What Families Are Saying

We know it is the highest form of trust when a family calls us to care for their loved one. We often receive thank you notes from the families we serve, some of those are below. We consider each one of these heartfelt testimonials an affirmation of our integrity, commitment and skill displayed to those families who entrusted their loved one to the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home. 

Through compassionate, personalized care, we strive every day to exceed the highest of expectations.

Testimonials:

On behalf of me and my entire family I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for us during this very difficult time.
 
You are an exception man with a huge heart. You went above and beyond for me and my family and for that I am eternally grateful. I could not have made it throughout this experience without your thoughtful guidance.
 

 

Thank you does not represent the feelings I have for what you did for us.               ~ Family of Brandon DeBold

Two small words cannot begin to express our sincere gratitude for all the comfort, care, love & support you brought to us during our last journey with our beloved Aurora. Knowing that she was in your loving care brought us great comfort. Thank you, your presence and care during our most difficult time will be remembered always.

Dear Harry,

  I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for everything you did to help make this terrible ordeal easier for my brother Gary Van Velson.  Your professionalism and the amazing work you did ,to make Sue look how we were used to seeing her, made it easier on all of us.  Thank you again for being such a caring person to people in their darkest times.

 Sincerely, Darlene Hewitt and family of Susan Van Velson, Ulster Park, NY

 

We just wanted to say thank you again to Harry and his staff for the incredible job that they did when our dad/husband passed away this month. Harry made everything effortless and took care of us as if we were family- from all of the arrangements, obituary, flowers, tombstone, and all the extra details. It was an extra comfort for us knowing that his wake was the only one there keeping it more personal and private. Again, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The Family of Daniel T. Landi - Betty Landi, Anne Gogg and Cindy Rapp, Kingston, NY

 

We've thanked you countless times but it still does not seem like it's enough. We appreciate so much all the care you gave to our father and the guidance you gave our mother. You put together a ceremony that our father would have been proud of. On top of that, you made the entire process so easy during a time that has been so difficult for our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The Family of Richard Shultis, Ulster Park, NY

 

Thank you, Harry, for giving Bobby a beautiful send-off, You shine with professionalism and compassion! We are fortunate that you and Kathy were good friends and that she felt so comfortable to entrust you to take care of her dad on his last journey! We have the greatest respect and admiration for you! Jean Steuding, Kingston, NY

 

Dear Harry, Our hearts were breaking with the passing of our son Steve, but with your love and understanding that you provided made this difficult time more comforting to all of us. A funeral home is NOT just a funeral home! It has to be a place where someone can feel comfortable about leaving their loved ones and you and Gilpatric-VanVliet did just that! I knew right from the start that Steve was in a good place and that you were going to take excellent care of him. With your kindness, love, compassion and professionalism you turned a very sad time into a day that we were all proud of . You are not just a funeral director Harry you are a friend to all . You certainly took the extra step to make sure our family was well taken care of and with such empathy. We thank you and your staff from the bottom of our hearts for taking such wonderful care of our son ! With our warmest love : Patty & Fred Robinson, Becky and Freddie, Ulster Park, NY.

Harry Van Vliet is the nicest and most professional funeral director.... He helped our family through a very difficult time and was greatly appreciated. Bonnie O'Connor, Kingston, NY

Thank you for all you have done-above and beyond. God Bless. The Lent Family, Port Ewen, NY

I can not say enough good things about the care we received from Harry when planning the service for Joe. From the minute I went to see him, concerning arrangements, he literally took over and made sure every single thing was done the way we wanted. The services were beautiful and you can feel the care and compassion just being in his funeral home. Thank you again Harry for laying Joe to rest in such a peaceful, beautiful way...Linda Kelderhouse, Ulster Park, NY

The assistance & care we received was incredible. To say they went above and beyond would be an understatement. Thank you for being there for Our Family. Tommy Lent, Jr., Kerhonkson, NY

Thank you Harry for helping us with all the arrangements you went above and beyond helping us through a rough time . I would recommend your services to everyone. Thank you again. Tom Snow, Saugerties, NY

Just a quick note to say thank you for taking such great care of my mom - she looked beautiful. We appreciate all of your help and guidance from beginning to end. Dot Osterhoudt, Ed Banks and family, Connelly, NY

