Matthew J. Fiorillo
Photo credit: Paula Markowitz Wittlin

Visiting a funeral home is rarely enjoyable, and we initially felt trepidation about paying a visit to Matthew Fiorillo, funeral director and owner of Ballard-Durand. We were there to find out what webcast funerals are all about. Our host greeted us warmly and dispelled any misgivings we harbored. Matthew’s disarming charm had us immediately comfortable. The newlywed, who had just returned from honeymooning in Hawaii with wife Sara, took us on a tour. It was clear he has a gift for putting people at ease.

The facility has a comfortable feel. The three-walled office where business is conducted has an open end overlooking the staircase and a window—a contrast to the claustrophic environs we’ve seen elsewhere. Mr. Fiorillo spoke of meeting with some clients who pre-planned their own funerals—often customized, and occasionally humorous. Whatever the request, Ballard-Durand will try to accommodate. Sports themes and musical performances are some of the popular wishes (there are official urns and coffins with professional sports emblems). Quite a bit can be pre-arrnged by visiting ballarddurand.com .

Fiorillo, who wanted to be a funeral director since childhood, shaped Ballard-Durand to fit his vision. “Each year we add new services and enhance existing ones, always driven by the same guiding principle: to treat others as we would wish to be treated. This keeps our focus outward, on our client families, making sure every detail is what they wish for.”  

But About That Webcast
Far from the gimmick we may have suspected when first hearing the term, webcast funerals are a considerate innovation. The inspiration came from two primary sources: armed service members deployed overseas who can’t be home to attend a loved-one’s service, and elderly or ailing relatives incapable of long distance travel. Fiorillo has an enthusiastic grasp of technology and a keen understanding of how it can enhance his craft.

The service is streamed in real time to remote users, who log on to a secure page on the Ballard-Durand site. Access is password-protected, and controlled by a family member—additional requests for access must meet with approval. The proceedings, complete with sound, may be viewed online. The stationary camera is inconspicuous to those in actual attendance, mounted on the ceiling in the far corner of the main parlor.

After the funeral the video can be accessed for a month—or longer for an additional fee—on its own secure Web page. Along with the video and eulogy, tributes and photos may be uploaded by authorized site visitors.
Additional personalization options include creation of a video tribute of the deceased’s life, which can incorporate photos, film and text. Copies can be written to DVD, as can the funeral service itself.

Participating in Community Fiorillo has come up with a way his audio-visual equipment can provide public service. He wanted us to relay his offer to create Web-posted video greetings from family to members of the military stationed overseas, free of charge (call 949-0566 for details). Fiorillo has taken the unusual step of sponsoring a motivational speaker who has made a difference in his own life: Ron Villano will share his wisdom, also free of charge, at White Plains Performing Arts Center on June 4.

A Little History
Ballard-Durand Funeral Home has been in White Plains for over 70 years. Clients of all faiths are respectfully served. Mr. Fiorillo began working at the facility in 1998 and became owner in September 2001. He was immediately tested by the national tragedy of September 11, which touched many White Plains families.

It’s certainly easier to cross the threshold of a funeral home when not touched by grief. Matthew Fiorillo
creates a feeling of warmth and consideration at Ballard-Durand and through his community involvement.