Our History

Serving the community since 1985.

Explore the legacy of Erie County Cremation Service, founded by Frank R. Castiglia in 1985. Our commitment to compassionate care and quality service has been passed down through generations, ensuring that every family we serve is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

A brick building with white trim, a cupola, and three flagpoles on a green lawn under a clear blue sky.

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.


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.


2017

Frank C. Castiglia successfully completed the Crematory Operations Certification Program on December 14, 2017. This program was sponsored by the Cremation Association of North America.


2018

Frank C. Castiglia successfully completed the curriculum in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences and received his Associate in Specialized Technology Degree on January 19, 2018.


2019

Frank C. Castiglia was examined in the Fields of Funeral Service Arts and Funeral Service Sciences and passed the National Board Exam on October 7, 2019.


2020

Frank C. Castiglia was Licensed as a Funeral Director on November 24, 2020.


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.