Two local funeral homes return to family ownership

During the 1990’s, a number of international death care corporations were formed with the purpose of acquiring funeral homes and cemeteries throughout the U.S., Canada, South American, Europe and Australia.
The largest, Service Corporation International (SCI), a publicly traded corporation, acquired the Basis Funeral Home and Peter R. Angerame Funeral Home in 1993.
But through a merger with SCI earlier this month, Gus Antonopoulos, Managing Funeral Director and owner of the Joseph A. Farenga and Sons Funeral Home, has now acquired the Basis Funeral Home and the Peter R. Angerame Funeral Home after many years of corporate ownership.
“I am so pleased to be able to return these fine funeral homes to local, family ownership,” said Antonopoulos. “We vow to continue the great tradition of family service that you have come to expect from a family-owned firm.”
The funeral homes have been relocated to Joseph A. Farenga and Sons Funeral Home, located at 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria.
Over the years, many local families have pre-arranged and pre-paid for funeral services with Basis Funeral Home and the Peter R. Angerame Funeral Home. These funds have been invested in state-approved bank trust accounts. These trust funds will remain intact.
“I know what an important decision this was for families,” said Antonopoulos. “It is important that each family knows the funds set aside to meet funeral expenses are secure. We invite families to visit us at Joseph A. Farenga and Sons at their convenience to review the pre-arrangements, and to discuss any changes they may want to make.”
Founded in 1876 by the Farenga Family, the funeral home has established a legacy of compassionate service that extends over 125 years.
Antonopoulos has been involved in the Astoria Community his entire life, both professionally and through his community endeavors. He is a past member of the Catholic Cemetery Board, the New York State Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. He was selected into Preferred Funeral Directors International, one of only 50 funeral directors selected throughout the world. He is active in the Kiwanis Club and the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, and works closely with the Ronald McDonald House and St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, as well as the Boys & Girls Club and many other important community efforts.
He holds a B.A. from St. Johns University, and graduated from the American Academy-McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 1992. As a licensed funeral director, he founded the Antonopoulos Funeral Home in 1994 and acquired ownership of the Joseph A. Farenga and Sons Funeral Home in 1998.
To make an appointment to review pre-arrangements or to get answers to questions concerning funeral costs, personalized funeral services and funeral planning, contact Antonopoulos at 718-726-6060. You may also stop by to tour the Joseph A. Farenga and Sons Funeral home at 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard.