Annual Convention

Industry professionals gathered in Saratoga Springs, NY for the NYSFDA Annual Convention August 18-20, 2025. The event brought more than 400 funeral directors, guests and exhibitors to the New York State’s summer place to be.

“An organization’s Annual Convention is an opportunity for members to come together, recognize group and individual milestones, earn necessary CEUs, and nurture professional and personal relationships,” said Michael Lanotte, Executive Director. “This year’s Convention in Saratoga did this and more. Participants gathered, shared, learned, and celebrated – all in three days. And perhaps most importantly, they allowed themselves the necessary time to rest and recharge so they can return home and better serve families and their communities.”

During the Association’s Annual Banquet on Tuesday, August 19 Michael J. Gorton, Jr., CFSP of McManus-Lorey Funeral Home in Medford, was installed NYSFDA President. A New York State licensed funeral director for nearly 30 years, Gorton will serve for the 2025-26 term.

“I am humbled and excited to serve as the next NYSFDA President,” said Gorton. “The team of officers, board members, staff and I are ready to work in the best interest of YOU the funeral directors and funeral firms of this great state. Bring forward your questions; I will listen, and we’ll do our best to answer. I will honorably carry the torch of those who have held it before me.”

Other officers installed at NYSFDA's Annual Meeting:

  • President-Elect: Mark J. Nolan, Nolan Funeral Home, Inc., Northport
  • Treasurer: David A. Parente, CPC, McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc., Albany
  • Secretary: Michelle Ironside Kinville, Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., Oneida
  • Immediate Past President: Scott C. Hendrix, Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Ilion

This year’s program included several dynamic general session presenters on topics critical to the success of the funeral service industry. The Convention opened with Kathy Dempsey, President of Keep Shedding Inc. and Founder of The Shedding Revolution, providing strategies to address emerging trends and discover innovative approaches to serve diverse clientele and provide meaningful experiences. Following Dempsey, body language expert Jan Hargrave shared with participants how they could maximize productivity by tapping into the power of their mind. Rounding out Monday's educational sessions, addiction keynote speaker Brandon Novak mesmerized attendees with his personal story of sobriety.

In addition to the general sessions, the convention offered an array of industry specific educational topics for licensed funeral directors and mortuary science students. Plus, a trade show for attendees and their guests with more than 50 exhibiting companies showcasing caskets and urns, hearses, software and technology, and other funeral related services and items.

Nationally recognized presenters in the funeral services industry included Thomas Fuller of the NYS Bureau of Funeral Directing, “The Director of Death who Speaks the Language of Life” Justin Zabor, CFSP, modern embalmer Dominick Astorino, hospice bereavement specialist and licensed funeral director Eileen Clinton, others. Educational topics covered the power of Meta platforms, strategies for recruitment and interviewing, embalming challenging cases, FTC compliance and business law, and more.

“It was a successful event full of motivation and friendship. We had record turnout, exceptional education sessions and lots of opportunities to network socially and professionally,” said Lanotte.

Thank You Sponsors!

Diamond

Educational programming provided by the NYS Tribute Foundation, thanks in part to Franklin O.L. Steinberg’s generous donation. Free member registration made possible by PrePlan Funeral Trust. Plus, the Strolling Brunch on the Trade Show floor is a highlight each year.

Gold 

ConnectLife/Center for Donation & Transplant/Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network
Lions Eye Bank of the Northeast
McManus-Lorey Funeral Home
Nassau-Suffolk FDA / Friends of Michael Gorton, Jr, CFSP
Valor Technical Cleaning

Silver 

American Funeral Consultants, Inc.
Directors Choice Credit Union
Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions
OneGroup

Bronze 

Abigal
Batesville Casket Company
The Bonadio Group
funeralOne
National Funeral Directors Association
S&S Coach Company
TribuCast

Partner

Bona Vita Benefits Group
Miller Printing
Precious Memories

Friend

Air Esscentials
Florence Casket Company
ST. JOHN