Wonderful church. Wonderful burial ground. Wonderful people. Wonderful music. Wonderful music…read more Wonderful virtue and values. Kindness, intelligence, open-heartedness, faith and reason.

This is a must visit!…read more We popped in, and the pastor---an actual descendant of the founders--gave us the most warm, humorous, and all-around engaging personal tour! I'm not a religious person, but my dutch religious ancestry drew me in for a look. What I learned was about settlers' grit and determination, silly early rivalries amidst the struggle for our nation's survival, eye-popping beauty, and all unfolding into today's dedication to service, tolerance, and community. If my community had a church like this, maybe I would still be going.

Just mostly wanted to say thanks to the current owners of Poughkeepsie Rural for giving my mother…read more(and me by Facetime) a detailed tour of the grounds and showing as many available plots as possible when my father passed. We were completely unfamiliar with the process of getting a plot and the process for burial, and these folks made a patient effort to help us pick the best plot as my father did not have any preset wishes for a specific place. Additionally, the current owner was super flexible with his time to allow us enough space to make a well-informed decision, and based on what I saw on video during the burial, I am very satisfied with the plot that was decided upon. The grounds are beautiful, many areas face the river or are lined with lovely flowering trees. My dad has always admired the dogwoods here. As feedback, some kind of written reference of all the different options when purchasing plot features a la carte (as opposed to the all-inclusive mausoleum garden spots) would have been helpful for us to figure out where the majority of the costs would be -- one of our friends helping us with the selection process also noted this as well, and it could have made our initial contact by phone more effective / easier at a stressful time.

I first became aware of this historic cemetery when I was a kid taking field trips up with my grade…read moreschool class to the Roosevelt estate in nearby Hyde Park. I'd see a portion of the cemetery from the corner of my eye as we passed on Rt. 9 and, given my fascination with historic cemeteries (although I didn't necessarily know it was historic then), determined that someday I would pay it a visit. Turns out, I didn't actually get up there until I was an adult, but I've been visiting it on and off for the past 25 years, and hopefully will continue to do so for more to come (I live in NJ, so it isn't the easiest trip). Located on the east bank of the Hudson River, it is approximately 200 acres of bucolic beauty on the outskirts of urban Poughkeepsie. There's nothing beautiful about Rt. 9, but the cemetery is an oasis of calm and serenity amidst rolling hills, trees, a lake, and...of course...tombstones and monuments. The "famous" buried here include the Smith brothers (founders of Smith Brothers Cough Drops) and Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College. Of more immediate interest to me, Margaret Hamilton, the wicked witch from "Wizard of Oz," was cremated here (she lived nearby), although she's not buried here. George Custer was briefly interred here before permanent burial in West Point (across the river, not far away). Not actually sure how they determined Custer's remains were actually those of Custer, but I digress... Of course, sometimes the more fascinating monuments are those of the not-famous. The anonymous wealthy have sometimes elaborate mausoleums. Occasionally, one sees mournful statues, decaying somewhat with the passage of the decades, but still seeming to reflect with perpetual solemnity on those who have passed into the eternal. Most poignant was the small tombstone of a 12-year old child who died either of disease or in an accident (I would assume although I don't actually know). Next to her name and dates of birth and death is a self composed poem that reads, "In the spring everything is so nice and gay, the leaves such a pretty color, the flowers chuckle. It sounds like they are singing. It makes the earth move and groove. Just like us humans. I run so gracefully through the leaves. It feels like I am running in the thin air. The breeze of the wind feels like I am in the clouds." Sadly, the stone is lichen covered and a bit forlorn, although obviously the child was loved and remembered by those she left behind. The landscape is gorgeous, and the views of the Hudson River, the mountains and hills on the other side of it, and the majestic Mid-Hudson Bridge to the north, are truly magnificent. I've taken some great photographs here, although there was an issue approximately 20 years ago. I was told it might be a good idea to let the front office know I was taking photos. When I called, the person I talked to sound exasperated and impatient, although they didn't say I couldn't take photos. I found out later that a low-budget movie outfit named Troma was attempting to film scenes for a movie in the cemetery, and I guess the person I spoke to was fed up with their entreaties. Given that their most notable film was "Toxic Avenger," I guess the cemetery administration felt allowing such a thing would compromise the dignity and tranquility of the cemetery, and I'm assuming permission to film was denied. In any event, I've taken numerous photos since then, and I've never had any problems. Be respectful and discreet, and you shouldn't either. There's a large public mausoleum structure in the north part of the cemetery with an area for religious services, a lake towards the sound end where one can sit and contemplate the mystery and majesty of existence itself, the cycles of life and death, or the beauty and grandeur of what man has constructed in memory of those who have gone before us, as well as the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of nature itself. I believe there are walking tours that are given in the cemetery, and during the week, you can encounter those taking a stroll on their lunch hours during work. I should also mention that there are allegations that this cemetery is "haunted," but any ghosts I've passed by in the years I've been coming here are benevolent or shy ones, and have never overtly made their presence known to me. So don't be deterred.

This is the absolute best funeral home to come for help when your family needs assistance, whether…read morein a time of tragedy, for pre-planning, and everything in-between. Tom, Susan, and Laura treated us like loving family members, with much compassion and dignity. They made the paperwork and decision making easy and supportive. From my family's first-hand experience, Millspaugh made the lost of our loved one much easier. You will be in good, kind hands, if you choose this funeral home. And 150+ years in the business shows that generations of Millspaughs have been there for their neighbors, in time of need.

