know about the wake!

Everyone has to go through the pain of losing a loved one. Whether or not you have ever experienced this, it is important to get yourself familiar with all the “after-death rituals.”

“Wake” is one such ritual that plays a great role, says Michael Scarpaci. 

What is the wake? - It is an intimate gathering of the deceased’s family before a funeral service. Today, people host wakes at a funeral home or house of worship. This can either be held on the same day as the funeral or the day before. 

However, there may be slight variations in the wake service. The purpose remains the same. The wakes are typically hosted to console the deceased’s loved ones and family and to say goodbye to the lost loved one. The guest list of a wake includes close friends, family or colleagues.

According to Michael, the wake is an opportunity to gather, and comfort each other after the great loss. 

What you should say?

The wake is the gathering involved a few people. This means it is difficult to escape the ceremony without saying anything. Most often people have no idea about what they should say to the deceased’s family and friends at the wake. Never say cliche lines, such as “I understand how you feel,” or “He or she is in a better place”. 

Instead, share a short story or memory that you have with the deceased. And, never forget to sign the guest-book before leaving. Always remember, grieving doesn’t end with the funeral. It is a journey that can last for months, years, or lifetime. Hence, it is important to stay in touch with the grieving person and help them heal. 

What can you wear?

When it comes to the dress code for a wake, it is similar to what you wear to a funeral service. Although it's not necessary to wear black, you should pick simple clothing that represents the somber nature of the occasion. You can also attend the wake in your work clothes if you’re directly coming from your office. Just remember, stick with the basics and you’re good to go to the wake. 

What to expect?

In the wake, an obituary or death notice will be read to tell the mourners about the place and time of the services, such as funeral, and memorial.

These are things to keep in mind while attending a wake. For more tips and suggestions, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Insight into memorial service etiquette by Michael Scarpaci

Memorial services are important says Michael Scarpaci. 

Scarpaci Funeral Home in Staten Island, Michael Scarpaci understands that it’s stressful for both friends and family to deal with the loss of a loved one. The funeral or memorial service time is very vulnerable, and people are still high on emotions. In such a condition, even the smallest mistake can cause an outburst. Hence, it is extremely important for you to behave properly at the memorial service and respect all the rules. 

What are memorial services? - These rituals usually take place in the absence of the body after it has been cremated or buried. This service involves people saying prayers, singing songs, delivering eulogies, and reading passages from the scripture. 

Memorial service is a somber occasion. Therefore, if you behave or dress inappropriately, it can hurt the feelings of the deceased’s family and friends.  

If you have a memorial ceremony to attend and it's your first time, here are the memorial service etiquette you need to know.  

Where to sit? 

The venues for memorial service can range from a theater to fire station, cultural arts hall, restaurant, and a nature preserve. If it's your first time to a memorial ceremony, it is important to know that the front seats in the memorial service are usually reserved for the family and intermediate relatives. And other guests can sit anywhere. However, if you arrive late for the funeral service, make sure you take a place at the back without disturbing others.  

How to dress up? 

Well, the place and time play an important role in deciding the dress code for the memorial service. For example, if the service takes place on a beach, lose those high heels. Overall, you can dress formally for the service. These days, families even have a dress code for the memorial service, so make sure you follow the dress code and dress accordingly. 

What to say?

The main purpose of having a memorial service is about sharing memories about the deceased person. This includes who the deceased was and talking about the good and positive things. If you have any beautiful memories related to the deceased person, memorial service is an ideal place to share it with the deceased's friends and family. 

In fact, some people even organize an open mic at a memorial service where guests can speak publicly about the memorable moments with the deceased. If you’re not comfortable talking publicly, you can share your best thoughts with the deceased’s family in private. But make sure, keep it real. Using canned phrases such as “ she’s in a better place” or “I know how you feel right now,” can make things worse than comforting. 

The bottom line

Usually, a memorial service is organized to honor and remember the deceased loved one. And every guest should behave properly to avoid making it more stressful for the deceased’s family and close friends. These are some of the things you need to consider while attending a memorial service. 

