Our History

1944 - Frank R. Castiglia received his Diploma on January 6, 1944, for Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science.
Frank qualified for Embalming Sanitation and Funeral Service.

1948 - Frank R. Castiglia was Licensed as an Undertaker and Embalmer, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14 of the Public Health Law of the State of New York on May 20, 1948. Frank served his apprenticeship from 1948 to 1949 at Etkin Funeral Home.

1950 - Castiglia Mortuary was founded by Frank R. Castiglia, the first member of his family to become a Funeral Director.
​The funeral home was located at 342 Swan Street on Buffalo's East Side.

1957 - Castiglia Mortuary moved from 342 Swan Street on Buffalo's East Side to 873 Abbott Road in South Buffalo; which is the present location of the funeral home.

1979 - Charles F. Castiglia, the son of Frank R. Castiglia, received his National Board Certificate on June 7, 1979. Charles was examined in the subjects of Embalming, Anatomy, Pathology, Bacteriology, Chemistry, Restorative Art, and Mortuary Administration. Charles served his apprenticeship from 1979 to 1980 at Link-Fox Company, Inc.

1980 - Castiglia Mortuary, which was the name of the funeral home owned and operated by Frank R. Castiglia, located at 873 Abbott Road in South Buffalo; changed its name to Castiglia Funeral Home, Inc. 

1980 - Charles F. Castiglia, the son of Frank R. Castiglia, became a Licensed Funeral Director on August 16, 1980.

1985 - Frank R. Castiglia noticed a change in the funeral industry, the growing interest in cremation, and founded Erie County Cremation Service.

1993 - Charles F. Castiglia continued to follow in his father's footsteps and purchased both Castiglia Funeral Home, Inc. and Erie County Cremation Service, from his father.

Since our founding, the guiding principle of our cremation service has been the commitment to treating each family who comes to us as our own. With sincerity, pride, and dedication, we are committed to this time-honored tradition.

Our family opened the doors of our cremation service in 1985. Our reputation for providing the highest quality of service grew, and today we are privileged to serve hundreds of Western New York families each year. 

Whether you have an immediate need for our services or you wish to begin pre-planning a cremation for you or someone you love, give us a call at (716) 824-6435. It will be our honor and privilege to serve you.