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.
Customers consistently praised the staff for their kindness, compassion, and support during difficult times, highlighting their attentive and empathetic approach.
Attention to Detail
Many reviews noted the meticulous attention to detail in planning and executing funeral services, ensuring that every aspect was handled with care and respect.
Professionalism
The staff was frequently described as professional and knowledgeable, providing clear communication and guidance throughout the funeral planning process.
Post-Service Support
Several customers appreciated the follow-up care provided by the staff, including check-ins and offers of grief counseling after the services.
Beautiful Facilities
The funeral home was noted for its clean, modern, and welcoming environment, contributing to a comforting atmosphere during services.
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Patty Kelly
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
They handled all the details and communicated to us throughout the planning process. They payed attention to the little details about my mom and it showed.
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Mike Mishol
Nov 4, 2025
5.0
After my wife passed away earlier this summer, we were blessed to have Kate Moriarty serve as our primary contact at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home to handle the funeral arrangements. For starters, Kate treated me and my children in a very kind and compassionate manner that really resonated with us. She was spot-on in her follow-up of all the details regarding my wife's services, and did it all in a very endearing way that we will always remember. Kate & the rest of the staff at Forastiere Smith also did a superb job of displaying all the pictures, videos and photo albums of my wife that we provided them with. If you find yourself looking for a funeral home that will tend to every detail, both small and large, I would highly recommend Forastiere Smith Funeral Home and ask for Kate Moriarty to be your point person.
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Rich Russo
Oct 31, 2025
5.0
Brian, Lauren and the entire staff did an excellent job and were very compassionate and helpful.
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Candy Caputo
Oct 28, 2025
5.0
When we went to Forastaire for my father's funeral planning Emily was great. Everyone was so helpful, thoughtful and kind. I would highly recommend them. Everyone is so kind and caring.
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Gina Gesualdo
Oct 11, 2025
5.0
The experience was wonderful. They handled each detail with me with sympathy and work with me beautifully and was great. She helped coordinate along with Joe. They may feel so nice when we got there and comforted. It was a beautiful ceremony done everything to the tea and I was so happy that my mom had a beautiful sendoff thank you so much.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.
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.
Can we scatter the cremated remains?
If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the cremation ashes scattering ceremony, as they might want to let your funeral professional assist in the scattering ceremony. Funeral directors can also be very helpful in creating a meaningful and personal ash scattering ceremony that they will customize to fit your families specific desires. The services can be as formal or informal as you like. Scattering services can also be public or private. Again, it is advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?
You have flexibility with cremation; you can have a funeral service before cremation, a memorial service during or after cremation, or a committal service for the cremated remains. Services may be held at places of worship, funeral homes, or crematory chapels.
What options are available for handling cremated remains?
Cremated remains can be interred in a cemetery, kept in an urn by family, or scattered on private or significant property with local regulations in mind. Various memorial options exist to honor the deceased.
What does memorialization for cremation involve?
Memorialization can include ground burial of the urn with a bronze memorial or monument, placement in cremation niches in columbariums, or scattering gardens within cemeteries that offer peaceful reflection spaces.
Can cremated remains be scattered?
Yes, scattering ashes is possible. You should discuss wishes beforehand with those performing the ceremony and consider involving funeral directors who can customize meaningful services. Local regulations should be checked regarding public scattering.
What are the hours of operation for Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation?
They are open 24 hours each day, including Federal Holidays, providing continuous service for families in need.
What payment methods are accepted at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation?
They accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and cash for your convenience.
How can I get in touch with Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation?
You can call them at +1 413-525-2800 or email wecare@forastiere.com for inquiries or assistance.
Are there nearby financial services to Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation?
Yes, Santander Bank US ATM, LibertyX Bitcoin ATM, Horizon Investments, Premier Source Credit Union, and PeoplesBank Banking Center are nearby for your banking and financial needs.
What local dining options are near Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation for visitors?
Typical Sicilian Ristorante offers nearby dining where visitors can share a meal before or after their visit to the funeral home.
What nearby services could be useful for someone visiting Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation?
Services like CVS Pharmacy, Accurate Glass and Windshields, Golden Nozzle Car Wash, and Sunoco Gas Station are conveniently located close by to support various visitor needs.