Had my father's funeral service here, and while the service itself was fine, the process of picking up his ashes was anything but. I arrived stating clearly that I was there to pick up my father's remains. The woman who "assisted" me, and I use that term loosely, looked like she hated her job and made sure I knew it. She sighed audibly every time she walked past me, as if my presence was an inconvenience. Because yes, I chose to be in this situation, so sorry that my father passed away and I now have the absolute pleasure of retrieving his ashes. Boohoo, right? Eventually, she tells me that only the wife can pick them up. This confused me because I, his daughter, have been involved throughout this process. When I calmly tried to ask if there was any workaround, she cut me off repeatedly and informed me, with confidence, that this had apparently already been communicated to me over the phone. Funny, considering I had never even seen or spoken to her before in my life. So I left, frustrated, confused, and empty-handed. Ten minutes into my drive home, she calls me back and says that suddenly I am authorized to pick them up. The backpedaling began immediately. She's "not the case manager," she "didn't know" I was the daughter, and so on. But somehow, just minutes before, she was certain that only the wife could pick up the ashes. If you're not the case manager and don't know the situation, maybe don't speak with such confidence, especially when dealing with grieving families. The lack of professionalism and basic human sensitivity was comical. If you choose to work in the funeral industry, a field that deals with people at their most vulnerable, the bare minimum should be empathy and accuracy. Unfortunately, I experienced neither. read more

READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY Pre Death arrangements are cheaper than Post arrangements. You get the same service either way. The contract includes $1100 to "scatter" the ashes at a graveyard or at sea. The other option is to pick up the ashes (in a $75 cardboard box) and dispose or preserve the remains as you see fit. If you pick-up the ashes YOU ARE STILL CHARGED THE $1100. Neptune basically gets $1100 for doing nothing other than handing you a bag. When I questioned the charge the "Manager" treated me like a 3rd grader and with a smug "used car salesman grin", held a card under specific lines in the contract telling me to read aloud parts of the contract which vaguely described the options. I refused and told him to get the cardboard "urn" and left in disgust as he stiood behind the counter with a stupid grin on his face. Overall they did a fair job of collecting the deceased and completing the cremation. I am sure there are other options available, don't let your emotions go with the first available and READ THE CONTRACT and ask questions. read more

This office, and in particular Melanie, handled both of my parent's passings with dignity & grace in 2013 and now 2023. Their patience and understanding during these stressful times was greatly appreciated. I intend to sign up for the disposal of my remains with them also. They were absolutely wonderful and helpful at the same time. I cannot recommend them more. read more

I've talked with Ron from Neptune Society on and off for a couple of months. I reached out to see if he could help find and then transfer some of my father's remains into a new urn. The original urn is being given to my grandfather. Ron was very helpful and sent me different catalogs online to look at and provided many suggestions and helpful information. Once I received the urn he graciously transferred some of the remains with care and respect. So so so happy that he made this easy for me and was very grateful for his help. Definitely great service and care. Thank you!!! read more

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience. We had made prearrangements for My husband who died at 6:15am on a Sunday in early September, 2020. Hospice was helping care for him. I called Neptune to tell them he was ready to be transferred to their care. They did not pick him up for 7 hours after I called. This was just terrible. They finally arrived around after repeated calls to them during those hours, and stated that the problem had been due to 'mis-communication'. He was not cremated for 12 days after this. Neptune stated that this was due to the COVID crisis ( My husband died from cancer). The whole process was horrifying, and I Would be very uncomfortable recommending their services. read more

Second time working with Neptune Society for the death of a loved one. This time it was my husband. The initial contract review was handled so well. The representative was professional as well as sensitive to his passing which was coming soon at that time. After my husband passed away in the early morning on 1/12/2019, Neptune arrived at my home in less than an hour and made it as easy and respectful as one can imagine. That were careful with me and how the treated my husband. I'll be grateful to this wonderful organization forever. When I call to make final confirmations and then picked up the death certificates and keepsake, the office staff was helpful. This is always a tough time for their customers. This was a positive experience at a rough time. I know David and I were right to chose them. read more

