110 S Geneva St, Ithaca, NY, 14850
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
Ask whether assignment is available for your policy and location, what fees apply, and what you must pay upfront. MedaSynq does not arrange assignments.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
“Do you offer payment plans?”
Many funeral homes allow you to spread the cost over time. Ask about down payments, terms, and financing options.
Know Your Rights
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give price information by telephone and a written General Price List when you visit in person. Federal law does not require them to send the list by mail or email. You can select individual goods and services and use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Average in New York
$3,368 – $10,595
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
Funerals in this area run $3,368–$10,595. If your family knows of a life insurance policy, Claim Assist can help file and follow up on the claim. The insurer decides whether to pay. There is no upfront fee; separate service terms apply.
“My father passed in July. Herson Wagner Funeral Home was recommended to us. The Funeral Director Steve was very kind and walked us through the process of doing a funeral for our father. He coordinated all of the related services- graveside service, placing of the obituary, etc. He made sure that we understood the process, answered all of our questions, and was always available to address any concerns. I can’t speak highly enough about Steve and his staff. My siblings and I recommend this funeral home without hesitation.”
— Dana Perko
“Herson-Wagner Funeral Home has just finished assisting us with the funeral and burial of my dad. We chose this home because they had helped us with my grandmother as well, back in 1991. Steve and Maggie were professional, gracious, and informative. They helped us and provided comfort at the time of our loss in our family. I was especially touched when at the end of the burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery Maggie reminded all present that my mother would now be without my dad and would appreciate extra support from all gathered to stay in touch with her and provide help and companionship.”
— Francis Vanek
“If there was an option to type a negative five stars, that it was I would give this place!!! The customer service was horrific! Our family drove 6 hours to be a part of our sister Kelly's celebration of life (funeral to those who may not know this term). Apparently there was a request by our loved one's mom that the viewing be private and for immediate family members. We understood this request, however the way it was communicated to us by the funeral home's Director when we arrived was INSENSITIVE, UNPROFESSIONAL and UNCARING on such a very precious but VERY painful day. My brother-in-law, Kelly's brother was physically pushed out of the funeral home's front door!!! My 65 year old mother-in-law, Kelly's stepmother, was grabbed by her wrist in an attempt to be pulled away from the door so that the door can be closed in my brother-in-law's face!! Needless to say, he was infuriated by the staff member's attitude to him and behavior towards his mother!!! The Director yelled "this my funeral home and I've told you you cannot come in!"; then proceeded to call the police....making a false claim of being assaulted! Again all of this taking place on the day we are laying our beloved Kelly to rest! I'm appalled, nauseous and disgusted at the way we were treated as a patron of this a FUNERAL HOME! I don't want to think it was because we were racially profiled as a Black family so I'm choosing to believe the staff of this company is just plain ignorant!! The lack of customer service and professionalism in this type of industry is so distant it should CLOSE THEM DOWN!!! Until then, if you're in the Ithaca, NY area, and in need of funeral services, think long and hard before deciding to expose your family and friends to this place!!! If you're African American, I AM PLEADING WITH YOU...DO NOT PUT YOUR MONEY IN THIS PLACE!!! I am a business owner and would not demean my own company by using the word "business" to describe Herson-Wagner Funeral Home!”
— Shirlene Ogburn
If your family knows of a life insurance policy, Claim Assist can help file and follow up on the claim. No upfront fee; the service fee and terms are disclosed before you enroll.
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