Green Burial in Rochester, NY
Thomas Funeral Chapels arranges green burial for families throughout the Rochester area, connecting them with partner cemeteries that support natural, unembalmed burial in biodegradable caskets or shrouds. As a third-generation, family-owned funeral home serving Rochester since 1929, we guide families through a simple, environmentally gentle return to the earth, with two experienced, licensed funeral directors handling every detail.
A Natural, Meaningful Alternative
Green burial, sometimes called natural burial, is a return to a simpler way of laying someone to rest. The body is not embalmed, and instead of a metal casket and concrete vault, a biodegradable casket, wicker coffin, or burial shroud made from natural materials is used. Many families are drawn to green burial because it feels closer to nature and asks less of the earth, while others simply prefer its simplicity to a more elaborate traditional service.
A green burial typically includes:
- No chemical embalming
- A biodegradable casket, wicker coffin, or natural fiber shroud
- No concrete or metal burial vault
- Burial at a cemetery with a natural or green burial section
If you are still deciding whether this approach is right for your family, our page on what is green burial walks through the choice in more depth.
How Thomas Funeral Chapels Arranges Green Burial
Thomas Funeral Chapels does not operate its own cemetery, so green burial is arranged at partner cemeteries in the Rochester area that offer natural burial sections. Our role is to handle every arrangement detail on your behalf, from coordinating with the cemetery to preparing the required paperwork, so your family can focus on being together.
A green burial can still include the parts of a service that matter most to your family, including a visitation, a graveside gathering, or a traditional funeral service beforehand. Because we are family-owned and independent, every arrangement is built around what your family wants, without pressure toward any particular option.
Is Green Burial Legal in New York?
Yes, green burial is legal in New York State. State law does not require embalming, and cemeteries that allow it may permit burial without a vault, which is why biodegradable caskets and shrouds are an option here. A burial permit and death certificate are still required for any disposition, and our team takes care of that paperwork as part of your arrangement, so there is nothing you need to research or file yourself.
What to Expect When Choosing Green Burial
Families sometimes worry that choosing a simpler, more natural burial means giving up meaningful parts of a service. That isn't the case. Because embalming is not part of the process, a visitation or viewing is often held soon after death, and many families still gather to share memories beforehand.
Personalization remains fully available with green burial, including:
- Tribute videos and photo displays
- Memorial keepsakes
- Life celebrant-led services
- Livestreaming for family who cannot travel
If you are considering arranging this in advance, our pre-planning options let you record these wishes now, so your family has clear guidance later.
Why Rochester Families Choose Thomas Funeral Chapels
Thomas Funeral Chapels has served Rochester families since 1929, and our family's history now spans three generations. The firm was founded by Thomas A. Polvino and is continued today by his daughter, Lana Polvino Sullivan, and grandson, Gregory Thomas Sullivan, both licensed funeral directors. Lana has guided families for more than thirty years, and Gregory brings over fifteen years of experience to every arrangement.
Being family-owned and independent means every decision here, including how we arrange green burial, is made with your family's wishes first. It's part of why families have rated us 4.89 stars across 57 reviews. You can read more about why families choose us on our website.
Serving the Charlotte Neighborhood and Greater Rochester
Thomas Funeral Chapels is rooted in the Charlotte neighborhood, a historic lakeside community at the mouth of the Genesee River on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Charlotte served as Rochester's own port before it was annexed by the city in 1916, and it remains home to Ontario Beach Park and the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, an 1822 lighthouse still standing today as one of the oldest on Lake Ontario.
That local history matters to us because it's our home, too. We're proud to extend green burial arrangements and every other service we offer to families throughout Rochester and the wider Monroe County area. You can see the full reach of our services on our page about our Monroe County home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Burial in Rochester, NY
What is green burial and how is it different from a traditional funeral?
Green burial, also called natural burial, returns the body to the earth without embalming chemicals, a metal casket, or a concrete vault. A biodegradable casket or shroud is used instead. It is simpler than a traditional funeral but can still include a visitation, service, or graveside gathering, depending on what the family wants.
Is green burial legal in New York State?
Yes. Green burial is legal in New York. State law does not require embalming, and burial without a vault is permitted at cemeteries that allow it. A burial permit and death certificate are still required for any disposition, and Thomas Funeral Chapels handles that paperwork for every family we serve.
Does Thomas Funeral Chapels have its own cemetery for green burial?
No. Thomas Funeral Chapels does not operate an on-site cemetery or crematory. We arrange green burial at partner cemeteries in the Rochester area that offer natural burial sections, and our licensed funeral directors coordinate every detail of the arrangement on the family's behalf.
Can my family still have a visitation before a green burial?
Yes. Many families choose a visitation or small gathering before a green burial, often held soon after death since embalming is not part of the process. Our team can also arrange livestreaming so out-of-town relatives can take part, along with keepsakes or a tribute video to personalize the service.
How do I get started with planning a green burial in Rochester?
Call Thomas Funeral Chapels at (585) 663-3837 any time, day or night, and one of our licensed funeral directors will walk you through the options available at our partner cemeteries. We can help whether you are planning ahead or need to make arrangements for a loved one right away.
Planning a Green Burial? We're Here to Help
Choosing green burial is a personal decision, and our team is ready to answer your questions whenever you're ready to talk. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or arranging a service for someone you love, Thomas Funeral Chapels is here to listen and guide you with care. Call us at (585) 663-3837. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
