Chapel options for every family

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service features 3 chapels that can accommodate groups of varying sizes. Our A and B chapels are identical in size, comfortably seating 50-70 guests. Both of these chapels have chairs in rows as well as flat-screen televisions to display photos, videos and multimedia tributes. Our largest chapel, Chapel C, holds 150 people. We are also able to combine rooms to accommodate larger services if necessary.

Each of our chapels is simply decorated with ample room to display beautiful floral arrangements, treasured photographs and beloved mementos. We encourage you to customize the venues in any way you desire.

Let’s celebrate life

At Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, creating a funeral service starts with a story. When you walk into our arrangement rooms, we ask questions and listen to you to learn everything we can about your loved one’s life. What was important to him? How would he want to be remembered? What were her passions? Once we have those answers, we’ll take all of the things that made your loved one special and use that information to tell their story in a unique and memorable way.

From displaying memorable family photos and belting out her favorite gospel ballads to using a 3rd-party caterer to serve his famous apple pie at a reception and hosting a groovy hippie-themed event in the chapel, there’s practically no limit to what we can do. All we need is a little inspiration—we’ll take care of the rest.

We honor veterans

At Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, we understand the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families and believe it is a true honor to serve our nation's veterans and military members. As a Level Four Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, we are honored to serve our nation’s heroes and take this responsibility seriously. We have taken steps to ensure our staff is knowledgeable of all the benefits available to military veterans and their families. Working with all branches of the U.S. armed services, we are well-versed in providing military funerals with honors.

Our lobby has a Veterans Memorial Wall with engraved plates bearing the names of the brave military men and women whom we have served. In addition, we host community events annually in honor of our veterans and work closely with local veterans organizations. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran’s memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Coordination with local cemeteries

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service has longstanding relationships with many Rockland County-area cemeteries and will work with the cemetery that you choose to ensure a seamless transition from funeral home to burial ground.

Trusted funeral service provider

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service is a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, offering respectful and dignified service you can count on. We encourage you to visit us on South Main Street to meet our staff and tour our lovely funeral home facility.

Call us day or night. We will be there for you, no matter what.

History

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service was established in the late 1950s by Michael J. and Dorothy M. Higgins. A pioneering and visionary couple, Dorothy was the first licensed funeral director in Rockland County, and Michael had the foresight to expand and offer a wide range of services to the families of Rockland County. In 1967, the couple opened a funeral home in New City, which, at the time, was but a small town. In the decade following the New City location’s opening, the hamlet became a booming metropolis. Visionary, indeed!

Honoring our legacy

The funeral home business grew over the next 50 years, and in 1996, Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service joined the Dignity Memorial network of funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries. Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service has quite a legacy. To this day, it is the only funeral home in New City. And not only that, it was among the first businesses designed specifically as a funeral home in the state of New York.

We understand how important it is to some to have a proper military burial. We work closely with the cemetery of your choosing to ensure dignified graveside services are available. In addition, we actively participate in the Dignity Memorial® Homeless Veterans Burial Program and provide free funeral services to homeless and indigent veterans, to ensure that all who serve our country receive fitting memorials, no matter their financial situations.

Active in the New City community

In addition to serving families through our funeral home, we are also involved in the New City community and surrounding areas within Clarkstown. Our yearly holiday tree lighting is always a beautiful event. Additionally, we sponsor many local events, support our local fire and police departments and regularly attend area events.