My mom died May 18th at 92 years. Twenty years ago she made arrangements w/ the Neptune Society in San Jose because she was living in Santa Cruz. She left clear instructions and after her death the staff at Reutlinger's skilled nursing facility called the Neptune Society, who sent a man to pick up her body. That afternoon I received a call from Maria, who explained what we needed to do, which was very little. Everything was prepaid except for the death certificates. All we needed to do was to determine how many we needed and to send them completed paperwork, a page at the most, and a check for the death certificate. Maria was genuinely concerned and sympathetic. Mom had directed that she be cremated and her ashes scattered at sea and this was done last week. We received a certificate from them in the mail stating this had been done. Yesterday I received a call from Maria explaining that we did not yet have death certificates because Contra Costa County charges $15 each rather than $14 as we had sent. We had ordered 10 certificates for various agencies and people who needed to be notified, so the check was $10 too little. They hadn't called to let anyone know about this, so Maria discovered it when she called to check on the status of the certificates. I am so appreciative of the way she has handled this and even more appreciative of my mother's thoughtfulness, foresight and organization in making her final arrangements. This seemed a fitting subject for my 900th review. read more

My dad had picked the Neptune Society out. When the time came, the hospital called the Neptune Society and They had everything worked out. I got a call the following Monday from Maria and went in on Tuesday. They had everything dialed in and additions if you wanted. Adhering to my dad's wishes, we followed his directions to what HE wanted and Neptune Society made it painless. read more

The two drivers that arrived to pick up my mom's body were professional, compassionate and kind. Their process was very respectful. I was kept informed thru the process by Melanie who also was quick to respond. On the day we picked up my mom's ashes, Melanie respectfully came around the counter to hand the bag to my sister. Everything was handled in a dignified manner. Thank you for assisting our family thru this difficult process. read more

I lost another family member and Neptune Society guided me through all the paperwork. The staff was very helpful and compassionate. This time, there was no delay in cremation since this family member didn't die during a surge in the death rate, unlike my mom (see my other review for what happened with my mom's cremation). The cremation and sea scattering were accomplished within sixteen days of the death, and they sent me a card stating the time, date and place that the sea scattering was done, along with a photo of the boat. They have a tiny parking lot and the rest is metered parking. It's also on a one-way street. read more

My grandmother passed at the end of August, my mother, sister and I were in charge of her final arrangements. We went to a meeting two days after her passing and met with Doreen; our initial impression was good, she seemed professional and sympathetic to our situation. She informed us of the prices and what was included (which was just the cremation and a basic urn; no services, etc.) and we let her know we wouldn't be able to pay until the life insurance came through. There was no way to work out a payment plan or anything like that. We were initially understanding, as they want to make sure they are paid in full. Smart. After the meeting, we decided to go to Oak Hill to see what memorial arrangements they had available and we met with a funeral coordinator there who showed us a package that included cremation, an urn, etc. we asked if we could have our grandma moved to Oak Hill to do the cremation and have everything done in one place, she explained to us that we could do that, we would just have to notify Neptune Society of our plans asap as well as find out what the fee was going to be to move her from one place to another. When my mom called Doreen to let her know we were going to be going with oak hill for the simple fact that we would be able to arrange everything in one place at one time and take the pressure off of my mom who should be grieving the loss of her mother instead of running around like a chicken with her head cut off; she acted rather unpleasant. She stated (with an attitude) that they already filed the death certificate and it was going to say "Neptune society" rather than Oak Hill (then asked her "are you okay with that??") and told her something like this would normally cost someone over $700 (on top of the transfer fee, just for cancelling with them). Fast forward to today, we are still planning this memorial and we find out that she never even filed the death certificate!! After berating my mother for choosing another company. Her behavior was very unprofessional and not what people should have to deal with while mourning the death of a loved one... read more

Horribly cold people! I lost my Grandma & 12 hours later lost my Dad unexpectedly. Luckily(so I thought) my Grandma had purchased a plan through Neptune Society. Well its been a month & my poor Grandma has not been cremated yet. Neptune was supposed to cover everything but now I find out there is fees that are going to have to come out of my pocket & Im broke. Neptune Society wouldn't work out a payment plan with me nor do they return any of my emails.I dont even have my Grandma's death certificate yet.To top everything off the lady who I talk to from Neptune doesnt even say "Goodbye" when ending a phone conversation,she just hangs up. read more

Let's just say that we were very fortunate to collect my father's remains. What started out as a misunderstanding was followed by a total disregard and lack of communication surrounding how to resolve the situation. Extremely disappointed, and people who are in the business of providing comfort and ease-of-transition during very difficult times should be far more organized. read more

