At the core of everything we do, is this fundamental truth: we live up to every promise we make.
From our two convenient locations in Westchester, the staff members of Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services will guide your family in creating a meaningful ceremony to honor the life and memory of your loved one. A ceremony can be anything you wish it to be: simple or elaborate, traditional or unique. No matter how it's tailored, such a ceremony is an important step in recovering from loss.
Keywords: Funerals, Cremations, memorial services, preplanning, White Plains, Elmsford, Scarsdale, Harrison, Greenburgh, Hawthorne, Cremation, Casket, Embalming
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services is White Plains’ most prestigious funeral, cremation and memorial service provider. Those who turn to us receive highly personalized services delivered with unprecedented attention to detail and the utmost respect. Our service standards, instilled by Arthur Ballard and George Durand, ensure the highest level of care for you and your family.
For many years, the staff of the Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services has helped families say farewell to loved ones in a special way. While many of you may remember the high quality of service received or the beauty of our facility, many of you may not be aware of the deep roots Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services has in this community.
A staple in White Plains for over 70 years, the funeral home was founded in New York City in the late 1800's. In 1930, it was relocated to Cromwell Place. It was relocated again to the corner of Maple Avenue and South Broadway, where it remains today. Once the residence of eminent citizens such as the Honorable Humphrey J. Lynch, the home has since become a historic landmark in the community.
The building at 2 Maple Avenue was purchased by Arthur Ballard in 1938. A bit later, George B. Durand became a partner in the firm, and continued to serve families after Mr. Ballard’s death in 1951. Mr. Durand died in 1980 at the age of 73.
Today, this century-old heritage is maintained by Matthew J. Fiorillo. With his staff of dedicated funeral professionals, Mr. Fiorillo has maintained a commitment to the community of White Plains with personal attention, competitive pricing, quality merchandise, and premier facilities.
What is your primary product or service?
At Ballard-Durand, we know that families are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the merely adequate. They want only the best, most responsive service. While some are looking for innovation, others seek the comfort of tradition, but all demand that we are a “cut above.” At the core of everything we do, is this fundamental truth: we live up to every promise we make.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Matthew Fiorillo, the owner of the Ballard-Durand Funeral Group, is a licensed funeral director in New York State and Connecticut. He has earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc. This is noted by the CFSP acronym. Matt has committed to a program of lifelong learning to serve you and families in your community with the level of excellence expected of a CFSP. He is a lifetime member of the White Plains Historical Society, a member of the Tamarack Country Club, and is honored to currently be a Board Member for Hospice of Westchester, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, White Plains Rural Cemetery and is the current President for Preferred Funeral Directors International. Matt is a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, and is originally from West Nyack, NY. He is a long-time resident of Westchester County, where he currently resides.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Honestly, we’re not only different from other funeral homes, we’re extraordinarily different. It’s a combination of our services, our staff members, and our focus on what matters: helping families truly celebrate the life of their loved ones.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have four funeral home facilities. Three are located in Westchester County and one in Dutchess County. We are currently in discussions to acquire two more locations in our region.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Three locations convenient located in Westchester County along the Rte. 287 corridor in Elmsford, Hawthorne and White Plains.
What type of payments do you accept?
All Major Credit Cards, and personal checks are accepted at all locations.
Which areas do you service?
All of the five boroughs of New York, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties as well as Fairfield County in Conencticut.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Matthew Fiorillo, CFSP, President/Owner
Matthew Fiorillo, the owner of Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services, is a licensed funeral director in New York State and Connecticut. He has earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, Inc. This is noted by the CFSP acronym. Matt has committed to a program of lifelong learning to serve you and families in your community with the level of excellence expected of a CFSP. He is a lifetime member of the White Plains Historical Society, member of the board of directors of White Plains Rural Cemetery, a member of the Knollwood Country Club, and was formally a board member with Hospice and Palliative Care of Westchester.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our phones and facilities are always staffed.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
We are proud of our team and for all of the 5-star reviews across our website, Google and Yelp pages!!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela