Best Comforting Food Options For Funerals

“Food always helps.”

Whether it is a birthday party, a wedding, or funeral reception, food is crucial. And the funeral is no different.

What to serve at funerals depends on your family traditions, your culture, where you live.Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder at Scarpaci Funeral Home Services, explains that comfort food is different for everybody. For instance, southerners prefer hearty casseroles while the Northeast chooses Italian fare or meatballs. Similarly, in the Midwest, people love indulging in a plate of egg salad sandwiches.

Michael Scarpaci says, “no matter where you are from, you want to have a food menu that is easy to prepare, comforting, and economical.” Also, no matter what you decide to serve, it’s imperative to understand that the purpose of serving food at the funeral is to feed those who came to pay their tributes and respects to the deceased. You are not obliged to entertain your guests with food extravaganza. You are also grieving and you must consider your own needs.

If you have recently lost a loved one and are planning a funeral for him or her, Michael Scarpaci shares some of the best comforting food options to add to your funeral menu.

Macaroni Cheese – Macaroni cheese is available in a variety of different styles, including standard down-home to gourmet. And of course, the traditional form of macaroni cheese is still the best version. It’s easy to prepare yet comforting and is a great alternative for vegetarians.

Fruits and vegetable trays – what’s better than serving fresh fruits and vegetable tray at the funeral as a complement to savory items? You can prepare the trays a night earlier and serve them the next day. Moreover, it’s easy to eat so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up later.

Salad – Salad is something that nobody can say no to. It is the most convenient funeral food. You can even put out all the ingredients in different bowls and allow your guests to prepare their own salad as per their choice.

Meat and cheese trays – Meat and cheese trays are yet another popular comforting funeral food. Since you can purchase pre-prepared meat and cheese from a grocery store or a warehouse, it’s easier to heat it up in the oven and serve it immediately.

Potato casseroles – Potato casseroles are one of the most comforting food options available. If you are new to this, you can always ask for help.

These are some of the common comforting food options you can serve at a funeral. Remember, the idea of serving food at a funeral is not to entertain but to feed the people who are attending. So make sure you are not putting a lot of effort in preparing them.

Phone Etiquette To Follow When Attending Funerals

While some consider funerals a celebration of life, for others they are solemn occasions. Well, every community has different beliefs.

In simple words, funerals are a way to celebrate the life of a deceased and say him/her one last goodbye. It also offers an opportunity to close friends and family to gather and show how much they cared about the departed one.

If you have recently lost a loved one, you’d probably be planning to attend their funeral. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder of Scarpaci Funeral Home, explains that funerals are important events for the family and friends of the deceased one. They are sensitive occasions, and thus one small mistake may hurt the sentiments of the deceased’s family and friends. Therefore, it’s important that people attending the funeral follow some etiquettes.

Here are some of the phone etiquette you should follow while attending a funeral.

• Try to avoid using your cell phone

Needless to mention, you must try to avoid using your cell phone during a funeral no matter what. People attending the funeral are still mourning the loss of their loved ones. Therefore, it may offend them if someone finds you using your cell phone. Using a phone during a funeral is considered as an invasion of the grieving family’s privacy. Even if you just glance at your phone, it may signify that you are not interested in the funeral which could be interpreted as disrespectful.

• Put your phone on silent mode

Don’t even think about vibration mode! Putting your phone on vibration can still cause some disturbance and may attract attention at a quiet event like a funeral or a memorial service. Even though it’s often recommended to keep it away during the entire ceremony, you can put it on silent if you think you need your phone with you all the time. However, this does not mean you cannot excuse yourself to attend an urgent call. It’s important that you don’t hurt anyone while using your phone.

• Take prior permission for clicking pictures or recording videos

Although most families don’t like the idea of clicking pictures or recording videos, you can still ask for permission beforehand if you want to do so. There are many families who are open to the idea and may allow you to take pictures and videos. Also, make sure you are considerate of other people’s feelings and don’t disrespect them if you get permission.

If you keep these etiquettes in mind, you don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s sentiments while attending the funeral.

Michael Scarpaci Helps in Raising Funds for Covid-19 Relief

During the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, people around the world are suffering. It has become an emerging global health crisis that needs immediate attention and support for people affected by this novel coronavirus. Michael Scarpaci, a stakeholder in Scarpaci Funeral Home, has been working with the team of GoFundMe to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. Michael Scarpaci has been actively participating in helping and supporting families, small businesses, and more by donating and contributing.

“There is an enormous need to provide resources and execute interventions to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus and it is anticipated that these needs will continue arising for quite some time,” says Michael Scarpaci. He further adds, “now is the time to take a step forward and contribute to preventing this global health crisis.” He himself has donated and helped raised over 30,000 to help provide resources and other supplies to the workers who are on the field, risking their lives. 

