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. 

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.

Read More Michael Scarpaci Profiles | Facebook

5 commonly asked questions about funeral etiquette by Michael Scarpaci

The loss of a loved one can bring a lot of pain and a sorrowful situation. However, it is important to take time to arrange a funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of a deceased, says, Michael Scarpaci, share holder of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island. 

Michael Scarpaci says, whether it’s the deceased’s family or the funeral attendees, he has been constantly asked questions about etiquette for a funeral. These questions include how to dress-up for a funeral, where to sit, what to say to the deceased’s family and more. To help everyone with queries about funeral etiquette, Michael explains some of the commonly asked questions. 

How to dress-up for a funeral? 

Although it’s not mandatory to wear black for a funeral, today, make sure you choose clothing that is formal or traditional. If you want to appear respectful and dignified at a funeral ceremony, say no to bright colors and patterns, which may represent a wrong message to the mourning family. 

Where to sit at a funeral service?

Always remember that the first two rows of seats at a funeral are usually reserved for family members and close relatives as well as friends of the deceased. And the rest of the funeral attendees can take their places in the remaining rows. 

For instance, if you arrive late at a funeral service, take a seat in the back without disturbing other attendees. Once you’re seated, you should remain in your seat until the service is over. 

What to say at a funeral?

When it comes to what to say at a funeral, Michael Scarpaci recommends “the less is more.” However, you can use simple sentences such as “My thoughts are with you” or “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Is it ok to take kids at a funeral?

Yes, you can definitely take your children to a funeral service provided they are well-behaved. Or if your child is interested in attending a funeral and were close to the deceased. 

Can I bring a gift?

Yes, gifting is a great way to express your condolences to a grieving family, especially a bouquet of sympathy flowers. You can either send a bouquet to the deceased’s family residence or bring flowers with you to the funeral. However, make sure you choose the appropriate funeral flowers. 

The bottom line 

When it comes to a funeral service, proper etiquette should be upheld while attending. Losing a loved one is hard! This is why practicing funeral etiquette is important, so that you don’t hurt the sentiments of the deceased’s family members and friends who are already grieving.

Go through Obituary | Michael Scarpaci | Cafasso Funeral Home

Michael Scarpaci: Why you should organize a funeral service for the deceased?

Are you dealing with the loss of your loved one?

Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island, understands the pain of losing a loved one. He along with his team has been working with families to help them organize personalized and special funeral services to celebrate the life of a deceased person.  

Whether you choose the funeral service to be an extravagant event or a small ceremony, you should have a funeral service to honor a loved one. If you’ve lost a loved one, you should know why it is important to organize a funeral service.

Below Michael Scarpaci explains some of the top reasons to organize a funeral service for the deceased.

Let’s take a look at why.

It helps you bid farewell to your loved one – Well, a funeral or memorial service helps you say a final goodbye to your loved one. Funeral service is the best way to say a final goodbye along with friends and family of the deceased. Studies suggest that the rituals that take place at a funeral or memorial service play an essential role in the healing process. Hence, a funeral or memorial service not only allows you to say goodbye to your loved one but also helps you in the healing process.

It brings loved ones together – Since the loss of a loved one brings painful and stressful situation, having loved ones by your side can help you organize the funeral service. This also provides great support throughout the process. Funeral service also brings friends and family together, which allows you to celebrate the life of the deceased.

You’ll find a closure – It’s quite natural to be overwhelmed with emotions when you learn about the loss of a loved one. The pain of losing a loved one can be very great. Thus, the memorial or funeral service and the celebration of life will help you find closure and move into a new life.

If you’re planning to organize a funeral service for your loved one and require any additional information or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact Michael Scarpaci.

Read more Michael Scarpaci on Behance

 

Funeral food trends you need to know!

Whether it’s a wedding, a community dinner, a family get together, or a party, the food plays an important role. And the funeral ceremony is no exception, says, Michael Scarpaci, manager of Scarpaci funeral home in Staten Island.

As per Christianity, “Breaking Bread” is one of the most important parts of the funeral service that shows fellowship and togetherness of a family in the sorrowful phase. Hence, it goes without saying that food is necessary to survive as well as bring a family together.

Over the past few years, funeral food has evolved a lot. Serving guests with the plain sandwich is a thing of the past. Today, people celebrate the life of the deceased by organizing a beautiful funeral service along with mouth-watering food. In fact, people not only follow food trends at weddings but also at funeral services.

Are you aware of any funeral food trends? If no, don’t worry! Below Michael Scarpaci explains some of the hottest food trends you must try.

Liquor licenses – Nowadays, families go for post-funeral service receptions to celebrate their loved ones’ lives. Thus, this celebration is incomplete without raising Champagne toasts. This is why most funeral homes are working with local caterers and restaurants to serve alcohol at the reception. Some funeral homes are taking a step further by applying for liquor licenses.  

Local caterers – Besides drinks, families may also want high-quality food to be served at the post-service reception. Most families are relying on local caterers to serve their guests from light lunches to dinners with multiple courses. For this reason, most funeral homes are renovating their space to include dining areas and even bars.

Organic food for green funerals – Not only green funeral but also healthy, organic funeral food trends are gaining popularity among people. Due to environmental factors, most families are choosing green funerals for their loved ones.

Have you seen any of these food trends at any funeral service? If you haven’t, you can suggest some of these to your friends and family members who’re planning a funeral service.