Thank you so much for orchestrating such a wonderful funeral . Many blessings! Thank you, The Gays, Barnes & the Knox family of Sleightsburgh, NY

 

Thank you so much for all your help with mom's funeral service. Thanks also for making the special prayer cards for us with mom's poem. Joyce Pade & Paula & Neil, Ulster Park, NY

 

On behalf of Josie Gallagher's family, I want to thank you for all you did for us.  You were so helpful and went above and beyond. I could go on. But the most important thing, Harry, was how genuinely kind & compassionate you were and are to us at such a sad time. Thank you, Mary Connelly, Maryland

 

I want to give you my heartfelt thanks for all you've done for me and my family in this very difficult time. You made us feel very comfortable in helping us with everything. You really go above and beyond. Jerry certainly made the right choice in choosing you. I sing your praises to everyone. Sincerely, Joan Tierney, Hurley, NY

 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow will mark the two week anniversary of my dad's passing. Our heartfelt gratitude to you from the first call to you in the middle of the wee hours to the many more conversations, visits and planning. The wake and funeral were beyond our expectations. Your kindness, skill and attention to every detail will be long remembered. Sincerely, Barbara Ryan, Kingston, NY.

 

Thank you so much for everything you did to ease the pain of the loss of my brother. You restored him to the Jerry he was before he became ill and I am so grateful. The funeral was managed with class and as he deserved. Sincerely, Joan Mc Weeney, Kingston, NY

 

Thank you so much for your care, comfort & compassion at our time of sorrow.  Jerry Tierney was my first cousin & like my brother. It was very difficult to watch him in pain. But due to your attention to every detail, my last memory picture will be a peaceful & young Jerry that I remember. He looked exactly like when he was young! You have a special talent & I thank you sincerely for all you did. Sincerely, Maureen DeLuca, Kingston, NY.

 

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you so very much for taking care of my nephew, Michael, so well. Thank you for your patience with us through this difficult process & for taking such care with every detail. I never doubted you would do a great job, as I know your character, but you did extremely well beyond all of the family's expectations.  (The family of Michael P. Knowles, Lake Katrine, NY)

 

We tried to give you 6 stars, but that was not an option! Thank you for the wonderful care you provided to our family in our time of sorrow. (Pat Schiskie, Port Ewen, NY)

 

Harry, thank you for the wonderful service you and your staff provided for my brother. You are blessed with a kind heart and wonderful personality. Thanks so much (Mike Schiskie, Port Ewen, NY)

 
Thank you so much to Harry for helping my family in our time of need. My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly on Thanksgiving day. Harry went above and beyond to assist us and ensured that my father-in-law was cared for with respect and dignity. He gave our family the opportunity to say goodbye in a meaningful way, and we will always be grateful for that. (Jamie Carson, Pine Plains, NY

Dear Harry~ Thank you so much for your kindness, thoughtfulness and professionalism shown to our family during a very sad and difficult time. You did a wonderful job and it is greatly appreciated! Love~ Barbara, Mark & Jen, Travis and Anna (the family of Harold Lemister), Kingston, NY

Amazing staff, beautiful and professional services always!! I highly recommend Harry and his establishment. He has been wonderful for any and all services for my entire family and friends. (Melissa Lynn Banks, Kingston, NY)

 

It has taken me some time to regroup from my father’s passing and now I want to share my experience with you...My Dad {Donald V. Eigo, Sr.} had prepaid for his funeral service for some time now with Harry and it was the smartest and most stress-free decision I think we have ever made. Harry handled my father’s passing with the most sincere compassion and respect and lifted all of the burden completely off of us. Thanks to Harry, my father looked like he was sleeping peacefully...I was so amazed and satisfied with the results that I felt a sense of calm and pride at the same time...our service was not one of crying and mourning but one of celebration and story-telling of my Dad's life. My partners mother passed away just two weeks prior to my Dad and Harry was on top of everything...he brought her up from the Bronx and gave her a loving and respectful service that we hadn't planned for since her illness was short lived. The ironic part here is that our parents were in the funeral home at the exact same time...Harry is one of the nicest and most professional businessmen that I have ever worked with...if you are ever in need of funeral services, he is your man...you and your family will not be disappointed. The funeral home is very tastefully decorated which creates a very soothing atmosphere. I cannot say enough good things about this man and am now happy to call him my friend. My Dad would have been very proud of his service both in the funeral home and at the cemetery. Thank you for arranging the military honors, it would have made my Dad very proud to be a Marine...Semper Fi... Donn Eigo, Jr., Palenville, NY

