This week I had the pleasure of interviewing @hollisfuneralhome !

1. How did the business start?

“It all started with my dad, Charlie Hollis, going to mortuary school and all that jazz. He was still in school when he bought his first tiny TINY funeral home…he was in his mid 20s. Dad quickly outgrew space and purchased our current funeral home (a Victorian house built in 1892) from Raymond Bordynski. Raymond owned and operated Bordynski Funeral Home until 1979. That year, dad purchased the house/Business, renaming the funeral home, Bordynski-Hollis to maintain continuity in the transition of ownership. In 1989, the year I was born, he renamed it to what it is today. Hollis Funeral Home That’s our one and only funeral home FOREVER. Dad jokes about opening a 2nd location, but I wouldn’t dream of it. The Victorian is too enchanting and requires our full attention and care! No other location could ever compare.”

2. What is your role in the business?

“I’m a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in NYS! I’m slowly taking over ownership of Hollis Funeral Home. That being said, I would never want to force my dad to retire…I think that would kill him.”

3. What made you want to be part of a family business? 

“My dad!! I saw his love for it and it filled my heart with joy to see how much he GENUINELY loves his profession. The families we serve ADORE him too.

Everyone thinks he’s the cutest. And he is!! Back in the late 90s my dad sold his business to a corporation called SCI. He sold it because he didn’t think any of us kids would want to take over the business. I was 9yrs old at the time…I wanted to be in the NYC Ballet / Broadway lol.”

4. How did you become a mortician?

“After graduating school, I STILL had a ways to go before I was officially licensed. I went to mortuary school and worked really hard. I did hybrid classes…half online and then commuted 3 hrs away a few days a week depending on the semester. After graduation, I still had a ways to go before receiving my officially official license. I still had to pass 2 national Board Exams, a NYS Funeral Law exam and a 1 yr apprenticeship at a funeral home. There were WAY more steps than I ever anticipated, but that’s a good thing. Funeral Directors take continuing education classes too! Which I love because it keeps me up to date and knowledgeable. “

5. Do you have any exciting news or events that you would like to share? 

“Keep your eyes peeled for a documentary! “

If you would like to learn more. The following contact information is below:

Tiktok + Instagram : @hollisfuneralhome

@hollisfuneralhome