I don't know for how long they've been in business, but it seems as if it has been forever, at…read moreleast to my memory. I grew up in the area and I can't remember a time when they didn't exist. The housing development standing behind their establishment now used to be a large empty field way back when. My grade school (Packanack) is just a stone's throw away, across Ratzer Rd. The Catholic Church my oldest friend had to attend as a kid is also directly across the street (when I briefly flirted with the idea of converting to Catholicism but had trouble with the idea of confessing my deepest transgressions and sins to a celibate priest I didn't know, I asked my friend what he used to confess to when he went to confession, and he said, "I made stuff up."). My 1st job at 13 was delivering Wayne Today newspapers up Ratzer Rd. in the opposite direction from Vander May (I was a scrawny nerd trying to maneuver my ramshackle bicycle up the heavily traveled roadway with a heavy canvas bag of newspapers on my shoulder in all kinds of bad weather). Still, I've only been inside Vander May twice, and never had to arrange a funeral for one of my relatives here. When my oldest friend's mother died...a kind, sweet woman I had known all my life practically...her wake/funeral was held here. I hadn't had much experience with funeral homes at that point, but everything proceeded as it's supposed to, in a professional and respectful way. My main memory of that day is seeing my friend's mother in death, and maybe for the first time confronting the reality of mortality. People you grew up around and came to love weren't going to be here forever, no matter how much you wanted to deny that bitter fact, or retreat from it. Years later, my friend's father passed, and his wake/funeral was also held at Vander May. I was older, my mother was dying torturously of cancer, and this was the man who had once referred to me as "his 3rd son," so maybe it hit me harder than it might have under different circumstances, but at his wake, I had to leave abruptly, as I started crying like a little kid. I rode up Ratzer Rd., past my old school, past where he had lived and raised his family, with tears streaming down. He was a unique man, in my experience--- very tough, a man who had been hardened by life, but maintained a good heart and spirit in spite of all that. He once owned 3 bars in Paterson, and knew a wide variety of people: actors, politicians, policemen, mobsters. His opinions of them weren't always what you would expect-- he didn't like Lou Costello, was supportive of crooked political boss Joe Bozzo, and thought mob boss Willie Moretti was a good guy (in his younger years, he palled around with Moretti's nephew, and once told me that Moretti had built a dollhouse for his daughter that was "as big as the room we're sitting in right now."). He also knew FBI agent Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco, who infiltrated the Bonanno crime family in NYC and was the subject of a movie starring Johnny Depp. In fact, Pistone arranged for my friend's father and his friend (my friend's godfather-- real godfather, not Mario Puzo's version) to have bit parts in the movie. (My friend's father grew impatient with the movie making process and didn't stick around, but my friend's godfather remained, and you can see him briefly in the scene where Depp and Mike Madsen walk through a room where flunkies are counting gambling proceeds.) Because of the emotional turmoil I was going through at the time with my mother's situation and the death of my friend's father, I was in a bit of a daze, but I do remember that...once again...everything was handled in a professional and compassionate manner. I remember my friend giving the eulogy for his father, something I would never have had the grit or strength to do. There's ample parking, and my last memory of Vander May is walking out to my car as we were to proceed to the cemetery. I remember seeing a familiar looking guy with sunglasses standing in the parking lot, and later, I asked my friend, "Was that guy in the parking lot who I thought it was?" "Yeah," my friend answered, "It was Pistone. He came to pay his respects." I guess the bottom line is that if you're in business for as long as Vander May has been, you're obviously doing something right, whether you're running a store, a restaurant, or a funeral home. I would imagine that successfully running a funeral home can be uniquely daunting. In addition to conducting the nuts-and-bolts business aspects of it, you have to deal sensitively, compassionately and professionally with a wide variety of people facing the often unexpected, tragic loss of loved ones, the harsh reality and finality of death, the accompanying emotions of grief and despair, pain and trauma, good memories and bad ones. My experiences with Vander May haven't been direct in the sense that I've had to arrange funerals here myself for loved ones, but I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to anyone.

Go here for a funeral for your loved one! Charlie and the staff did an amazing job working with me…read morethrough this difficult process. The constant graceful communication and patience despite all my questions at all hours of the night and many requests was greatly appreciated. I was worried that I wouldn't have sufficient photos collages and they went above and beyond even surprising me with custom creations that I will likely frame or use again at an annual memorial celebration. The attention to detail and quality helped to facilitate a beautiful tribute to my father. While the overall process felt like an intense wedding to plan, Charlie directed the process with grace and tact each step of the way providing me with some comfort and reassurance as I wanted perfection for this final walk down the aisle with my dad. The Cemetary and church were also coordinated by Charlie and he made this easy as there were multiple moving pieces. The morning of I was a little upset because some of the posters I printed were too large and weren't laying right but Gareth went to the rescue and was able to trim the edge and posted it on a hard board so it would be perfect. I loved the photo handouts for all guests and the laminated cards and laminated obituary. They offered quality touches that I haven't seen at Vander Platt which is where I was trying to originally go. Everything happens for a good reason. I'm happy I landed here for my dads funeral/wake. They give you a checklist and make everything easy for you...there are SO many decisions to make. Even the donation cards were a nice touch. They provided me with an extra glass bowl so I could supply gum for guests and accommodated my every need and question. I loved the program and directions that were provided to the guests. Also, they packaged up everything extra in a neat bag with a bow and provide an unlimited number of custom thank you cards. This place is top notch and I'm SO GLAD I put my trust in Charlie and the staff at Vander May! Thank you for a beautiful day to remember my dad!