In June 2012 my mother passed. She had made prior arrangements with the Neptune Society and the counselor was wonderful. She was kind, respectful and patient. It made the entire experience much easier. I wish I could say the same for my latest run in with the Neptune Society. My sister passed unexpectedly a week ago. The counselor and the entire experience has been traumatic. When I arrived to complete the paperwork the counselor seemed annoyed that I had showed up. It was only when I could pay for the service that the counselor attitude changed but even then it was uncomfortable. At one point she made a joke. The next day she called me, I waited while she looked at papers since she couldn't remember why she had contacted me. Then she said she had the information. The following day she called to tell me she didn't have all of the information. As if that wasn't enough she told me that I had left without paying for the services. When I told her I had written a check she said I might had to fax over a copy of the check. The final blow came when I asked if any items were with my sister when they took her and how could I get those items. The counselor told me that it was my responsibility to ask for that at our first meeting. When I told her that was the last thing that I would have expected and that she should have told me that at the meeting she said they didn't do that. My experience this time has been difficult, insensitive, rude, cold. I would never use or recommend them. read more

I am extremely disappointed with the way that Neptune in San Jose communicated with me. My aunt purchased a general scattering package in 2007. Sadly she passed away on 12.24.2015. I was contacted by Maria their administrative assistant that day. Maria is the only person throughout the process who contacted me. My aunt was not cremenated until January 4th due to the paperwork with the coroner and her doctor (my aunt was refrigerated during this time yikes). I called Maria and was told by her that they had coroner signed off and she that they thought they could release her; she would be cremenated on 12.31. I did not hear from Maria again until 1.6 because she had questions related to paperwork. I asked her if my aunt was cremenated. She said yes on 1.4. I asked her my she was the only one contacting me. She said that someone left me a voicemail on 1.4. I was not contacted. I asked to speak to a supervisor. The director came on the phone and she said she left me two voicemails on 1.4 to inform me that my aunt was cremenated. I told her that I checked my call log and she didn't leave a voice mail (I later checked all my deleted messages and there was none). She insisted she left one as she hung up the first time. I asked, even if she did leave a message why on earth would she leave a voice mail about my aunt being cremenated, instead ofleaving me a voice mail to return her call to ensure I spoke to her and mostly received a message? Again, what horrible service as far as communication with the family. Not what you expect from an organization who has your love ones in their care. Maria was very good as well as the person who delivered a small portion of my aunt's remains to my mother. read more

Hello my name is Herb.My son Herbie Jr passed away 2 weeks before his eighteen birth day it was the worst time of my life. Some of my friend's told me about the Neptune society. I went to their place and they were the best. They were so helpful and reasonable when I was feeling my worst. I will never forget you guys. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. read more

"Neptune Society" had been a phrase well known in our family. My mother researched The Neptune Society after my father passed away and she said "No one should EVER have to go through what I went through in my husbands passing". So over the many years after my dad's death Mother was clear and concise what she wanted in her passing and who would take care of her so none of her children or grandchildren would ever suffer further at the hand of a regular mortuary, when already a broken emotional mess in the loss of a loved one. Neptune Society of Central California was "10 Stars".... from start to finish. All the years I "thought" Mother was a member, I learned that she was not....HOWEVER Neptune Society of Central CA treated our family as though we "were" their family. After dealing with the 911 Emergency Team & Police (all needed in a home death) they were great. They did their "jobs"....but I only give them a 3 for compassion. When Neptune showed up to pick Mother up I was AMAZED even in my unbearable grief! They were kind, gentle in no hurry what so ever. They treated us like we were their only care and concern in the world. I will never forget that night! They shrouded Mother in a white sheet, and on the gurney covered her with a Velvet like covering, and then told me to take my time and let them know when "I" was ready for them to take her! That was the last visual I have of Mother, and I Thank Neptune for giving me that incredible visual gift of my precious 91 year old Mother who was an amazing Woman and feared being zipped up in a body bag and loved ones having to watch that. Neptune gave her compassion & dignity even in passing. From that day she passed (3 days before Christmas) Neptune took Mother and was in contact with me letting me know she was not a member but took care of her over Christmas anyway with a very small deposit! I went in the day after Christmas and took care of finances and finalizing mother's desire for years of cremation with Neptune society. Taking care of Mother & how we were doing during the holidays was Neptune's first thoughts & concerns! Amazing! Every... EVERY ....step of the way there was genuine care, concern, compassion & understanding! Whether it was the administration; grief counselor; ladies in the office or the people who drive and pick up the person who passed: They are so Wonderful and I encourage anyone to check them out to handle the passing of themselves or the passing of a loved one! The experience was BEYOND my imagination that this kind of genuine care is even in our world today! But it is! It's called the "NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA" . Today I signed myself up to become a member and the Sales Counselor who came to my home was as wonderful, caring & kind as the whole experience last December 2012. Passing away in this life brings enough sadness, sorrow & grief. Thanks Neptune in advance for helping my family at a time most needed when my passing occurs! Best investment I've ever made ! read more