For more tips and suggestions about memorial or funeral service, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Frequently asked questions about funeral pre-planning By Michael Scarpaci

According to Michael Scarpaci, Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island recommends people to opt for a pre-planned funeral. This is because pre-planning your own funeral lessens the burden of planning your funeral on loved ones. And it also gives you the opportunity to put your preferences in the funeral service plan. Hence, you can plan your funeral service depending on how you want others to remember you.

However, as you initiate your funeral pre-planning process, you’ll have queries about payment plans, services and more. To help you with the same, Michael Scarpaci explains some of the common questions about funeral pre-planning.

What benefits will I get with funeral pre-planning? 

Planning a funeral is one of the most stressful things for the family who’s already grieving due to the loss of a loved one. Apart from this, arranging a funeral service can also be one of the most expensive affairs. Therefore, by pre-planning your own funeral, you can relieve your family from arranging your funeral service. This will help lessen the burden both financial and emotional that your family may face while planning a funeral. 

Besides this, the other benefits of choosing a funeral pre-planning include:

You have the opportunity to choose between burial or cremation.

You get to choose the services, such as visitation, gathering, funeral or memorial services.

You can choose your own headstone, casket, and cremation urn.

Personal touches like favorite music and photos. 

Is it ok to prepay for the funeral?

Although it’s not required, many people who choose funeral pre-planning service also repay the costs involved. However, if you’re also considering prepaying for your funeral, make sure the service is backed with a guarantee that the costs of the items or services will not increase. 

Depending on the funeral home you are working with, you can either pre-pay for your funeral the total amount or through installments.

Is it possible to transfer the pre-arranged funeral plan to another funeral home?

According to the United States funeral rules, you can transfer your pre-planned funeral plans to another funeral home at any time. And the amount you agreed to pay when you started your funeral pre-planning process is final. However, it’s important to know that due to some conditions, you may not get a refund for a cost difference. This means if you transfer your funeral plan with higher rates, you’re required to pay the remaining balance. 

“Pre-plan your funeral and relieve your loved ones from the funeral burden,” says, Michael Scarpaci. If you need any guidance regarding funeral pre-planning, consult the funeral expert, Michael Scarpaci.  

 Go through michael Scarpaci | weADAPT

5 ideas by Michael Scarpaci to make your loved one’s funeral personalized

Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone. However, there are ways you can make the funeral service of your loved one special and personalized. 

According to Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, from displaying photographs to music and mementos, there are many ways to give your loved a special farewell. 

Let’s see the top 5 ideas to make a funeral service personalized. 

Photo display - If you’re looking for an idea to personalize a funeral service, displaying different types of photos is a good way to get started. Unlike most funerals where photos are displayed formally, you can choose a more creative way to display photos. For example, you can make a collage of your favorite photos of your loved one. It is a good way to encourage people to share their memories with the deceased person.  

Personalized floral arrangements - The next idea is using personalized floral arrangements to make your loved one’s funeral unique and special. To do this, you can use little accessories in flower arrangements, including your loved one’s favorite coffee mug or fishing tackle if you’re loved one enjoyed fishing. There are various ways to personalize floral arrangements. To know more, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Play your loved one’s favorite song - Michael Scarpaci understands that a funeral is remorse and grieving time for friends and family, but he says it is also the time to celebrate your loved one’s life. To do so, you can even play a favorite song of the deceased person. Doesn’t matter whether the song is traditionally regarded as appropriate for the funeral or not. If it’s your loved one’s favorite song, then it is perfect in all ways. 

Use clothing - Nowadays, people follow a trend of using pieces of clothing that the deceased person used to wear. This is another way to personalize a funeral service. They often turn their loved one’s clothes into pillows or small sachets so that they can stay close to them all the time. Or use them at the funeral service to make the occasion more personalized. 

Gifts for guests - Another excellent way to personalize a service is to offer gifts to the funeral attendees. Mementos to guests not only personalize a service but also give guests a small keepsake. You can choose a small photo magnet or a bookmark with a favorite poem. 