Michael Scarpaci is also participating in support small businesses affected by the current situation. Recently, he donated $300 to prevent America’s oldest restaurant Delmonico’s from going under. Michael Scarpaci says, “In situations like these, every contribution counts towards helping frontline workers and restore the livelihood of local communities.”

While the CDC’s recommendations imposed social distancing and working from home, front line workers are putting themselves in danger every day to help save lives and keep people safe. The time is not only difficult for people affected by COVID-19 but also for healthcare workers, and other employees who work on the front line. COVID-19 relief program funds both long-term recovery and immediate needs. If you want to be a contributor, don’t hold back. You can make your donations on Go Fund Me or at any other charity and bring a significant difference in this crisis. 

What is the Right Time to Plan Your Funeral?

Well, according to Michael Scarpaci, the shareholder of Scarpaci Funeral Home, any time is good except at the time of your funeral. He explains that funerals can put a lot of financial burden on your loved ones. However, pre-planning your funeral not only lessens the financial burden of your loved ones but also gives you an opportunity to plan it how you want it to be.

At-need vs. pre-need funeral planning

At-need funeral planning, as the name suggests, is done at the time of your death by your family members or loved ones. Making such arrangements is not only difficult but also emotionally drenching for people dealing with grief. Also, there are financial concerns that can put your family members in a difficult situation. 

On the other hand, pre-need funeral planning is done for the living. You can make arrangements for yourself or your spouse at any time. It offers a variety of benefits. Michael Scarpaci says that their Scarpaci Funeral Home helps many people on a daily basis to preplan a funeral. He also explains that the cost involved in pre-planning a funeral can be considerably low. 

Here are some benefits of pre-planning funeral arrangements 

• You can plan your funeral as per your preference. 

If you’ve had a long career in the military, you might want to celebrate that. Perhaps you are fond of nature and would like to make donations to local communities supporting the cause. You can make all this possible with funeral pre-arrangements.

• You will help your loved ones after your death – 

Even though death is an inevitable event, it is an emotional time for the deceased’s loved ones. When someone dies, there are hundreds of things to take care of, let alone the grieving process. Trust me, nobody is ready for such an event. The stress of tending to hundreds of different details can result in unnecessary purchases. Pre-planning your funeral makes this time a lot easier for your loved ones.

• You will support your family even when you are gone- 

If you have everything planned, your family will know exactly what to do right after your death. They will do what needs to be done as per your wishes. There won’t be any guesswork because you have taken care of all. 

If you have any questions related to funeral arrangements, you can get in touch with Michael Scarpaci. 

Michael Scarpaci Contributing & Raising Funds to Support Frontline Workers & small Businesses

Even with so much concern and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, frontline workers are suiting up to show up at work every day. Their efforts, dedication, and courage are often undervalued. In clinics, hospitals, and offices around the world, frontline employees are putting themselves in significant risk to ensure that everyone else is safe from the virus. 

Michael Scarpaci, share holder at Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn, New York, felt it was now time to know what we can do to support frontline workers and small businesses to fight against the novel coronavirus. Of course, it’s crucial to stay at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But he believes that it’s best to support frontline workers and small businesses through donations and funds from behind the scenes. He has been making generous contributions to the coronavirus relief fund to help raise funds for frontline workers’ meals. He along with his team has managed to raise more than 30k for frontline workers. 

Michael Scarpaci has contributed $300 for Delmonico’s restaurant relief fund to prevent America’s oldest restaurant from shutting down. Michael Scarpaci says, “restaurants and small businesses are forced to temporarily shut down due to the pandemic which makes it difficult for them to make a living and support their businesses.” He further adds, “it’s now more than important to support each other in this fight against the deadly virus.”

How to cope with the loss of a loved one?

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Experiencing the loss of a special person can bring hard times for many of us. But this is something almost everyone has to go through at least once in their lifetime. Especially, if you lose your partner, sibling or parent, the grief can be intense, says Michael Scarpaci. A native of Brooklyn, Michael Scarpaci moved to Staten Island in 2003. Before stepping his feet in the world of the funeral and memorial services, Michael had a variety of careers, such as finance manager and physicist. Since Michael turned as a funeral director, he has been helping people meet their funeral and memorial services needs.

With years of experience in the field, Michael knows how to deal with the loss of a special one and what measures can be taken to overcome the grief. According to him, when someone experiences feelings of loss, learning to cope is crucial.

Here are some of the best ways to deal with a special one loss.

Accept your feelings – It is normal to feel a range of emotions after the loss of a loved one, such as sadness, anger, confusion, frustration, loneliness, shock, fear, regret, exhaustion and more. But what’s more important is to acknowledge your feelings and then accept them. If you’re stuck with these feelings even months later after the death of your loved one, it will be great if you visit a licensed psychologist or counselor to talk about the way you feel. Apart from this, you can also choose to read a book on how to cope with the grief, meditate, join a support club or pray.

