At Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, we’ve been serving the families of Rochester, New York, for decades. Over the years, we’ve witnessed how cremation has grown in popularity as a meaningful and flexible option for honoring a loved one. With so many questions surrounding cremation, how it works, what choices are available, and how it can reflect a life well-lived, we want to walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re preplanning or facing a recent loss, this guide is designed to help you feel confident and informed during one of life’s most emotional times.
Understanding the Cremation Process
Cremation is a dignified method of reducing the body to its essential elements through high heat and flame. At our funeral home, we ensure this process is carried out with the utmost respect and care. Families often ask us how cremation works, and we believe in being fully transparent. After all legal documentation is completed and permits are obtained, the body is placed in a cremation container, which is then moved to the crematory.
The cremation process typically takes two to three hours. Once completed, the cremated remains are carefully processed and placed into a temporary container or a chosen urn. We guide every family through each step, so they understand not only what’s happening but why each step matters.
Over our decades of experience, we’ve witnessed the enduring shift toward cremation firsthand. In line with national data from the Cremation Association, the cremation rate in the U.S. rose from roughly 56.2% in 2020 to about 61.8% by 2024, and forecasts show it could reach nearly 68% by 2029. That upward curve underscores the importance of personalized, thoughtful cremation services that families can rely on during a meaningful farewell.
Exploring Cremation Service Options
Many people are surprised to learn that cremation does not limit you to fewer services, it actually opens the door to more personalization. At Bartolomeo & Perotto, we offer a full range of options for cremation services designed to meet different needs, preferences, and budgets. You might choose a traditional funeral with viewing and cremation afterward.
Or, you may prefer a simple memorial service held after the cremation, either at our funeral home, a place of worship, or even a favorite location of your loved one. Direct cremation, with no formal ceremony, is also available for families who desire a simpler path. Regardless of the service type, our focus is always on creating an experience that feels personal and healing.
Honoring a Life Through Personalization
One of the greatest strengths of cremation is its flexibility, which allows us to help you celebrate your loved one in a deeply personal way. Personalization is central to how we serve families, it’s not just about what’s done, but how it’s done. From customized urns to tribute videos, from displaying meaningful keepsakes to incorporating music and readings, we work closely with you to reflect the personality, passions, and life story of your loved one.
We’ve hosted services with motorcycles parked out front, family recipes shared during receptions, and even dove releases. No idea is too small or too unique. It’s these thoughtful touches that turn a cremation service into a truly memorable farewell.
Navigating Costs and Value
We understand that cost is an important consideration for many families. Cremation services are often seen as a more affordable option than traditional burial, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice meaning or quality. We’re committed to transparency, and we offer a range of cremation packages to suit different budgets.
We’ll walk you through what each package includes and help you avoid unnecessary costs. More importantly, we focus on value and not just in dollars, but in peace of mind, professionalism, and the ability to create a meaningful farewell. For families interested in preplanning, locking in today’s prices can provide both financial and emotional relief down the road.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Over the years, we’ve encountered many myths about cremation. Some people worry they can’t have a viewing, others fear they won’t receive their loved one’s ashes, or they think cremation is somehow less respectful than burial. Let us reassure you that cremation can absolutely include a visitation or viewing. We offer rental caskets specifically for this purpose.
As for receiving the correct remains, we follow a strict chain of custody and identification protocol to ensure that every family receives their loved one’s ashes, without exception. Cremation is every bit as dignified as burial. It’s simply a different path, one that offers flexibility while honoring the individual.
Understanding the Legal and Ethical Standards
Cremation is a highly regulated process, and we take our responsibility seriously. In New York State, multiple legal documents must be completed before cremation services can proceed. This includes a signed cremation authorization form, which outlines your wishes and confirms your understanding of the process.
We maintain rigorous standards, from identification checks to secure record-keeping. As a family-owned funeral home, we hold ourselves to the highest level of ethical responsibility. When you choose us, you’re choosing professionals who treat your loved one with the same care and respect we’d want for our own family.
Considering Final Resting Place Options
Once cremation is complete, the question becomes what do you want to do with the cremated remains? There’s no single answer, only what feels right to you. Some families choose burial in a cemetery, often with a headstone or plaque. Others select placement in a columbarium, which offers a respectful and permanent space for visitation.
Scattering can also be a meaningful choice, whether in a garden, on private property, or in a favorite natural location following local regulations. We’ve also seen families create home memorials, using decorative urns or even incorporating ashes into art or jewelry. The most important thing is to do what brings you comfort and feels like a fitting tribute.
Supporting Families Before and After the Service
Our relationship with your family doesn’t end after the cremation or memorial service. We offer grief support resources, both through our funeral home and local community partners. Whether you need one-on-one counseling, group support, or guidance on how to help children grieve, we can point you in the right direction. We also provide follow-up assistance with practical matters like death certificates, veteran’s benefits, and Social Security notifications. You don’t have to navigate any of it alone, we’re here for you every step of the way.
One of the most loving things you can do for your family is to plan ahead. Preplanning your cremation services ensures that your wishes are documented, your questions are answered, and your loved ones won’t be left guessing during a difficult time. At Bartolomeo & Perotto, we offer free consultations to discuss your options and help you make decisions at your own pace. Whether you prefer a simple cremation or a full celebration of life, we’ll ensure your plans are recorded and honored when the time comes.
Trusting a Local, Family-Owned Funeral Home
When it comes to cremation services, who you trust matters. As a family-owned funeral home deeply rooted in the Rochester community, we bring generations of experience and a heartfelt commitment to serving every family as if they were our own. We’re proud to be more than just a provider, we’re neighbors, friends, and compassionate guides during life’s most difficult moments. Every decision we make is grounded in integrity, care, and a genuine desire to help you find comfort and clarity.
Cremation isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, but it’s one that offers incredible potential for personalization, healing, and remembrance. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we hope this guide has helped illuminate the path ahead. Your family is our family, and your trust means the world to us.