These are some of the ways to personalize a funeral service. If you need more ideas and suggestions, consult Michael Scarpaci. 

Insight into the importance of death certificates by Michael Scarpaci

According to Michael Scarpaci, the manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, a death certificate is a document that states the location of death, cause of death, time of death and other personal information about the person who has died. It is mandatory in New York to register the death with the State Department of Health and Vital Statistics at the earliest. You can get the copies of the death certificate from the vital records office. 

Here are the top reasons by Michael Scarpaci why do you need a death certificate.

Although there are several reasons why do you need to obtain a death certificate, mostly it is used as a proof of death for legal purposes. Some of the common reasons include:

• Veterans benefits
• Insurance policies
• Property ownership 
• Social Security Administration
• Testament and Last Will
• Union benefits
• Pension plans
• Treasury Bills 
• Individual Retirement Account
• Safe deposit box
• Bonds, stocks, or brokerage accounts
• The beneficiary of a savings account 
• Internal Revenue Service
• Post office 

Who can get death certificates?

People who are eligible to receive death certificates include:

• Children
• Parents
• Spouses
• Grandchildren
• Legal guardians 
• Siblings
• State and Federal agencies for legal purposes

However, while submitting the application to the office of vital statistics or the registrar, you may be required to provide the proof of your relationship to the deceased person. This documentation includes a birth certificate or letter stating who the applicant is representing and how they are related to the person.

How can you obtain copies of death certificates? 

Typically, there are three ways you can obtain certified copies of a death certificate:

1. You can get it through the funeral home that manages the funeral or memorial service arrangements.
2. With the help of the Department of Health’s Vital Statistics and Registry website.
3. From the local registrar at the municipality where the death occurred. 

What is the cost of death certificates? 

Currently, the State’s Registrar charge $25 for the first copy, while $2 for each additional copy. The state registrar will issue the death certificates and directly send them to the funeral home through the mail. 

To know more about death certificates, Michael Scarpaci co-owner of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island. 

Tips on overcoming funeral fears by Michael Scarpaci

Do you feel overwhelmed every time you think of attending a funeral service? Don’t worry!

 You’re not alone to feel that way. Many people live with the fears to attend to funeral service. 

According to Michael Scarpaci manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, funeral fears 
may also cause you to think whether or not you should attend the funeral. However,these fears 
shouldn’t keep you from honoring a deceased person and bidding farewell.

There are a number of reasons that you could feel stressful with the thoughts of attending a
 funeral service. For instance, a person with social anxiety might not feel comfortable 

attending a funeral ceremony where they have to meet or interact with various people. 

If you’re struggling with funeral nerves, Michael Scarpaci has given tips to overcome funeral
 fears. Read further!

Talk about your fears and anxieties - The best way to calm your funeral nerves is to talk about 
your fears and anxieties you feel while attending a funeral. You can open up about your fears
 with your family member or a close friend to let some of the stress away and to cope with your
 emotions better. 

Never be scared to show emotion or to cry - Always remember, it’s absolutely okay to express
your emotions. There is no need to suppress your tears or maintain your self-control while attending
a funeral ceremony. Don’t be scared of what will people think if you get carried away with your
emotions during a funeral service. Don’t worry! People will understand.

Find a partner for support - If you find yourself overwhelmed with funeral nerves, make sure
you have a friend or partner who can accompany you at the funeral. This way you will not alone
in the funeral service. With a helping hand and some support, it can be helpful and comforting for
you to deal with your emotion.

Calming funeral nerves using dog support - Using dogs as a comfort companion at a funeral
has been gaining popularity in the US. Losing a friend or a family member can lead to a distressing
time. So, having dogs in a funeral service can help people to relax for a while and distracting from
an overwhelming emotional time.

Besides these, you also need to be kind to yourself. Mindfulness is one of the best techniques
you can use to regulate your breathing and feel restful. On the other hand, aromatherapy oils
like chamomile or lavender and a hot bath can also be a soothing way to prepare yourself to
attend a funeral ceremony.

