Important Letter to Our Valued Families and Guests

At Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, we recognize that amid this pandemic, we all have fears and concerns for the safety of our families and loved ones. Unfortunately, death and grief do not pause during a crisis. To that end, our firm cares about your safety, and we are taking every precaution to create a safe environment for you to honor those you have lost.

In accordance with New York State and the CDC guidelines, the following best practices will be instituted:

Per updated NYS building occupancy requirements and current lawsuits during the pandemic, we are allowing up to 50% occupancy at a time in our funeral homes. Catholic churches are operating at 50% occupancy. Other denominations may vary. Cemeteries are allowing up to 50 guests at a time. Each cemetery has the right to restrict guest capacity and whether indoor services are available. 

Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. is the first funeral home in Western New York to provide streaming services on demand, which we have perfected over the last 10 years, and will continue to provide streaming of funeral services to all who need it at no additional charge.

With the education we have received from U.S. and international firms that have been impacted, we are utilizing the best preventative measures to ensure guest and staff safety, including but not limited to:

Increased sanitation throughout our facilities.  

Providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the funeral homes.

Allowing catering services that are only provided by facilities certified by the Erie County Health Department.

Screening employees before the start of their shift for elevated temperatures.

Providing optional avenues for arranging services with families via telephone or video conferencing.

Until further notice, all community programs will be cancelled (i.e. Wednesday Coffee Hour, Vietnam War Veterans Day  Program, etc.)

​As a reminder, any guests visiting the facility must be wearing face covering and undergo a screening procedure.

Simply put, we want to assure you of the plan and procedures we have in place so that your family and loved ones feel comfortable and safe during these uncertain times. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions and concerns you may have, and will continue to monitor state regulation, county guidance, and CDC updates.

Sincerely,

Charles A. Castiglia

Resources for Those Struggling due to the Pandemic

New York State has created several programs in order to assist those facing financial, emotional, and other hardships due to the pandemic. Project Hope offers a free and confidential emotional support line that is available 24/7. Their website provides tips on coping with the stress of loss, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a job, or just the normalcy we once took for granted. Information about resources available to assist with financial hardship, suicide prevention, substance abuse, domestic violence can also be found here. The New York State Office of Mental Health also provides resources for finding mental health programs, emotional support lines, grief support, specialized support for front-line workers, and stress management tips. Their Coping Circles offer free virtual or telephone-based peer support groups facilitated by mental health professionals. 


Safeguarding the Life Story of Your Loved One!

Everyone’s life is a precious gift. Though the loss can be devastating to you and your family, the memory of your loved one lives on in your heart and in the experiences you’ve shared with this unique and special person.

Rather than mourn your loved one's death, capture the story of his or her life in a special remembrance celebration that brings meaning to the life he or she lived and comfort to the people who were an integral part of that life story. This special mark of respect will help ease the grief you share with friends and family who gather to celebrate your loved one’s eternal day of remembrance.

A Place for Compassionate Healing

At Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, our mission is to help you move beyond grief into acceptance and healing. We do that by taking care of you and your family as you navigate the many challenges of this difficult time.

We are available to help you through the process, handling all the necessary details, guiding you in the decisions you need to make, and providing the special and unique touches that ensure that the life story of your loved one is preserved for all eternity.

If you’ve experienced a death of a loved one, call us at any time, day or night, and we’ll help you step  by step along the way!