These guys and gals were totally awesome! Thank you for all our help in our time of need and the loss of our family member.

My experience with Neptune Society was one of complete satisfaction. Every detail was handled with complete care. Melanie Nicholson made the experience a very smooth transition. She took care of every detail with a positive, compassionate attitude. The chapel is so warm. It made a perfect intimate location to have a beautiful memorial for my Mom. The courtyard has a beautiful fountain and french doors that lead to the chapel. It was an ideal location for friends and family to gather after the ceremony. The caterer is located right across the street. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. They provided an elegant, delicious luncheon. read more

We met Ron Haulman within 24 hours of my daughter's unexpected passing. I was suprised and pleasd to learn that Neptune handles in gound burials in addiition to cremations. Not only was he very sensitive to the situation but without slandering the competition was very helpful in educating us in to dos and don'ts of making arrangements . He put us in touch with a cemetary plot broker who was able to save us 50% off the cemetary's price. Ron provided us with all the help and support we needed to get every thing done in the most diginifed and leasf expensive manner. This includes the procurement of the casket at a price much lower than other funeral homes charge. Through out all of this which took about 2 days, he conveyed the feeiling that we were his only clients I would highly recommend Neptune Society and Ron Haulman to anyone who is interested in getting through this most difficult in the least expensive way. But even more than the savings, I think you will be very impressed with their proffesionlism and sensitivy to the family. I consider Ron Haulman to be a friend of our famiy. Lee A. Egherman Los Gatos read more

My grandmother passed away two weeks ago and had arranged to be cremated through the Neptune Society prior to her death. On the day of her death my family and I all got to stay with her for a bit before she was picked up for cremation. It was so beautiful and heartfelt as we all said our goodbyes. The Neptune Society then arrived in an old, beat-up MINI VAN, in which I felt was so undeserving and disrespectful of my grandmother. The exit was just as jaw-dropping after a quick U-Turn in front of the house and speedy exit. I could not help but to feel offended that such a beautiful and deeply personal moment was so disregarded by the lack of dignity shown by the transport of the deceased. read more

No compassion and very Unprofessional. Everyone in front office speaking Spanish and laughing. This is supposed to be a funeral home in the United States not a fiesta. I came in for information after my mother passed away and I was ignored. Instead the women in front were laughing and speaking loudly in Spanish. Also, it is located in a very sketchy part of town. A very bad experience. read more

My family actually used Neptune Society many years ago when my mom passed. They were kind and professional. Nothing went wrong. I would use them again. read more

A dear friend of mine Ivan R Simpson died on June 8th 2012. I learned of the Neptune Society through him. From the onset, filling out the forms to picking up his remains was absolutely the most wonderful experience. The staff was professional, courteous, sensitive and prompt with every step. While I know I won't be making my own arrangements. My best friend and partner knows it will Neptune. I want to thank you all for making my experience a positive one especially in time of need. read more

The process is relatively easy. With my father, there was little that we had to do since he had a pre-paid plan. With my mother, last week, it's been a different story. She had a pre-paid plan but they went ahead and charged my credit card the full amount anyway -- just one more thing for me to deal with. When the person came in to take my mother's body, he put on gloves and then, when he left, he left the gloves on the dresser for me to dispose of. My mother had filled out all the paperwork when she bought the plan. the Neptune Society faxed the pages to me for my signature after she died. Then the person in the office kept me on the phone for some time, asking me to spell my grandfather's middle name, my grandmother's middle name, etc, because "it didn't come out well on the fax". D'uh, you have the original paperwork in YOUR office -- you're the one who faxed it to me! These are small things but they shouldn't happen to the family of the deceased. read more