Do something to fill the void within – Losing a special person often leaves a void within you. If you had a strong and deep connection with your deceased loved one, the more intense the feelings of loss will be and the more empty you may feel. Therefore, when you’re ready, take some steps to fill that emptiness within you. For example, you can start a hobby, get yourself involved in any activities, go out with friends and family or make new friends.

Celebrate the life of your deceased special one – By now you must be back on the track with a more positive attitude towards life. Birthdays or anniversaries of a deceased loved one may bring hard times on you, but what if you make it a reason to remember and honor them for the life they lived. This means instead of immersing yourself in grief on the special day of your lost loved one, you can celebrate it. You can throw a party, organize a dinner with your friends and family, visit their tomb with flowers, or light candles.

The final thought

We understand that losing a loved one is painful, but it doesn’t mean you should live the rest of your life grieving. So, think positively, engage in meaningful activities, do things you like, meditate and take care of yourself and your family.

3 Reasons why sustainable funeral is trending

We all know that people are becoming more aware about preserving the environment by choosing green options. In fact, many people have also made contributions to put minimum burden on the environment even after their death.

This is why green burial and cremations are becoming more popular than ever, says Michael Scarpaci. These options are eco-friendly, so have a minimal impact on Mother Earth.

Hence, many funeral homes have started to provide people with green burial and cremation options including the Scarpaci funeral home of Long Island. However, if you’re not yet sure whether to choose natural-friendly burial options, here are the three reasons you need to know.

#1. Reduction in chemicals

Green burial and cremation use little chemicals and material, so that there is as minimal as possible impact on the environment. In this type of funeral process, people can use a biodegradable shroud or casket and a natural cemetery is used to bury the body. Hence, this way, people can reduce the chemicals involved in funerals, contributing to saving mother earth.

#2. Fewer non-biodegradable materials

There are numerous people who are concerned about preserving the environment not only while they are alive but also after their death. Therefore, they choose green burial, as it comes with eco-friendly cremation techniques and biodegradable materials for the funeral process, including biodegradable urns.
Besides using biodegradable materials and cremation techniques, people have started to plant a tree over the remains of their loved ones as a living memorial.

#3. Carbon footprint-free burial 

As mentioned already, green burial uses fewer materials as compared to traditional burial, which can be harsh on the environment due to a carbon footprint. Unlike the traditional ways of cremation, green burial doesn’t require any source of fossil fuels, where energy consumption is high that result in increased carbon emissions. On the other hand, with green burial, you can completely go back to the earth, as your remains will turn into nutrient-rich soil.

The bottom line

If you want to completely go back to the earth that was greener and more breathable, green burial is the right option for you. Today, natural burial cremation options are available at almost every funeral home.

Burials: Things to expect! by Michael Scarpaci

Burials are the most somber and solemn occasions associated with death. Of course, they have to be, as burials represent a final farewell. But that doesn’t mean other rituals are not important. 

Michael Scarpaci says, while after death rituals vary from one place to another, there are some things related to graveside service that is constant, no matter what. Michael Scarpaci is a president at Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, where he and his experienced team help people arrange their loved ones’ after-death rituals.

Unlike other after death events, burials have less number of people, which means graveside service is the most intimate ceremony. In fact, most people prefer burial to be a private affair only. 

However, if you’re attending a burial ceremony of your deceased family member or a best friend, here are the things to expect.  

What to expect at burials or graveside service?

Well, graveside service is a religious ceremony that is usually led by a priest or minister or another official. Contrary to a funeral or memorial service, a burial is brief and as short as 30 minutes. Graveside service can take place for either interment of cremated remains or burial of a casket. 

At the beginning of the service, the clergy will say the prayer. And after that, the casket will be lowered into the ground or an urn with ashes will be placed into the final place. 

Is it appropriate to sit in a graveside service?

If it’s a graveside service, be ready to stand. And only the family can sit during the graveside service. For example, if someone can’t stand for so long, they can either bring a folding chair for themselves or tell the funeral home in advance to provide an extra chair. Also, learn about the weather before attending a graveside service. If the weather forecast tells rain, carry an umbrella or a coat. 

What to wear?

Gone are those days when black was the only color one could wear while attending any “after death ceremonies.” It was considered a somber color. However, today, you can dress up in any somber styles and colors. And pair with practical shoes that will help you walk easily in the grass at a graveside service. 

Burials or graveside services will vary greatly depending on the culture and religious beliefs. Michael Scarpaci advises doing some research about the deceased religious and culture if the deceased practiced religion that you’re not familiar with. 

Expensive funerals? – 4 tips by Michael Scarpaci to reduce the cost

Apart from being emotionally draining, for some planning, a funeral can not only be exhausting but also an expensive affair. As per the National Funeral Directors Association, today, the average cost of the funeral and burial are $7,323, which include the metal casket, embalming, and viewing. 

