Acacia Park Cemetery Association provides one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Western New York. This has been brought about by the mutual understanding and cooperation of all those interested in Acacia Park Cemetery, especially the cemetery space owners, the persons holding the right to be interred therein and the families of such persons.

To maintain the beauty and dignity of the cemetery, it is necessary to have rules and regulations to guide the operation of the cemetery grounds. Every Certificate of Title issued by Acacia Park Cemetery contains a provision that the purchaser takes his cemetery space subject to the rules and regulations then in force and also those, which may be adopted in the future. These rules and regulations are as binding upon purchaser as though they were incorporated in the lot owner’s Certificate of Title.

No rule or regulation has ever been or will be made which is not designed to benefit the persons interested in Acacia Park Cemetery individually and collectively. Experience has shown that it is only by a strict observance of these necessary rules and regulations by all persons that the standards, which people have come to expect of Acacia Park Cemetery, may be maintained. All persons are required to observe the rules and regulations. In order to maintain uniformity and preserve the beauty of Acacia Park Cemetery we reserve the right to change or modify the rules and regulations, which are designed in the best interest of Acacia Park Cemetery and its lot owners.

The general maintenance of the cemeteries and grounds, designed to improve and maintain their appearance and condition, shall be the responsibility of the Cemetery. It shall include such items as the upkeep of drives, buildings, fences, spring and fall cleanup, raking of leaves, and the general mowing of grass pursuant to the published mowing schedule.

These regulations are designed to preserve the appearance and dignity of garden and mausoleum areas that mean so much to so many people. Grave and niche decorations should honor our loved ones. When they lack beauty, order and neatness, they fall short of this goal.

For the safety of all parties, please review the following.

Fresh cut flowers may be placed at the gravesite in ground level cemetery vases throughout the year. For special requests concerning birthdays, anniversary or important dates, contact the cemetery office for any exceptions.

Placement of artificial flowers (plastic & silk) is permitted only in company approved vases. Exceptions are made for Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Armistice (or Veteran's Day). These decorations will be removed within 10 days following the holiday. Christmas wreaths will be removed at Spring Clean-up.

We encourage the use of fresh flowers in the mausoleum areas. When placing an arrangement on the floor of the mausoleum, care should be taken not to create a trip hazard for other visitors or cemetery staff. If an arrangement is determined to be a hazard by management, the items will be removed by the cemetery staff.

What do I say?

No matter what your means of expressing your sympathy, it is important to clearly identify yourself to the family. In addition to expressing sympathy, it is appropriate, if desired, to relate to family members your fond memories of the deceased. In some cases, family members may simply want you to be a good listener to their expressions of grief or memories of the deceased. In most circumstances, it is not appropriate to inquire as to the cause of death.

When in person, sympathy should be expressed by clasping hands, an embrace, or simple statement of condolence like:

"My sympathy to you."

"It was good to know John."

"John was a fine person and friend. He will be missed."

"My sympathy to you and your mother."

Do I send flowers or gifts?

It is completely up to you and depends on the closeness of your relationship with the family or the deceased. You can send flowers to the funeral home prior to the funeral, or to the family residence at any time. Florists know what is appropriate to send in the funeral context.

Gifts in memory of the deceased are often made, particularly when the family has requested gifts in lieu of flowers. The family is notified of the gifts by a personal note from the charity or other organization.

Even if you don't make a gift, a note or card to the deceased's family expressing your thoughts of the deceased is a welcome gesture, especially if you weren't able to attend the funeral.

Do I need to be invited to a funeral service or can anyone attend?

Anyone can go. A funeral service is open to anyone, unless the family requests that it is a private ceremony.

Do I have to wear black?

No, wearing colorful clothing is no longer inappropriate for relatives and friends. Most people choose formal clothes like a suit, and men normally wear a tie.

Can children attend a funeral service?

Yes, but toddlers and babies can be disruptive, especially if it's a long service. You can take older children if they want to go. It's a good idea to prepare them beforehand so they know what to expect.

Who travels with the funeral procession?

When the funeral ceremony and the burial are both held within the local area, it is appropriate for friends and relatives to accompany the family to the cemetery.

How can I help my friend?

On of the best ways you can help your friend is to allow them to feel what they want to feel. They may feel anger, guilt or fear. Let them talk these feelings through with you-don't try to stop them, because you think they are irrational.

What takes place at the cemetery?

The casket is normally placed beside the grave, prior to when all the mourners gather at the gravesite. People then gather around the casket to listen to the rites of burial given by the clergy. Following the clergy's remarks, family members may place a flower on the casket.

Do I approach the casket? If so, what do I do?

The decision of whether or not to approach the casket is a very individual one. It is not required or considered rude if you decide against it. Many people find that viewing the deceased helps you to accept the loss and move on. If you decide to approach the casket, use that time to say your goodbyes and pay your respects.

Keep in mind that there are often long lines to follow and everyone deserves their moment with the deceased.

What do I do when I arrive at the funeral service?

When you arrive, quietly take a seat if the service is being held in a church or chapel. The first few rows are usually reserved for the immediate family and the casket bearers. There may be an opportunity during the service for you to share some words about the deceased. If the ceremony is being held at the interment site, seating is usually only available for the immediate family.

How often do I stay in touch?

Remember that grief doesn't go away in a few short weeks. Even one year may not be long enough to adjust to changes in your life. So, a friend who calls in three, six or 12-months time may be one of the few who still asks how things are going. Special days like birthdays or Christmas may be just the time to pick up the phone and say, "I was thinking of you today."

Staff members of Acacia Park Cemetery are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff and we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations.

You will join a dedicated team of people throughout who are united by a single vision, to be a provider of choice for the cemetery and to provide our customers with a complete range of cemetery related products at the best quality and value, while at the same time creating a meaningful services.

Our employees bring their individual skill, talent and diversity together to create a team that is focused on quality, sound business practice and positive relationships with others. Because of our diversity we offer a variety of working arrangements, employee benefits and services that strive to help employees meet their personal and professional needs.

Sales Professional

We have an opening for a Sales Professional who will work in partnership with funeral directors and other supporting department personnel to produce prearranged cemetery arrangements . High-powered individual will be responsible for working directly with families and assisting with cemetery arrangements, prospect and obtain leads, present and build relationships in the community, achieve sales goals and work well independently or with a team. Our goal is to demonstrate exemplary customer service through teamwork, and compassion while dedicated to exceeding customers expectations. Valid driver’s license required.

Maintenance

The Company provides a comprehensive training program which includes an introduction to the cemetery-care industry, equipment usage/maintenance, lawn maintenance procedures, excavation, safety, and service preparation. If you would be interested in seasonal or full time employment, please contact our office 716.692.0511 x1600 or submit your request on our "Contact Us" page with the appropriate title of position for which you are applying.