Tips For Guests At Funeral By Expert Michael Scarpaci

Funeral is an extremely stressful time for friends and family. Emotions run high and even smallest thing can lead to an outburst. It is extremely essential for the guests to behave properly and respect the rules set by the family of the deceased. According to Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, funeral is a place to pay respect to the deceased, behaving or dressing inappropriately can lead to the family feeling disrespected. Here are a few tips by the experts to behave in the respectful manner at the funeral.

• Take all the care to make sure that you arrive on time:- One of the most basic tips that need to followed no matter who you are is punctuality. Arriving on time is important. It means that you not only respect the deceased but also their family members. Thus, calculate the time it would take you to reach the funeral home and add in the time for obstacles such as traffic or detours. Also take in to account the accessibility of parking or how long does it take for you to reach the place. Make sure that you reach at least ten minutes before the ceremony is about to start. In case you are late, enter quietly. Do not create any ruckus.
• Turn off your electronic devices:- Any device with its notifications sounds, even at lowest volume, disrupts a funeral ceremony. Keeping your electronic devices on ringing means that you and your time are more important than the deceased and their family. Keep your phone on silent and do not answer it during the ceremony. Wait until the ceremony is over and then answer the phone by going outside.
• Dress properly:- Dressing right is another important aspect of funeral etiquette. Traditionally, black is the color of funeral. However, if a situation arises and you are unable to wear black, find a subdued color in your wardrobe and wear it. Make sure that your attire is conservative. Avoid wearing jeans or any kind of revealing clothes. Avoid hot and happening colors such as red, yellow, orange and more. Do not wear extremely high heels. If you are confused, then think about corporate interview and wear what you would choose to wear there.
• Respect the cultural and religious choices of deceased and their family:- If you are invited to a funeral ceremony for someone who had different religious practice than you, google beforehand about it. This way you will know what to expect. It will also make you feel more relaxed. 
• What to do if you have to bring your children?:- Funeral are adult events. However, if you have to bring in your children, make sure you talk to them beforehand so they know how to behave and what to expect. Tell them that they will have to sit quietly and not to talk during ceremony.

The above mentioned tips by expert Michael Scarpaci will help you to navigate through the funeral and respect the deceased and their family without feeling awkward.

4 Tips To Navigate Go Through A Funeral Reception By Michael Scarpaci

Death of a close friend or a family member is traumatic. The pain to lose a loved one takes time to heal. However, when someone has to host a funeral, the pain and the grief needs to be kept aside to ensure the proper planning and hosting of the funeral. Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island and Brooklyn provides the following tips to easily navigate through the funeral and reception with ease and poise.

• Plan the reception thoroughly in advance:- The first thing that needs to be properly done is the planning of the reception. Managing the grief is tough but do not let it get in the way of giving the loved one a proper send off. Make sure the catering is organized and all the work is done so that you can mourn with others. Even a small disarrangement or problem could lead to state of heightened grief. 
•  Keep your outfit simple:- Attire plays a huge role in the funeral reception. Right outfit keeps you from feeling uncomfortable. Wear the dress and shoes that are comfortable and somber for the occasion. Try to think your outfit ahead of the time. Many people keep an extra outfit to ensure that they can change when they want to.
• Surround yourself with support:- Generally a funeral is only for the friends and family of the deceased which means that there are going to be a variety of people that you may like and a few you do not. If you feel out of the place, surround yourself with the people you love and who are able to understand you grieving and mourning.
• Maintain distance from conflict:- Having a conflict in a funeral is rough. It will not only affect your mental well being but that of the  loved ones attending the funeral. People respond differently to the stress of losing someone. It is not only the loss of the loved one but the pressure of the funeral expenses, finances and the unresolved conflicts that often lay dormant until the funeral. Thus, before you feel yourself lashing out. Avoid the conflict and be polite to everyone you see.

The above mentioned four tips help the loved ones to navigate through the grief and pain. Planning a funeral requires a lot of grit. A funeral director helps the family to make the right decisions and work towards planning a proper funeral and its reception.

