What Should I Bring to the Funeral Home?

When making arrangements for a loved one who has recently passed away, the whole process may seem overwhelming. We are here to help, with both your loved one’s service, as well as with the grief of loss. The first steps towards preparing a service for your loved one is to bring these important items with you when you come to the funeral home.

Clothing

Please bring the clothing that you want your loved one to wear for the service or cremation. This includes any undergarments, shoes, glasses, and jewelry. Traditionally, these clothes are a suit and tie for men, and a dress or gown for women. Your loved one may have left instructions on what they wanted to wear specifically. If that is the case, bring the requested clothing. Religious attire, work uniforms, and more may also be appropriate, depending on the requests of your loved one. 

Personal Information

Personal information of the deceased is required for both the paperwork as well as the obituary, if desired. The more information we are given, the better. Social Security number, date of birth, wedding date, parents’ full names and birthplaces, schools, employers, legal address, physician’s name, names of surviving relatives, and military service details (if applicable), can all be helpful in creating a proper and full obituary. A photograph for the obituary should also be included. The obituary can be posted online, as well as in the local newspaper(s); to the wishes of the family. An obituary is not mandatory, but most families want one, as it is a beautiful testament to the life of their loved one.

Important Forms and Paperwork

Certain paperwork is required by the state. Please bring copies of life insurance forms, cemetery paperwork, funeral prearrangement forms, or funeral wishes made during estate planning. If your loved one was in the military, you should also bring a copy of their discharge papers.

Photos for Our Video Tribute

As part of our services, Matthew Funeral Home offers families a personalized video tribute. This tribute includes photos of your loved one along with a selection of music. The tribute can be running silently on a screen in the viewing room, and in addition to any eulogy or religious ceremonies, the tribute can be played with sound for your loved one’s family and friends. Our tribute videos generally include 30 photos plus a portrait of your loved one. The tribute is a video slideshow that comes on a keepsake DVD for you and your family to take home afterwards It is a beautiful celebration of their life.

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.