 

My father passed away May 13th, 2014. Harry did a excellent job with the arrangements and helping me and my family through this tough time. Thank you Harry your awesome! thanks again each day gets a little better. Cindi Steele, Eddyville, NY

 

My father recently passed away and Harry did an exemplary job handling the arrangements. His compassion and understanding helped us through a very difficult time. Rose Matera Gigliello, Esopus, NY

 

Dear Harry: Thank you once again for doing a superb job. We appreciate all of your kindness and caring. I loved what you said about why you do what you do. We are glad you are here in our time of need. Ingrid, Les and Caroline Wood, Ulster Park, NY

 

Thank you so much for all the help you have given us with Ted's funeral. He would have been so pleased with everything. Joyce Pade & Family, Ulster Park

 

Thank you for your help with all of moms arrangements making everything go as smooth as possible. Thank you again! Family of Darlene Cafaldo, Esopus, NY

 

First on all I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for my brother and family. I am so honored and totally satisfied with how you and your staff handled his funeral and going home ceremony. Besides being a friend you and your staff were totally professional at every step of the way. You did not miss a beat. His home going and your work will forever be etched in my mind and I am sure as well as others. Hassan Bilal (Brother of Mikal Knox), Sleightsburgh, NY

 

Thank you for taking such great care of my Gram and making sure myself, and my family were taken care of and okay. I appreciate everything you have done for us. You do a great job. Thank you again. Laryssa Lent, Port Ewen, NY

 

I want to thank Harry VanVliet for the outstanding job he did with my mom and for my family. Everything was just as she wanted it, and you made everyone feel at home and comfortable during one of the hardest nights of my life....saying good bye to my mom. Everything was perfect....despite we didn't have power for an hour and a half...you still managed to make this very difficult time a little easier and went out of your way to find a way to have some light for us until the power came back on. So...thank you again Harry and Gina for you have done. With love from, Dale Reynaud, Bill Pustarfi, Nadina Pustarfi Apostolo, Dee Ramos, Debrara Sky, Jeremy Reynaud and the rest of Nancy Bradley's family. Dale Bradley-Reynaud, Port Ewen, NY

 

I have never met a more compassionate, caring, wonderfully orchestrated home in my life. Harry was my savior during the most stressful time of my life and I shall be forever grateful. Angela Lutomski, Ulster Park, NY

 

My mom Linda Stanley passed away December 30, 2013 after a very long hard battle with cancer. No light came out of the sky when my mom passed, there was no beautiful moment watching my dad, 51 years married losing his wife, his life partner. We went to Harry VanVliet IV the next day to set up arrangements. It was all a blurr until the moment Harry put his hand on my dads back and said to him "Don't worry, "I got her, I will take care of her" and I knew in my heart Harry would "have her" and take care of mom.   Thank you Harry because you took care of my mom but you really took care of my dad more than you know. Our hearts our broken but knowing how you honored my mom is much appreciated ... And Cheryl thanks you too. Janice Stanley, Saugerties, NY

 

We want to say thank you for your care, compassion, and respect during this very difficult time. You have set a very high marker for others to try to meet in your profession. Judy West & Family, Port Ewen, NY

 

Harry, you really made a very difficult time so much easier for my family and me. Your genuine caring and attention to every little detail made us feel so special. My mom's services were by far the best I've ever attended or been a part of. My final memories of her are beautiful ones. Thank you SO much!!! Susan (Aurigemma) Black, Esopus, NY

 

On behalf of Jean Spath's entire family, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to you and your staff for all of the services and support you provided to assist us during our time of grief. From the initial phone call immediately following her death to having her date inscribed on her tomb stone, every aspect of Jean's funeral arrangements were handled with professionalism, compassion, dignity and a sense of urgency. We could not have been more pleased. Jill and Eric Hansen, Ulster Park, NY

 