Choosing A Perfect Song For The Funeral Of Your Loved Ones - Michael Scarpaci

Funeral service is the last moment to celebrate the departed.  Everything from caskets to flowers, urns, and music, play a significant role in the funeral ceremony. When it comes to choosing a perfect song for the service and memorial, it can be a quite challenging task. Michael Scarpaci, a funeral director at Scarpaci Funeral Home, attempts to make sure that every aspect of the service is perfect. He has compiled a few suggestions and factors to consider while choosing the perfect funeral song.

Of course, you want a song that won’t be noticeable or offensive to anyone, still want it to be pacifying, and that offers comfort to the people arrived at the funeral service. Most of the people spend a considerable amount of time to think of a meaningful song which reflects the deceased personality well. For many people, music is the most momentous part of a funeral service and is usually what people remember the most. It’s essential to choose the best funeral songs so that dead ones will always be associated with the particular piece of music.

The following is a quick guide to choosing funeral songs.

• Make it personal - If you want to add a personal and unique touch to the funeral, music is probably the most ideal way to do so. Make sure you pick songs that complement the personality of the decedent, even if they don’t seem to be perfect funeral choices. Look for music or song that the person used to enjoy listening to.

• Focus on the lyrics - While choosing a funeral song, it’s important to focus on the lyrics or read them carefully. You must choose a song with good lyrics. Some songs come with lyrics that are unsuitable for the occasion, or they might fail to represent death in a way that concurs with your beliefs. Lyrics are considered to be the most important part of a song and are very significant, so make sure the song you choose doesn’t offend the attendees at the funeral service.

• Set the tone - Music can really help to set the mood of any of any event, so should keep in mind how you want people to feel - uplifting, poignant, reminiscent, or comforting?  Even humorous songs can be played to make people laugh if that’s what your departed loved one wished. You can set two different tones with the music, used at the start and the end of the service and most attendees appreciate the contrast.

Well, there is no right or wrong song for a funeral. Just make sure the song you select reflects the personality of the deceased and set the mood of the gathering. Our director Michael Scarpaci at Scarpaci Funeral home helps you to have a perfect funeral of your loved ones.

Why you should opt for a funeral pre-planning?

Talking about death is tough. People avoid this topic as much as they can. However, what should be realized is that death and planning for the funeral beforehand helps the family to understand the death of a loved one better. The experts such as Michael Scarpaci, funeral manager at Scarpaci funeral homes advices to always prepan the funeral in advance. The option of preplanning a funeral is available at almost all funeral homes. Whether you are young, elderly, or sick or totally healthy, funeral pre planning can help you easily.

• Your wishes are taken into consideration:- One of the most important reasons why people opt for pre planning is because the funeral can easily be planned according to the choices of the planner. If you want to be cremated or buried, you just have to tell the funeral director and fill in your forms. The director of the funeral home will make sure that all your wishes are carried out.
• Pre-planning helps the loved ones grieve:- Sudden death of the loved one puts the family in the grieving. Funeral planning through the grief can affect its process. Pre-planning removes the burden of planning through the grief. With a pre-planned funeral, the family members can easily process through their grief without worrying about anything. Also with pre-planning  there are no delays after the death and all the procedures and ceremonies are done on time.  
• Financial relief:- Another leading benefit of pre-planning is the financial relief for the family. As all the funeral expenses are paid in advance. This way the family members do not have to worry about any last minute or abrupt costs. By pre-planning the funeral in advance you can save money as your plan would be saved from any future increase of the prices. 

The pre-planning of the funeral has become more than a trend. It is a great way to work around the budget while helping the family anyway you can. 

Tips For Attending A Catholic Funeral By Michael Scarpaci

The death of loved one is hard and difficult. Planning the funeral and arranging all the details while managing the grief. Death is devastating but a natural process. It is important that planning for the funeral is done right. According to Michael Scarpaci, manager at Scarpaci Funeral Homes in Brooklyn and Staten Island, it is very important that the death of a loved one is processed right.

If you are attending a Catholic funeral for the first time, there are a few things that you should follow in order not to hurt the sentiments of religious family. Here are a few tips you should follow while arranging or attending a Catholic funeral.

