Schenectady & Scotia
At Griswold Baxter Andrew, Lights, and The White funeral homes we are respectful of tradition but open to innovation. These are truly one-of-a-kind places offering one-of-a-kind funeral services. For many with strong religious and cultural ties a traditional funeral may be the kind of vigil that brings deep and meaningful comfort. Others may seek a more distinct and unique service. We are the only funeral home in upstate New York trained to provide a service that is woven entirely with the stories, songs, memories, and style that makes a life well-lived special. Together, we can create a service that celebrates the most important aspects of life…in whatever style that fits.
Baxter-Andrew Funeral Home
1867 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12304
Telephone: (518) 346-0787
Email: info@sbfuneralhome.com
Driving Directions: Click Here
The White Funeral Home
264 North Ballston Avenue
Scotia, NY 12302
Telephone: (518) 377-2300
Email: info@sbfuneralhome.com
Driving Directions: Click Here
Griswold Funeral Home
1867 State Street
Schenectady, NY 120304
Telephone: (518) 374-6188
Email: info@sbfuneralhome.com
Driving Directions: Click Here
Light's Funeral Home
1428 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12304
Telephone: (518) 374-1015
Email: info@sbfuneralhome.com
Driving Directions: Click Here
Our Valued Staff Members
Maria Scott-Barbieri, Vice President/ Funeral Director
Maria and her husband Robert, are co-owners of Scott & Barbieri Family Funeral Homes. She serves the organization as Vice-President, as well as caring for families as a licensed funeral director. She received a BA in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1987, a JD from Brooklyn Law School in 1994 and an Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science from Hudson Valley Community College in 2005.She applied for, and was granted a Funeral Director license by the State of New York. Maria serves on the board of several area non profit organizations. She is a current member of the Community Hospice Board of Directors, former Chairperson of the Community Hospice Foundation, and former Vice-Chair of the Board. Maria is a frequent contributor to the Scott & Barbieri sponsored Hospice Hour broadcast monthly on Talk 1300 radio. She has been active in the Albany Rotary since 2002 and served as the Sergeant at Arms, Chairperson of the Charity Committee, and Rotary Foundation Board Member. Ms. Scott-Barbieri is a communicant of St Pius X and is active in the Albany Diocese as a board member of the Evangelist, and member of the Ladies of Charity. Maria and Robert share the parenting responsibilities for their two sons, Michael and Charlie.
Karen Jackson, Office Manager
Karen has a total of ten years of service as an administrative support team member with funeral homes, and has been with Scott & Barbieri for the past six years. “I really enjoy working with the families we serve". Karen is married with two sons, Ryan and Kendrick. The family lives in Mayfield, where she enjoys cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Leah Kucera, Funeral Director
Licensed NYS Funeral Director since 2009 Lean has been in funeral service with Scott & Barbieri since 2011; however she gained a great deal of experience during her tenure with Frank E. Campbell-The Funeral Chapel, in New York City (where she met her husband, Peter Kucera, who also works with us.) “I feel honored to be able to assist families in creating a truly unique, meaningful tribute to a life well-lived. I am also very proud to be part of a team of talented professionals, all of whom who serve the community with genuine focus and compassion.” Leah attended the University of Wisconsin, in Oshkosh, the Milwaukee Area Technical College, and graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, in New York City, in 2008. She was born and raised in Wisconsin, enjoys baking, camping and photography. Leah also enjoys volunteering with the American Red Cross of the Northeastern New York Region.
Michael J. May, Funeral Director
License NYS Funeral Director since 1998 Michael is a graduate of SUNY Canton College where he received an AS degree in Mechanical Engineering and an AS in Mortuary Science. Michael is uniquely trained in the funeral rites and rituals of diverse cultures and religions. He is a devout Roman Catholic, a communicant of St John the Evangelist and the proud father of five children. Michael is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America, Division One, in Schenectady, and the Irish American Club.
William Morgan, Funeral Director 1940 - 2011
William was a part of The While Funeral Home for 40 years, and had close to 50 years of experience as a funeral service professional. His educational credentials included graduation from the Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science, in Syracuse, and course work in Bacteriology at that same institution. He also attended Union College, studying Psychology. William leaves four children, two step-children, and several foster children. He was very active in social organizations, including Glenville Elks, the Guan-Ho-Ha fish and Game Club, and the Scotia Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a Social Member of the Scotia Volunteer Fire Department. While he was an active member, William served as Vice President of the John Miller Hook and Ladder Company 724.
