Gutterman's Funeral Home

This is a long overdue thank you to the entire Guttermann's team.
My relationship with Guttermann's started early in 2005. My parents had become quite elderly and ill. It became my responsibility and privledge to get their affairs in order. After a tour of the immaculate facility, I was able to sit down with Mr. Christopher Tombline to discuss business. He thorougly explained the benefits of pre-planning both funerals. I felt comfortable enough to entrust the details of both memorials to him. He spent hours with me, attending to details I did'nt even know existed. He was able to secure the plain pine box caskets I knew my parents would want, with no pressure to upgrade. We selected shrouds, discussed the on site Mikveh and space for the Chevra Kadisha to do their work. He had contacts for Rabbi's of all denominations and a current list of Shomers available 24/7, 365. Chris was also able to help me purchase a headstone and footstones.
When I got "the call" several months later that my dad had passed, I had a friend drive me to the hospital where he was. During that horrible ride, I called Guttermann"s very late at night. A compassionate gentleman answered the phone as if it were a mid-week business day. The man assured me that staff was on the way to escort dad to the funeral home. The men gave me as much time as possible with my dad as they could. As it was a Friday evening, I was concerned about contacting a Shomer. Guttermann"s managed to do so ! The Funeral Director couldn't have done a better job organizing the limo's, service, burial, and return trip home.
Chris and I then worked together to design the head and footstones.They were installed in a timely fashion.
Flash forward to 2012, and I once again get "the call" that Mom had just passed. I instinctively picked up my phone and called Guttermann's. I was once again given a generous amount of time with my mom. I will never forget the kindness of the men that transported her. As it were,
Mom passed on Erev-Yom Kippor. I thought there was no chance of finding a shomer for two days, until mom could be buried. Somehow, they found a lovely PHD student from out of town willing to serve.
Moms service was also handled professionally and compassionately.
When moms footstone was installed, it was Chris who noticed that one of the letters in Moms Hebrew name was incorrect. He worked with the manufacturer to have it replaced.
Flash forward to 2021. The funeral industry has been stretched beyond it's capacity . In August, I came up to NY from my home in NC to visit my parents graves. I was extremely upset at the conditions of my parents final resting place. The headstones were filthy with dirt, a third of my mothers evergreen had been sheared off and my moms footstone was dislodged. I realized that Cemetary's are short staffed, but felt helpless. I Without even thinking, I stopped in at Guttermann's to see if he was in. He was not, but a nice gentleman promised to relay a message to him. Sixteen years after doing business together, Mr. Christopher Tombline called me back the next business day.( I also attempted reaching out to the cemetary several times as well, with no luck.) This remarkable and thoughtful man made sure that my parents headstones were cleaned up.
He even sent me photo's so that I could usher in The New Year with peace. Chris, YOU are a righteous man. I will never forget your many kindnesses.
Sincerely,
Ann Jeffrey-Wilensky

From the beginning to the end all of their staff was very professional and caring. I was very satisfied with how they handled the viewing, and the grave side service. It made the loss of my mother just a little more tolerable

In an absolutely terrible time to lose a family member, the staff at Gutterman’s, particularly Chris was professional, responsive and accommodating to our family’s needs. Since we had not been able to see my mom for almost a month, he allowed us time with her prior to leaving for the graveside ceremony. All the staff was sensitive to the great loss we had suffered. They navigated the uncharted waters of the beginning of the Covid and enabled us to have all the family members we needed to have there under cemetery restrictions. I would recommend them for your family members as our family has used them for years.

Never thought I'd be out here writing a glowing review for a funeral home but I feel I must. As many people unfortunately know, handling a funeral is stressful, emotional and just well, awful experience. I lost my grandmother recently to COVID-19 and with the horrifying peak in deaths (especially in the NY area), Gutterman's went out of their way to put me at ease. They were kind, supportive, respectful and speedy (which considering the circumstances was even more impressive to me and my family). They did this all with grace, support and zero judgement. That level of service during such a trying time will never be forgotten and it should be recognized. Thank you, Gutterman's.

The staff at Guttermans were very thoughtful, respectful and helpful from beginning to end. They explained everything clearly and never made me feel pressured or stressed. They are a very professional company. i highly recommend them!