Donaldson Funeral Home under new ownership

The Donaldson Funeral Home, Inc., located at 100 North Main Street in the Village of Massena, has been serving families at their most vulnerable time of need for over 75 years. Beginning in 1933, Vernon J. Donaldson, joined Lodus Brookhover at the funeral home at 33 North Main Street. In 1941, he along with his wife, Evelyn, purchased the home of her grandparents, converting it to its now established location. Throughout many years with their sons, David and Gary, longtime dedicated employee, Bruce P. Bombard, and in the most recent ten years, Chad W. Green, they have given “Personal, yet Professional” funeral service to many. On January 1, 2010, the tradition of a locally owned funeral home continues at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Inc. with the retirement of the Donaldson Family and the sale of the corporation to Chad W. Green, an employee for the past 10 years.

Chad, a native of Potsdam, began his funeral service career in 1998 by enrolling in the mortuary science program at SUNY Canton. After graduation in 1999, he served his funeral residency at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home in Fairport, NY. Upon completion of his residency in 2000, he was hired at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Inc., where he has continued to work and make relationships and friendships with the families they have served. Chad is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Norwood, where he serves on the parish council and is a lecturer. His memberships also include the St. Lawrence County Funeral Directors Association, where he is currently an officer, the SUNY Canton Mortuary Science Advisory, as well as the New York State Funeral Directors Association and its Continuing Education Committee. Chad and his wife, Catherine Peets of Brasher Falls, live here in the village and look forward to continuing our professional and personal relationships that we have gained over the past several years.

Bruce P. Bombard, a native of Raymondville, has been a dedicated employee of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Inc. for 55 years. His dedication to the profession and the families that he has served is truly evident in his professionalism and compassion. Bruce is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where serves as an usher and lecturer. Bruce will remain as a loyal member of the Donaldson Funeral Home staff and respected community member.

In addition to Bruce, Jane M. Tarbell, a native of Fort Covington, now residing in Hogansburg, will continue to serve the families of Hogansburg/Akwesasne as well as Massena. Jane began her funeral career at Donaldson’s in 2001 with her funeral residency and then becoming a licensed funeral director. The funeral home also employs five additional part-time employees.

The Donaldson Funeral Home is fully handicap accessible and provides funeral services to all religious and ethnic denominations. With the one of the largest casket and urn selection rooms in the North Country, we offer all types of funeral service options, from traditional burial to cremation; we are sure to be able to assist you in your funeral service needs.

Personally, Chad wants to thank the thousands of families that have entrusted the Donaldson Funeral Home to handle the services of their loved ones. As the funeral home moves into the future, Chad, along with Bruce and Jane, looks forward to continuing the highest standards of “Personal, yet Professional” funeral service, as a locally owned funeral home, that have been established from generations past. In addition, he respects the friendships that have been forged over the past 75 years and is hopeful to continue with these same friendships as well as make new ones. Whether you are at a time of need, considering preplanning, or just want to ask us a question, please give Chad or Bruce a call at 769-3579 or visit us on the web at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.