Our family would like to thank you for all the guidance you provided us when we needed you. You were there every time we called no matter when or what the concern was. You were truly a friend in need. I cannot say enough about your service as a person or as a funeral home. Thanks again. Lillian Wesley, Wes Monica, Kathy Robinson, Sleightsburgh, NY

 

Harry, once again, you did an amazing job. Grammie looked beautiful! (her's was the 2nd service I had been to at your facility; but it was because of the fabulous job you had done with the 1st, that we chose you). The arrangements were perfect. You made everything so comfortable for the family. I am very thankful.  Jodi Villielm, Ulster Park, NY

 

Thank you for all of your kindness in our difficult situation. You went above and beyond and we appreciate everything you have done. Ingrid, Les & Caroline Wood, Ulster Park, NY (Family of Derek Wood)

 

We could not be any happier with the services you provided for our dear mother, Jane D. Lindberg. You helped us carry out her every wish. She wanted style, laughter, a light atmosphere, and BALLOONS (!) and that is what you gave us. You treated all of us with kindness and compassion in our worst moments. We loved that you let the grandchildren be involved by placing memento’s and photos where ever they saw fit. I know she is smiling down on us. Many Thanks.. Nancy and Russ Kell, Diann and John Keyser, and Jon Lindberg, Kingston, NY

 

I wanted to say thanks from my whole family for the wonderful job you did with my Uncle Bob's funeral arrangements. Everything was done just the way Hec lived his life...with grace, simplicity & warmth. Thank you. This is really the first funeral I've ever taken part in and I was very impressed with your website. I never knew such things existed, It was great to hear from friends and family who were unable to make it but had an opportunity to send condolences & well wishes. I noticed that you leave the obituaries online for some time which makes me happy to know that I can revisit the write up (and emails) regarding Bob from time to time. Thanks again, Annie Bruhn Demosthenes & the Bruhn Family, Kingston, NY

 

A special thank-you to Harry VanVliet IV and the staff of Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home for the professional services provided to the family of Joe Asaro. Your compassion and friendly atmosphere offered a fitting environment for us to say goodbye to Joe. Many thanks for all the little things you did to make it as comfortable as possible. Thank you again. Cliff & Theresa Tremper & Family, Kingston, NY

 

Harry, Thank you for all you did to make things easier.  My family and I really appreciate everything. We are so grateful.  Don and Kathy Kiernan & Family, Ulster Park, NY

 

Harry, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me and my sister's. You went out of your way when my dad passed away to help my family. Then my brother in-law made the phone call to tell you that we lost our mother. You came right to the house and helped me and my sister's. I remember when I walked in the door and tryed to explain to you about my grandchildren and you said to me no worries Pam this is home. Harry with out your love and help I don't think me and my sister's could have done this. Thank you for making my parents Funeral Services easy and worry free on us and making us feel right at home. Thank you.  The daughters of Lorraine & Lou Linn, Port Ewen, NY

 

My dear Harry, Thank you forever for all you did. Kathyrn Bowden

 

Dear Harry, Thank you so much for going above and beyond in assisting us with arrangements for my dad's ceremony at the Saratoga National Cemetery.  You made an otherwise complicated endeavor go smoothly and it was very much appreciated.

I would gladly recommend your services to anyone needing a kind, respectful and compassionate director during a very trying time in their lives. Barbara Crewell

 

Harry ~ Words cannot express our appreciation for you during planning and performing Mom's memorial. Once again, your compassion and integrity showed every step of the way and you made the process a little easier for us. It takes a special person to do what you do, and your passion for your work consistently shines through. The Family of Eileen Johnson, Ulster Park, NY

 

Harry, Thank you for all the work you have done for my family during the most difficult trial my wife and I have ever endured. Timothy E. Bunch & family, Accord, NY

 

Harry, We can't thank you enough for your kindness during this painful & sad time.  We are grateful for all that you have done for us and for my father.  thank you for taking such good care of us and everything else. Helena Gaczynska, Kim & Steve Ruschak, Kingston, NY

 

Dear Harry, I just feel the need to write & tell you what a wonderful job you did for my brother Sal Carrado. I don't think I ever saw anyone look so good at peace. So much so, it was if he was sleeping. Everything about the funeral including your mannerism was excellent. It meant so much to me & my family. Thank you so much. Marie Christiana & Family, Saugerties, NY