• Do not panic:- If you are arranging the funeral, try not to get overwhelmed by the details. Slow the thing and allow yourself to breathe.

• Do not waste money:-  One of the reasons behind family feuds at the funerals is the wrong use and mismanagement of money. Concentrate on the things that actually count. Involve your family in the process.

• Ask or accept help:- Whether they are family members or not, if you need help, ask and accept the help provided.

• Simple works:- For religious as well as non-religious funerals, the simple and natural ceremonies always work. The simple funerals are more about putting the deceased choice on the above.

What does Catholic funerals include?
There are typically three things that make up the Catholic funerals.

• On the day before the burial, there is a vigil or a wake service. The loved ones of the deceased gather around and pay their respects.

• On the day of burial, there is funeral liturgy which is often combined with the Catholic Mass. The close family and friends often meet before the Mass and set up a funeral procession.

• The last event is the Rite of Committal which happens after the burial at the cemetery. The friends and family say their goodbyes by placing flowers on the casket.

To help the family with funeral, many people are opting for pre-planning the funerals. If you want to preplan your funeral, always talk to an expert.

4 Things You Should Know About Pre-planning The Funeral By Michael Scarpaci

Over the years, people has become comfortable with the trend of pre-planning their funeral. There are numerous advantages of planning a funeral early. It is not only a wise thing to do but helps the family comfort. According to the Michael Scarpaci, the manager at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Staten Island and Brooklyn, pre-planning a funeral makes it easy on your family and helps them understand how you want your funeral to be. Here are a few tips by the expert  about the process of pre-planning the funeral:

• Ease the burden on your family:- Keeping wishes unknown while you die is quite a burden on your family. It can make the decisions extremely difficult to take. From deciding if you want to be cremated or buried, to deciding to agree on the open and closed casket, pre-planning the funeral will make sure there is no confusion for the family. All the disagreement can be left behind by pre-planning your funeral.

• Assume the financial responsibility for the funeral:- One thing that put the unexpected burden on the family is the financial costs of the funerals. The funerals are costly affairs. Thus, pre-planning the funeral and leaving the amount behind for the funeral can help your family cover the costs and stay afloat while they grieve.

• Benefit of a meaningful funeral:- One of the most important affairs for any family is funeral. They give their deceased loved one an adieu. The funeral also gives a family closure and helps them heal. A meaningful funeral can help the family socially and emotionally as they can give the loved one a proper send off.  This becomes quite difficult when the funeral has to be planned immediately.

• Your final wishes would be followed:- Along with the abovementioned benefis, a pre-planned funeral makes sure that your funeral is exactly how you want it. Whether you want a burial or particular epitaph written on your gravestone, everything would be done by the funeral house director and your family wouldn’t have the burden of selecting the funeral things for their loved one.

Funerals can be tough and having a reliable funeral home director by your side can make them easy to go through. Pre-planning the funeral will allow to make your own decisions regarding the funeral along with helping your family to grieve in peace.

The Etiquette Of Funeral With Michael Scarpaci

When someone we know loses a loved one, it often becomes very difficult to talk to them. We often find ourselves at loss for words. The words need to be comforting and should make them feel better. No matter how difficult it is for you to say the right thing, you have to make sure that you don't make them feel bad.

While talking to someone from deceased ‘s family, it is quite easy to resort to the cliches. However, sometimes, cliches can be destructive and do more bad than good. Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral homes in Brooklyn and Staten Island advises to follow these few points to have a healthy conversation with someone who has lost their loved one.

Start with making suggestions
The first thing you should is make suggestion rather than asking them. Do not ask them what they should do. Rather say, “Let me take care of your lawn” or “Let me pick some groceries for you”. It is difficult for the one who is grieving to ask friends, even family for help. If you see the opportunity to help, then just help.

Listen
While the griever might not be ready to discuss how they are feeling right now, but it is necessary that you keep an open ear for them whenever they want to talk. Just keep the offer of you being ready to listen open. When they want to talk, listen and remember not to interject with “you should”. Don’t give them tips on how they can lessen their grief or move on. Just let them speak what they want to. A griever can get lonely and making sure that the friend is there to listen to them  helps a lot.

