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Immediate Need — Call 24/7

A Death Has Occurred

Call us now. A funeral director will help identify the immediate steps for the location and circumstances.

For immediate assistance, call (718) 282-1164.

Do not wait for an email response when the need is urgent. If there is an emergency or the death is unexpected and has not been attended by a medical professional, call 911 or follow the direction of local authorities first.

What to tell us when you call

Share your name and phone number, the name of the person who died, where the death occurred, and which medical facility, hospice, care provider, or public authority is involved. If you do not know an answer, say so. The funeral director will explain which information is needed next.

What happens after the first call

We will review the immediate circumstances, explain the transfer or coordination steps that apply, and schedule an arrangement conversation. The family can then discuss service structure, burial or cremation, clergy or ceremonial preferences, obituary information, merchandise, documents, and timing.

Do not send sensitive information through the website

The online form is useful for a non-urgent follow-up, but it does not replace a phone call or finalize arrangements. Do not submit Social Security numbers, payment information, medical records, or other unnecessary sensitive information.

Options and considerations

Understanding A Death Has Occurred

Death at home

Call 911 for an unexpected death. For an expected home death under hospice or medical care, follow the provider’s instructions and call the funeral home.

Death in a hospital or care facility

Notify the staff which funeral home you have selected and call Blair-Mazzarella so coordination can begin.

Death away from home

Contact us promptly so we can discuss domestic or international coordination with the appropriate local parties.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about a death has occurred

Do I need to visit the funeral home before calling?

No. Call first so a funeral director can explain the immediate steps and arrange an appropriate time to meet.

What documents should I find?

Start with identification, basic biographical information, any prearrangement records, military discharge papers if applicable, and cemetery information. We will explain what is needed for your situation.

Can I use the contact form instead?

For immediate assistance, call. The form is not monitored as an emergency channel and should not delay time-sensitive coordination.

Available by phone 24/7

We Are Here When You Need Us

Call for immediate assistance, ask a funeral director a question, or begin a thoughtful preplanning conversation.