Mamaroneck Small Business Spotlight: Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home
Owners: Vincent, Jennifer and Vincent Graziano
Website: www.coxeandgraziano.com
Address: 767 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543

How did you come up with the name?

In 1981 Vincent Graziano Sr. purchased the Coxe Funeral Home. When Vincent acquired the property in Westchester he kept the goodwill of Mr. Coxe alive with his name and added the “Graziano.”

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Mr. Coxe had an outstanding reputation in lower Westchester County for serving families in their time of need. The Graziano Family held a long tradition of excellence in funeral service in Manhattan.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Our business is funeral service, but for us it is not a “job.” Funeral service represents a sacred calling whereas you avail yourself completely to someone at their darkest hour. We walk a family through the process of arranging the funeral of their loved one. In the midst of grief, sadness and confusion, we take the time to thoroughly explain every step of the arrangement process. In addition, we work to help families create a personal memorial to their loved one, so that it is a fitting tribute to the deceased. We are “on-call” and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Being an owner you must always rise to the occasion and accept full responsibility for all of the details and all aspects of your business. In this particular line of work there are no clearly defined hours or schedule for an owner. In addition, as an owner you strive for a level of perfection and you are constantly challenging yourself to always do more and do better.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

The decision was never second guessed. In our profession, the greatest reward is not only being an entrepreneur but also knowing that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Knowing you’ve helped at a time when help was needed the most is extremely gratifying.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We are looking forward to the opening date of our Greenwich, Conn. location. We are proud to know that we will be creating a funeral home to serve the Greenwich people in a way that no funeral home has done before.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

We are always anticipating the needs of our client families. In our Westchester location, we’ve made countless additions and renovations to enhance the convenience of visiting a funeral home. We are taking that vision to Greenwich. Our client families should have immeasurable conveniences such as handicapped access to the facility and restrooms, beautifully decorated chapels and lobby, inviting and welcoming arrangement facilities; all of these are part of our renovation plan for Greenwich.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

In our line of work we are keenly aware that arranging a funeral is difficult to say the least. People are usually in their worst frame of mind and are not in their best state. Knowing that, we approach people with heightened sensitivity and kindness.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.