Business Details
About
Funeral HomeCremation Service
At Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation, we do, indeed, try to offer you a home, a comforting and inviting place to gather in remembrance and celebration of lives lived well. Our experienced staff is committed to this vision and passionate about making your time with us as memorable and uplifting as possible. We bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life. We pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and we guarantee to offer services that meet all of your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations.
Details
- Onsite servicesAvailable
- On-site parkingAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomNot available
Location
Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation
985 Main Street, Agawam, MA
01001, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.9
74 reviews
5 stars
70
4 stars
4
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
- LMLeslie MunroeNov 1, 20255.0The staff was really nice and accommodating and took care of everything. It was seamless and I appreciate all their help! I would definitely recommend this funeral home.
- DADavid AnsaldiSep 23, 20245.0I couldn't be more pleased with the entire cremation process. It felt amazing to know my mother's final arrangements were completely taken care of. Forastiere did a wonderful job & I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.
- DGdebra GriffithAug 18, 20234.0I went to Colonial Forastiere at a very sad time in my life for I had just lost my mother! I was able to make an appointment quickly at a time that was convenient for me. I was greeted at the door by Jackie who made the process easy and comforting! I was given all the information I needed, and all my questions were answered. On the day of my mothers funeral all went beautifully. I was contacted by Colonial Forastiere weeks after my mothers funeral to offer grievance counseling if needed. I had a great experience with Colonial Forastiere.
- DNDawn NayMay 8, 20225.0Highly recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation
What drives the cost of a funeral?
Funerals are labor intensive A funeral's cost extends beyond the merchandise, and includes the services of the funeral director--their role in making the necessary arrangements, filling out forms, and dealing with all the other figures involved after a death (doctors, lawyers, insurance companies). Funeral directors work an average of forty hours per funeral. The cost of operating a funeral home is included in the total amount as well. Funeral homes are a 24-hour operation, with extensive facilities that need to be maintained and secured.
If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?
Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.
What do I need to know about income tax when I lose a spouse?
Uncertainty about income tax issues can add to the stress experienced from the death of a spouse. You should meet with your family attorney and/or tax advisor as soon as possible to review your particular tax and estate circumstances. Bring a detailed list of your questions to the meeting. If you do not have an attorney or tax advisor, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 for answers to specific tax questions.
Is there financial help if I need it?
There are a number of options available, including:
Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.
Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs.
Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area.
Talk to your funeral director about cremation options - these can be much less expensive depending on your choices.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.)
Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.
What is memorialization for a cremation?
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.
What services does Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation offer?
Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation offers funeral home services and cremation services, including financing options.
Are the funeral home facilities accessible for individuals with mobility impairments?
Yes, the funeral home has wheelchair accessible entrances and seating to accommodate individuals with mobility needs.
What hours is Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation open?
The funeral home is open 24 hours every day of the week, including Federal Holidays.
How can I contact Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation?
You can contact them by phone at +1 413-786-2600 or email wecare@forastierefuneralhome.com.
What payment methods does Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, MasterCard, and Visa as payment options.
What can I expect regarding the cost of funeral services at Colonial Forastiere?
Funeral costs include not only merchandise but also labor for arrangements, paperwork, and facility maintenance, reflecting the 24-hour operation of the funeral home.
Can cremated remains be buried with a spouse who was casketed?
Yes, depending on cemetery policy, cremated remains may be buried on top of or next to a spouse's casketed remains, and some cemeteries allow multiple cremains in a single grave space.
Are there nearby places where I can find food after visiting the funeral home?
Nicky's Pizza, an Italian restaurant and pizza place, is nearby and can be a convenient location for a meal after your visit.
What nearby places offer community services that visitors might find useful?
The Agawam Senior Center provides services for senior citizens and retirement home resources, which may be helpful for visitors or families.
Are there nearby places of worship close to Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation?
Yes, St Johns Church and St. John the Evangelist Church, both Catholic churches, are nearby and may be visited for religious services or support.