Heather J. Sano, Administrative Assistant/Monument Sales Coordinator
Heather has been with Scott & Barbieri for over six years. “I love helping families, talking with them and helping to guide them through the funeral process.” She’s come to us with a wonderful educational and experiential background. She holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting for Hartt School of Music, in West Hartford, Connecticut. “I have sometimes, been asked to share my musical talents at services – singing Amazing Grace or some other song. It’s always an honor, and a pleasure to support a family in this most personal way.” She is married, with two children, Christopher and Madelyn and is an active member of the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church.
Terry Van Valkenburgh, Funeral Director
License NYS Funeral Director since 1965 Terry comes from a long line of funeral directors which began with his grandfather, Mr. Griswold, and then his father, Mr. Van Valkenburgh. The Griswold-Van Valkenburgh legacy derives from the founding of Griswold Funeral Home in 1933. Throughout the following decades, the firm served the Schenectady community with professional, ethical service, and sensitivity. Terry is the past president of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He was on the formation committee to bring Hospice to the Schenectady Community and serviced as its first president. His is District Vice President of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, a past president and current member of the Schenectady East Rotary Club; a volunteer with the SICM Summer Lunch Program and a communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady. Terry is married and has five grown children.
Cassidy VonStettina May, Funeral Director
CASSIDY VONSTETTINA License NYS Funeral Director since 2001 Cassidy has been with Scott & Barbieri Family Funeral Homes since 2005 and comes to us from a large funeral home in New York City where she specialized in pre-arrangement workshops. Cassidy has continued her pre-arrangement lectures with local churches in the Capital District area. She is a communicant of St. John the Evangelist in Schenectady. Cassidy is married and has 4 year old twins, Grace and Peter. She loves spending time with her family and working on her wonderful farm house.
Renee Medina, Maintenance Coordinator
Renee Medina is an exemplary member of the Scott & Barbieri staff. While he has been our Maintenance Coordinator for the past three years, he also serves as our interpreter for our Spanish-speaking families. “I feel very happy about what I do. I enjoy working with the other staff members in helping to maintain the funeral homes.” He studied to become an electrician in his home of Puerto Rico, and worked as a laser technician before coming to Scott & Barbieri. Renee is married with four children, loves to travel, and is an avid Yankees fan.
Al Beverly, Funeral Assistant
1935 - 2012 Al Beverly was a beloved member of the funeral home family and worked as a Funeral Assistant with the Griswold Funeral Home for over 11 years. Al Beverly, 76, of Schenectady passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012 with his family by his side. Born in Schenectady on October 2, 1935, he was the son of the late Edward and Dorothy (nee: Gavin) Beverly. Al was a life long Woodlawn, Schenectady resident and a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. He was employed for many years for the City of Schenectady as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. He was a member of the Rotterdam Elks, Schenectady Vets Club and long standing member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 158. He was proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball and his granddaughter dance. Al will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, his honesty and straight forwardness, integrity and keen sense of humor. He was a sincere man, tough on the outside and gentle and emotional on the inside.
Ron DeWeese, Funeral Assistant/Automobile Manager
Ron has been with Scott & Barbieri for just one year, yet his service is proving to be invaluable to both our families and our staff. He has extensive experience in automotive maintenance, and keeps our fleet in exquisite running order. Ron’s personal touch as a funeral assistant during our services has meant so much to families and their guests. “I get a very good feeling about what we do here. I truly enjoy being a part of a team of true professionals.” Ron served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. Today, he is married, with three grown sons, and is looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild in 2011. He and his wife are members of the Stanford United Methodist Church, and Ron is the Current President of Church Trustees, and well as a member of the Choir. He is also active on the Board of Directors of Home Furnishings, Schenectady.
Dick Van Patten, Funeral Assistant
Dick retired in 1998 from GE in Waterford where he was a Chemical Production Engineer. He enjoyes pickle ball, travel, volunteer with LifeLine at Ellis Hospital and with the Schenecatdy Election Board. Avid Yankee Fan Marrried to Joan for 55 years he has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is a communicant at St. Joseph's Church in Scotia.