A few things that you should not say to the griever no matter what:

1. “It was time” - No matter what happens, never say these words to the griever. This would mean that the loss of your friend is purposeful. It would make them worse than they did before.
2. “This was all God’s plan” - Just like the one mentioned above, this is a no say.  While it can be understood that there are things that we might not understand, saying that death of  loved one is part of a plan is wrong.

Remember, death is a natural process and needs to be taken in stride. Nonetheless, losing loved one is hard and talking to a grieved person should be done with care.

Top Tips By Michael Scarpaci On Helping Your Loved Ones Cope With Grief

It is extremely difficult to console a person who is grieving the death of their loved one. While you might be feeling and sharing their pain, it is extremely difficult to express the same in the words. It is necessary to know how to console them and help them move on with heir life. According to Michael Scarpaci, the owner of Scarpaci funeral homes, it is necessary that people know basic tips about consoling someone and helping them move on.

• Reach out:- The first thing that you should do is know how you can console them. For that, you need to let the person know that you are there for them. Take the first step. Call them, visit them or email them. All you need is to let them know that you are there for them.

• Listen more:- While it is a tough one, it is very important for you to listen to what they are feeling. Losing a loved one is hard and they need to be heard clearly. Try to listen intently and keep your body language open. But, needless to say, they won't easily open up and when they do they might cry for hours.

• Check-in:- Grief does not have a time table. It can go on for months and years. Make sure that you check in regularly and see how they are doing. You can ask them out for dinner or for a cup of coffee. This will help them cope with the loss.

• Reminisce:- Death of loved one is hard. Another thing that can help your loved ones move on with their lives is the memories of the loved one. Remembering the memories and sharing the stories of the deceased will help your loved ones understand that while the person may be gone their memories live on.

• Don't ignore:- Ignoring the person who is grieving will hurt them and make them feel that they are alone in the world. You don't need to there for them 24/7 but just let them know that they can count on you. Reaching out is better than ghosting the person and making them feel bad.

Death is a natural process and thus, it is necessary that you should move on in life but do not complicate the process.

Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YCs1WGLyjM for more info.

6 tips by Michael Scarpaci to have a healthy funeral

Death of a loved one brings is extremely tough. It takes a huge toll on family and friends. A death in the family means that the remaining family members need to make serious decisions. Remaining family members will need to plan for a funeral that will be a final goodbye for their deceased family member.

Michael Scarpaci, the owner of Scarpaci funeral homes, has helped numerous families to move on after the death of their loved one and create a funeral. Here are a few tips are given by a funeral expert, Michael Scarpaci:

• Add family traditions:- The funeral is not meant to be sad. It is a celebration of the life of the deceased family member. If any member of your family has fond memories such as of annual vacation, board games or any family event, you should celebrate who they were.  Any special memories should also be added. This would make the family members feel more close to the deceased family members.

• Keepsakes:- Majority of family members are opting for a funeral where they send the guests back with the keepsakes. The keepsakes could be anything: A family recipe, to baked good, favorite books or even something from the jewelry collection.

• Humor:- If your deceased family member was known for his humor, you can add a few funny punchlines were it would lighten the mood and give an uplifting feel to the service. You can also add music and play the song that makes you and the people in service feel attached to the deceased.

• Memory Table:- Small things make a big difference. You can also collect the items that your loved one used to love such as golf, puzzles or anything as such. The attendees can appreciate the life and the spirit of the loved one.

• College of photographs:- Another way to plan a funeral that would show your love for the deceased and help you move on is creating a collage. Displaying the pictures of your loved one would make you feel connected to them and help you find a way to move through the grief you are experiencing.

• Special Send-Off:- People also try to give the deceased family member a special send-off by releasing doves or butterflies or planting trees.

Remember, the funerals are a way to help you move on from the grief and celebrate life. You should not let the grief and pain run your life.

Read More  Michael scarpaci and finding the right headstones by Michael - Issuu