At Donohue Cecere Funeral Directors in Westbury, New York, provides funeral home, burial, veteran, memorialization, cremation and life celebration services.
For more than 85 years we have been serving and supporting our community. We host Burial Services that convey both the solemnity of the occasion, but also the joy that comes from celebrating the life of a dear loved one. We are happy to attend to all aspects of the service, and we invite our guests to linger as long as they wish, fully enjoying a special and intimate time with friends and family. For those who choose it, we also offer Cremation Services; cremation can be a meaningful way in which many families mark the death of a loved one. We offer services tailored to honor those who are military service members and veterans, as well.
Customers consistently praised the staff for their kindness, compassion, and support during difficult times.
Attention to Detail
Many reviews highlighted the meticulous attention to detail in planning and executing funeral services, ensuring everything was handled with care.
Professionalism
The staff was frequently described as professional and knowledgeable, providing a seamless experience for families during their time of grief.
Ease of Process
Customers appreciated how the team made the planning process straightforward and stress-free, allowing families to focus on their loss.
Highly Recommended
Numerous reviews indicated that customers would recommend Donohue-Cecere Funeral Home to others, citing their exceptional service and support.
JM
J. M
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
My family has been going to Donahue-Cecere for a long time and after the passing of my Mom, I went to Donahue-Cecere to make her final arrangements. I spoke to Liz and she helped me through this difficult time with making arrangements for her and she is amazing.!
Liz and the folks here are caring and compassionate and will help you with all of your difficult decisions all while being compassionate and honest with you. Liz is the utmost professional and a very caring woman who will guide you through some difficult decisions that meet your needs and expectations for sending your loved one off in style and grace. When you need them they’re always available for questions and guidance, so if you need to use their services I suggest you give them a call first to let them explain the process and help you send off your loved one properly . Thank You so very much for all of your kindness and support during this difficult time for me and my family Liz and the rest of the folks at Donahue-Cecere.!!
JR
James Rolla
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
While these experiences are never easy, Donohue -Cecere are the best in the business. They are compassionate, caring, sensitive and supportive, making sure the family is as comfortable as they can be. Their focus is on the family, ensuring every detail is covered and fully informed every step of the way. We can’t say enough about them or thank them enough for all they have done to make one of life’s saddest events, a remarkable experience. We are forever grateful.
BC
Betty Caballero
Nov 4, 2025
5.0
Tom and Caitlin were amazing! Planning our mother’s funeral was extremely difficult but with the help and guidance of Tom her service was perfect. He walked us through every step of the way with care and consideration in our difficult time. From the beginning to end every detail was thought out for us and handled professionally. This place is immaculate and welcoming. Tom we thank you and your staff for all your help and for making our mother’s service so beautiful!!
DB
Darlene Buro
Nov 4, 2025
5.0
Losing a loved one is never easy, but the team at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Home made a very emotional time a little easier. They treated our family and our mother with dignity and genuine compassion. Every question was answered patiently, and every detail was handled beautifully. We will always remember their warmth and care.
JG
Janice Glassman
Oct 31, 2025
5.0
Tom and the staff at Donahue Cecere Funeral Directors was beyond excellent! Tom helped us plan a wonderful sendoff for our sister Rosemary Mucci. They had us pick out beautiful accessories that made her wake amazing. We didn’t feel pressured at all. Tom acknowledged what a difficult time it was for us and was kind in every way. We would highly recommend them to anyone who asks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes
Why have a public viewing?
Viewing is a part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity is voluntary.
What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."
Why are funerals so expensive?
When compared to other major life events like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
Additionally, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details.
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.
Why should I consider having a public viewing at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes?
Viewing is a part of many cultural and ethnic traditions and helps the bereaved recognize the reality of death, aiding the grief process. Children are encouraged to view as long as it is explained and voluntary.
What is the purpose of embalming at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, allowing more time between death and final disposition so family members can arrange and participate in comforting services.
Is embalming legally required when making funeral arrangements?
No, embalming is generally not required by law except in special cases. It may be necessary if you choose certain arrangements like a funeral with viewing, but you can opt for direct cremation or burial without embalming.
Why are funerals at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes considered costly?
Funerals involve 24-hour labor-intensive services and extensive facilities like chapels, limousines, and hearses. Costs cover not only merchandise but also professional services including arrangements and handling all necessary details.
Do I need to make different arrangements if I choose cremation?
Cremation offers flexibility in commemorations. You can have a funeral before cremation, a memorial during or after with the urn, or a committal at final disposition. Services can be held in various locations including the funeral home chapel.
What are the business hours for Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes in Westbury?
The funeral home is open 24 hours every day of the week, and remains open 24 hours on Federal Holidays.
Does Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes offer wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, the funeral home has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, but it does not have wheelchair-accessible restrooms or unisex restrooms available.
What payment methods does Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa for payments.
Are there nearby places to visit before or after a service at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes?
Yes, nearby you can visit Lin Garden for Asian cuisine, Little Mexico for Latin American dining, or Bravo Supermarkets to pick up essentials. These places offer options for meals or shopping around your visit.
How can nearby services like Westbury Foot Care or Advanced Physical Therapy support community members visiting Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes?
Visitors can access nearby health services such as Westbury Foot Care for podiatry needs or Advanced Physical Therapy of Westbury for therapy treatments, providing convenient care while attending services.
Is parking available at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Homes and what are nearby transportation or service options?
Yes, the funeral home offers free onsite parking in a lot. Nearby services include OL USA for freight transportation and State Farm for insurance needs, assisting visitors with logistics and support services.