I cannot say enough positive things about Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home. During an…read moreincredibly difficult time, everyone was kind, compassionate, patient, and helpful every step of the way. Susan was lovely and warm. Bill was truly exceptional. He took the time to answer every question, explain the process, and provide guidance when I felt overwhelmed. His compassion, professionalism, and genuine care made an incredibly painful experience much more manageable. The staff treated both me with dignity, compassion, and respect. I am deeply grateful for their support and would highly recommend Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home to anyone in need of their services.

I needed to coordinate services for my Girlfriend's Aunt who she was very close to. I chose this…read moreFuneral Home based on reviews and their location. Bill Halvey, the Director, was very responsive even after hours and was comforting, compassionate and professional. Bill explained everything to the family members and made the process easy to follow and as stress free as possible given the circumstances. Bill also provided flexibility when it came to a decision we needed to make and accommodated a delay we had gathering information as well as a change we made during the process. Bill was able to answer every question the family members had, even one I never expected could be answered, and provided a very clear and simple explanation of costs which were very fair and reasonable. Overall, the guidance and professional services made the process less stressful and much easier than anticipated. I cannot imagine this is an easy job and the dedication and commitment to providing services for grieving family members is greatly appreciated.

I can't say enough positive things about my experience with everyone at Darrow Funeral Home. My…read moremom passed away recently, and Lew Darrow did everything he could to make an incredibly difficult situation bearable. He was always there to listen and offer suggestions during the planning process. The funeral home itself was easily accessible with plenty of safe parking, very clean and well maintained. Lew, I, as well as my entire family, can't thank you and everyone at Darrow enough for ensuring that everything was perfect for my mom's services.

Very small funeral home but I'm sure it's enough for the area. Parking seemed to be enough for the…read moresize of the funeral home. Upon coming into the building, no one was there (from the funeral home) directing us to sign the guest book or welcoming us. The guest sign in book was out of the way (after viewing the coffin) I think the funeral home should have had a sign with the deceased name -birthdate and passing date etc - at the entrance. On the plus side -it seemed pretty clean. No weird smells. A water dispenser and plenty of tissues. All of the prayer cards were laminated, which was a plus. The funeral home I used most recently, near my home, only gave us 20 laminated cards.

Very kind and loving business. They will work with you and make it as comforting as possible…read more Would highly recommend.

This is Torsone, in Poughkeepsie, on Mill Street…read more I never thought I would be writing a review for a funeral home. However, three years ago we lost our father in a house fire. This was devastating to say the least. John and his staff handled everything with dignity, respect, sensitivity, compassion and ease needed in the difficult area of death. We never felt rushed, pressured and John took his time with us and explained everything in clear detail. A very honest man. Unfortunately, I lost my brother suddenly last week. There was no hesitation in our minds who we would choose to take care of my brother. John who is very detail oriented, patient, kind and very professional was there for us. We are extremely thankful for the services he and his staff provided. Thank you John and staff. Krystyna Soltysiak

DeWitt-Martinez Funeral and Cremation Services tended to my mother when she passed. My mother had…read moretextbook examples of elder abuse. She was denied contact with family and friends. Her captor was her next of kin, that intentionally withheld news of her passing from all who loved her. When I learned of her death through legal channels, I reached out to this funeral home to find out if and where she was buried. They refused to provide any information because the "responsible party" said not to give me any information. The man I spoke with used vague non-quantitative descriptors and went so far as to say it was against the law to provide information if the "responsible party" said no. He was unable to specify what part of the civil code would be violated. Two elder law attorneys are also unfamiliar with this law. The funeral home was provided with legal documentatiom indicating I was Executor of my mom's estate and still refused to provide any information because the "responsible party" said not to provide me any information. I find their behavior and practices to me, my mom, and our family unconscionable. Yes, the "responsible party" can be a challenging individual but they have chosen to compromise their ethics to avoid a tongue lashing from an individual. My probate attorney said he had NEVER seen a funeral home fail to cooperate with the family, especially when legal documentaion was provided. Aside from the "responsible party", DeWitt-Martinez has traumatized my family and continues to do so. All conversations were recorded on dashcam so there is a record of what Stacey and Christopher said. They were pleasant as they denied me the information to which I was legally entitled. Just disgusting, unethical behavior. Luckily, I have no need to have dealings with this facility again. I pray for anyone else that uses them.

When our mom died, we were lost! We didn't know where to begin but once we spoke with Staci, we…read moreFelt relieved! Staci was compassionate and supportive. we met Raquel and she was professional, understanding and just amazing. These two dynamic duo were just wonderful to work with! We highly recommend this funeral home!! They went above and beyond. We are truly grateful!

Amber was truly amazing during the most difficult time our family had to endure. She was very…read morepatient and thorough during the whole process

I am so happy that I chose with William Miller & Son funeral home. The facility is beautiful with…read moreplenty of parking. Vinnie was so professional and walked me through each step of the process. He was kind and available to answer and questions I had about the process. Amber is amazing to work with as well, they went above and beyond to make saying good bye to my loved one as best of a memory as it could be. I highly recommend this funeral home they take pride in treating their customers with care and respect.