Obviously it is a little sad to be reviewing a funeral home. As we know the reason for our visits…read more Nice decor and ambiance like a comfortable living room. They have four viewing rooms. Staff is very attentive and caring. Professional skills are excellent on their duties. Good parking lots and confortable surroundings.

I have been in many funeral homes and I must say Brown and Son does not compare. I was shocked at…read morethe substandard job they did on my niece. The family had to cover her eyes with sunglasses. Her face was black and blue. It was very disturbing. When lines of people were exiting the funeral home several male employees were laughing and joking around. I thought that was in bad taste. I would not use this funeral home.

My father in law passed away a couple of weeks ago. We were referred to Darren from the hospice…read morecare. Darren was extremely caring and helpful from the beginning to the end. There was no pressure at anytime, and he guided my husband and his family with care and empathy. Highly recommend this funeral home.

loved the place and the people but my kid started crying at the end the way they got people out by…read moresaying a ice cream truck was coming we waited there for 45mins because my kid refused to leave! it never came that is so wrong they tricked about five kids! After a very sad event! this did not help! VERY DISAPPOINTING

A simple thank you isn't enough. I'm very grateful for your service(s) that you have offered and…read moregiven to my family. You honored my mother beautifully. The care and attention from details to direction were abundant than what we thought we can be blessed with at hand. You were providing us aid, structure, and counsel in the most vulnerable time in our lives. Zuasola understood family values, filial duties, and obsequies. Tito Isko, Chescka, Chesko, Chester, and the rest of the staff- I am very grateful to have met you all. I appreciate your care for my mother and for providing many sympathetic, thoughtful moments. You considered more than our needs. I am very grateful from your care, hence I wish you more blessings, love, and prosperity. Thank you. Maraming Salamat.

From the very moment that my family booked funeral services for my father-in-law, Francis and…read moreCheska were very accommodating from start to finish. They took care of arranging flight transport of my father-in-law from NJ to Philippines. They took care of all necessary paperwork, flowers, mass, viewing and funeral arrangements so that my father-in-law's wish was honored. The support, communication and patience that Francis and Cheska provided during our difficult time were unmatched. Our family would recommend Zausola Funeral to anyone who is in need of assistance. We are grateful to the staff for all their kindness and professionalism.

PROS: This was definitely one of the nicer funeral homes I've been to in a while. Nice size parking…read morelot, elegant inside, prepared the person who passed away very nicely, and was ran by two gentleman who were very nice to all of us. CONS: The bathrooms were out of the way downstairs tucked into a corner so for those who have a tough time walking down the stairs that could be a problem. However, i wouldn't let that one thing turn you away from them. OVERALL: If I was in the area and needed their services, especially for pre-planning, i would certainly give them a call

Family owned, Leonardis is what a funeral home should be. A funeral can be so overwhelming.. from…read moretalking to the hospital, the grave site, florists, car services, airports, to contacting friends and family. It's hard to imagine that you have to trust so many strangers with what may seem like your loved one's final memory. The Leonardis family is in touch with the community. We even shared a laugh or two chatting about the neighboring towns (and one of my brother's delinquent behavior as a child..haha). I just thought the wake was done so well. After all, they are a business. When it was time to leave for the night and then again the next day before the funeral, they were sympathetic and helped my family along without being too pushy. You've gotta be a certain kind of person to handle that. Not to mention there was no one wiping their eyes with a sleeve because there were tissues were placed throughout the room. The one thing I will say is the bathroom is the teensy bit creepy to me. Probably because it's on the first/bottom floor of the memorial home. Just descending the short stairs can do things to your brain.. but overall if you want less stress, let the Leonardis family take care of you.

Very professional and sensitive staff. They are very accommodating and pay close attention to…read moredetail. I highly recommend the team here. They are very experienced and have a respectful attitude towards the families they serve.

We used them for my moms funeral and Jennifer could not be more helpful, compassionate. We were…read morepleased with the complete service. It is and was a tough time that was handled professionally. Thank you Jennifer

Top notch all the way Can't say enough about the entire…read moreexperience Everything was so professional and genuine care

My friend had a service here and the staff was very friendly and helpful…read more The lot is huge and the place is clean. They took care of all the paperwork. Great place to use if you need a funeral home

I've been sitting on this review for awhile now. Our family had used Caggiano's last April for my…read morefather in law's services. They were amazingly kind and accommodating then. Unfortunately recently we had to plan my cousins services right after Christmas so we contacted Caggianos again. They were again very helpful and kind...Then the most terrible situation happened, eight days after my cousin suddenly passed my sister also passed away suddenly and tragically. Not only was Michael and Pat and all the workers here so helpful, they offered us their unwavering support through this entire process. We ultimately decided to have all the services for both family members within a three day period. Michael and Pat were there for us from beginning to end. We couldn't have had more perfect people to help us during the worst time of our lives. It is impossible to explain my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for everything they did for us. They felt like family and they treated us that way. I've never felt so taken care of by people who we didn't know well before these tragedies. Our limo driver Joe was also so kind and helpful throughout the day. We were all in such a daze and had such a hard time getting through everything. Without their support and love I don't think we would have made it through the way that we did. I can't say enough good things about this funeral home and the people who work here. This review doesn't even do them justice. Thinking about how supportive they were beings tears to my eyes. I hope whoever is seeing this review decides to use Caggianos during their time of sorrow.

Our family has used Caggiano Memorial Services on two different occasions. Each time we have found…read morethem cordial and supportive. They are knowledgeable, considerate and accommodating. I would recommend their services to anyone.