Keeping in mind this nasty statistic, Michael Scarpaci explains the most inexpensive ways to arrange a funeral service for your loved ones. Michael along with his team at Michael Scarpaci Funeral Home in Staten Island has been helping people with their funeral needs. 

Here are some of the ways you can arrange a gold-standard funeral service for your loved one without getting bankrupt.

Pick reduced caskets and urns – When it comes to caskets, they are one of the costlier things you need to purchase for the funeral ceremony. Whether you buy them from the funeral home or online, they are made by the three major manufacturers in the United States, such as Aurora, Batesville, and Universal. 

However, there are several online suppliers who provide caskets at a competitive price along with free next-day delivery. You can contact any of these suppliers. If you’re looking for a wooden casket for your loved one, pine casket is the most expensive among all varieties. On the other hand, in metals, you can go for 18-gauge steel, which is the most affordable option. 

If you want urns, consider buying a pet memorial urn. They are way inexpensive than urns that are made for human ashes. And don’t think they are any less. Pet memorial urns are also crafted from glass, cloisonne, stone, and a biodegradable mix. 

Green burials – These days, most people are choosing alternative funeral services, such as a green or natural burial. This is not only an eco-friendly option but also much cheaper as compared to the traditional ones. 

Green burials are designed in a way that the container and body decompose in a natural way. Hence, you don’t need any concrete headstones, costly metal caskets, and no embalming fluid. The average cost of a casket; a headstone is nearly $2,000, and embalming services around $500-$1300. 

Veteran’s benefits – Well, the prices can vary dramatically from one funeral home to another, even from place to place. But a little research on the funeral services offered by different funeral homes can save you a lot of money. 

The major reason for expensive funerals is the package pricing, but it’s not necessary to buy the package. In fact, it is illegal for funeral homes to bundle their pricing. According to the law, they must provide a list of services when requested. 

The bottom line 

One of the major reasons why funerals are an expensive affair is that people make quick decisions during an emotional time of losing a loved one. However, making all the decisions carefully can help you save tons of money on funeral services. 

Read more Michael scarpaci and finding the right headstones – SlideShare

 

Tips to write a condolence letter by Michael Scarpaci

You got the saddest news that one of your close friends has passed away! Unfortunately, you’re stuck in some work miles away that neither you can attend the funeral nor visit the deceased’s family for some time. But you want to offer condolences to the grieving family. Understanding your situation, Michael Scarpaci, co-owner of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, suggests writing a condolence letter. 

Writing a condolence letter is a simple gesture to express your sympathy to the deceased family members. And tell them they are not alone in this difficult phase. You are there to support them at any time. However, if you have never written a condolence letter before, it could be a bit difficult to determine how to write a sympathy or condolence letter. 

Although you can easily pick up a sympathy card from the local card shop, using your personal, heartfelt words to write a letter provides a more meaningful tribute to the deceased. It conveys that both the deceased and grieving family are important to you. Knowing that you took the time to write a letter on your own will offer more comfort to the grieving family as compared to any mass-produced sympathy cards. 

If you’re looking for guidance on writing a condolence letter, below are some of the tips given by Michael Scarpaci. 

Guidelines to write a condolence letter by Michael Scarpaci.

Well, a condolence letter includes 7 components, and each component is explained below! 

• Acknowledge the loss and do mention the name of the deceased – Make sure you directly talk about the loss in a condolence letter, instead of dancing around here and there. This means you should never avoid the fact that somebody has passed away while writing a letter. Well, there are many reasons to refer to the name of the deceased that will help grieving individuals during this painful situation. Another important thing, never use a euphemism for death because the receiver already knows why you’re writing a condolence letter. 

• Express your sympathy – Once you acknowledged the loss, the next thing you need in a condolence letter is expressing your sympathy. 

• Mention special qualities of the deceased – Another important component of a letter is mentioning one or more special qualities of the deceased that you’re familiar with. 

• You can also add your favorite memory of the deceased in the letter

• Remind the grieving family about the deceased’s personal strengths and good qualities.
• Offer support in a specific way – You might have often heard people saying “Let me know if I can help” at a funeral. But this is one of the many things that people should avoid saying to the bereaved. Instead, you can offer a more practical thing that you can help with. 

• Conclude the letter with a sympathy expression – To end a condolence letter, you can include “I will always be here to support you” or “You are in my thoughts.” Don’t use the one-word endings, like “Love,” “Sincerely,” and “Fondly, “ as these words aren’t quite personal. 

Remember these tips are just a guide that you can use to write a condolence or sympathy letter. In the end, it will be your relationship with the deceased and the grieving family that helps you determine what to write in a condolence letter.

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