Established 125 years ago, the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home has catered to numerous celebrities, marking its place in New York’s cultural history. The funeral home is a historical landmark, serving notable figures such as John Lennon and the Notorious B.I.G. Its reputation as a high-profile funeral provider set it apart in the industry, reflecting the evolving perceptions of funerals in modern society.
The recent renovation at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home cost approximately $20 million, focusing on providing an upscale atmosphere for grieving families. The updates include a striking rooftop deck that offers panoramic views of the Upper East Side, designed to create a calming retreat amidst loss. Renovations extend throughout the five-story building, reimagining every detail to promote comfort and peace during such difficult times.
Bill Villanova emphasizes the importance of community involvement and tailored services to meet diverse client needs. The revamped funeral home aims to create an ambiance of ease and understanding, allowing families to focus on remembrance. With a rich history of serving the New York City community, the funeral home aspires to remain a cornerstone in the landscape of grief and memory.
The Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, an iconic establishment in Manhattan and a revered venue for countless memorial services, is currently undergoing a stunning renovation. This historic funeral home, renowned for hosting services for legendary figures such as Heath Ledger, John Lennon, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its transformation. With luxurious carpets, plush chairs, and state-of-the-art amenities designed for comfort, the revamped space emphasizes a serene environment for grieving families. Notably, the newly added rooftop deck provides breathtaking views of the Upper East Side, adding an unexpected charm to this emotionally charged venue. This renovation, which has reportedly cost $20 million, reflects a commitment to excellence and a modern approach to honoring lives well-lived. The Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home dates back 125 years and has established a unique place in the landscape of New York City funerals. It was the first in the nation to cater to high-profile clients and is famed for creating memorable farewells that resonate deeply with the community. Bill Villanova, the funeral director and president, emphasizes the importance of providing a dignified funeral experience for all clients, regardless of their fame. "Having a funeral is an equally and very important decision to make," he states, highlighting the need for personalized service and care. The funeral home’s history is punctuated by significant events, including the services for notable personalities who shaped music and cinema. Accessibility and comfort have been brought to the forefront in this renovation. Bill Villanova speaks about the new additions, such as advanced HVAC systems brought in by crane and elegant marble floors that invite reflection. The focus is solely on the needs of families during their times of grief. The redesigned chapel features warm Venetian plaster and a Latin crest etched with the phrase "Ne Obliviscaris," meaning "never forgotten," signifying the never-ending respect owed to the memories of departed loved ones. As the ceremony for Philip Seymour Hoffman illustrated, the firm provides an essential place of solace at the intersection of tragic loss and celebratory remembrance.I liked the old color of theoutside of the building and the interior furnishings personally, but I guess their clientele is changing and this is what the public is looking for. I do think the marble floor in the chapel is nice as is the carpeting in the rest of the building.
We of the Frank E Campbell family would like to straighten out some facts! These people are the 4th owners of Jr’s funeral home!SCI a monopoly in the funeral home industry has stolen my great great grandmother Melvina and Frank Sr’s bodies along with their two 1400 bl solid bronze sarcophagus purchased in protest of King Tuts tomb dispersal! Stolen from Bergen Crest Mausoleum in NJ and buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx in the gutter outside their existing mausoleum. They put them on the bus tour selling their services! We settled in NJ in 1680 and have a grist mill in Pea Pack that’s a landmark. My great grandmother Flora and Frankas well as my great aunt lady Katherine Bailey of England purchased the lobby and a family vault with four crypts one containing Katherine had its marker smashed off when the sarcophagus were removed leaving it unmarked. Bergen Crest Mausoleum was a pilgrimage site for the face of Jesus appearing in the stone on the facade hundreds of thousands flocked there. I’m a disabled 9-11 and bombing first what ever shopping for my own grave is how the family discovered they lied to a granddaughter in Washington State and the court in NJ. We have been forgiving to the point of patsy. SCI owns every funeral home in Manhattan you may shop around but it’s the same company except one in the village and two in Bronx . Every chain is their chain they just don’t tell who the parent company is and now 😂have stolen out right ours held in limbo for 75 years over a family fight!