Ballard Durand is a remarkable and extraordinary funeral home. It is more than a funeral home. Matthew Fiorillo and his team have helped revolutionize the way we think about funerals, death and dying, and the grieving process. Located in downtown White Plains, one is immediately struck by how grand and stately the building is; the funeral home itself is immaculate and elegant in both its interior and exterior, and one is greeted by plush carpeting, sconces, and dark wooden accents. In fact, the building was once the residence of eminent citizens such as the Honorable Humphrey J. Lynch, and the home has since become a historic landmark in the community.
A calming and soothing environment is further created through concierge services for the mourners, including a menu offering hot beverages, warm cookies, and cold soft drinks, as well as a lovely bird cage, and the healing presence of Lulu, a therapy dog who greets everyone with love and warmth. A beautiful golden doodle, Lulu is as sweet as honey and provides families with unconditional love and support, as well as a subtle distraction from their grief.
I have never encountered a funeral home that pays such meticulous attention to detail in providing the finest care for its clients. Soothing music softly plays in the background, calming the soul at such difficult times. The staff is warm, compassionate, professional, and affable, and I have had wonderful interactions with Mr. Fiorillo, Joe, and Roy, a lovely Londoner who greets families with warmth and a friendly countenance. They offer a full array of customized services to help make any funeral a one of a kind sendoff, including balloon release, butterfly release, bagpipers, and a Harley Davidson hearse. Mr, Fiorillo is rightfully recognized as an industry leader, and Ballard-Durand, unsurprisingly, is acclaimed as one of the most prestigious and elite funeral homes.
I can personally state that Ballard-Durand and Mr, Fiorillo, and his entire staff, are experts in the art of Jewish funerals. They maintain warm and cordial relationships with an array of Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox rabbis throughout the region, and are fully aware of our unique needs. They have an excellent rapport with Jewish community leaders and synagogues, and are pleased to host two Jewish sacred societies, including Westchester's Rosh Pinah, which provide tahara and shmira burial services fully in accordance with Jewish law. They are to be commended for serving the Jewish community, and for their immense cultural competency and their sensitivity to the needs of diverse populations. I am honored to be a friend of this wonderful institution.
