When you drive down McLean Avenue on the border of Yonkers and the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, you’re basically moving through a neighborhood that lives and breathes tradition. It’s a place where Irish pubs sit next to old-school delis, and everyone seems to know everyone's business. Right in the middle of this local ecosystem sits Hodders funeral home McLean Ave Yonkers, or as the locals usually call it, "Hodder’s."
Most people don't think about a funeral home until they absolutely have to. That’s just human nature. But there is a lot of confusion about what actually happens behind those brick walls at 899 McLean Avenue. Honestly, even the name itself is a bit of a local puzzle, as the sign now reads Hodder Farenga Funeral Home.
The Name on the Sign: Why It Changed
Back in 2004, the Farenga family took over the operations of what was originally the David J. Hodder & Son Funeral Home. This wasn't just some corporate buyout by a massive conglomerate. The Farengas have been in the business since 1896. Sal Farenga and his sons are now the 5th generation running things. They’ve managed to keep the "Hodder" name because, let’s be real, in Yonkers, names matter. If you’ve lived in McLean Heights for forty years, you aren't going to a "new" place; you’re going to Hodder’s.
The building itself is a product of the 1960s. It’s got that classic, sturdy brick exterior that looks exactly like what you’d expect from a funeral home of that era. Inside, however, they’ve done a lot of work to keep it from feeling like a dusty museum. There is this massive hallway lined with solid cherry wood that connects five different chapels. It’s surprisingly big once you get inside, which is helpful because McLean Avenue wakes can sometimes turn into massive neighborhood gatherings.
What Hodders Funeral Home McLean Ave Yonkers Actually Costs
People are terrified of the "hidden costs" of dying. It’s a grim reality. While many funeral homes hide their pricing behind a "call for a quote" wall, there is some transparency to be found if you look at the 2026 market rates for the Yonkers area.
- Traditional Burial: Usually lands around $11,965. This covers the viewing, the ceremony, and the logistics.
- Full Service Cremation: This is often around $8,915. It includes the formal service but swaps the casket for an urn.
- Direct Cremation: For those who want something simple without the bells and whistles, this starts at about $2,700.
These aren't just random numbers. They reflect the high cost of operating in Westchester County, where taxes and labor aren't exactly cheap. One thing that makes this specific location on McLean Ave unique is its proximity to the Bronx border. Because they serve families from both Yonkers and the Woodlawn area of the Bronx, they have to navigate two different sets of city regulations and cultural expectations.
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The "Living Room" Vibe vs. The Chapel
Most people assume funeral homes are just rows of stiff folding chairs and smelling of lilies. At Hodder Farenga, they’ve leaned into the "lounge" concept. They recently redecorated several spaces to make them feel less like a waiting room and more like a parlor.
It sounds sorta weird to say a funeral home has a "vibe," but it does. On McLean Ave, funerals are often high-energy events. You’ll see large families from the local parishes—like St. Barnabas or St. Paul the Apostle—streaming in and out. The chapels at Hodder’s have to be flexible enough to handle a quiet, 10-person service or a 200-person "standing room only" event where people are spilling out into that cherry-wood hallway.
Personalization is No Longer Just a Buzzword
Back in the day, you picked a casket, a prayer card, and a bouquet. That was it. Nowadays, the staff at Hodders funeral home McLean Ave Yonkers (led by guys like Sal Jr. and Nick) are doing things that would have baffled directors fifty years ago.
I’ve heard of services where they played the deceased’s favorite classic rock albums or set up displays of their sports memorabilia. One local family even mentioned how the staff helped arrange a "motorcycle escort" because that’s how the person lived. It’s less about the "business of death" and more about the "business of memory."
The "Pre-Plan" Myth: Why People Wait
We all do it. We put off the uncomfortable stuff. But there’s a massive misconception that pre-planning a funeral is only for the elderly.
Actually, about 70 to 75 decisions have to be made within the first 48 hours after someone passes away. That is an insane amount of pressure to put on a grieving spouse or child. In New York, the funds for these plans are typically held in a PrePlan trust through the New York State Funeral Directors Association. It’s government-backed and earns interest.
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If you’re looking into Hodder Farenga, they usually suggest sitting down for a "no-pressure" talk. They use a system that allows you to lock in today's prices, which is a big deal considering how fast inflation hits the service industry.
Logistics: Parking and Getting There
Let’s talk about the one thing every Yonkers resident hates: parking.
McLean Avenue is a nightmare for parking on a good day. If there’s a big wake, it can be impossible. Hodders funeral home McLean Ave Yonkers actually has on-site parking, which is a godsend for that neighborhood. If you’re coming from the Bronx, you’re just a few blocks away from the Katonah Avenue area. If you’re coming from further north in Westchester, it’s a straight shot off the Saw Mill or the Deegan.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you find yourself needing to contact them or are just doing your due diligence, here is the brass tacks info:
- Verify the Location: Make sure you are heading to 899 McLean Avenue. There is another Farenga location in the Bronx (Allerton Ave) and one in Astoria, Queens. Don't end up at the wrong one.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give this to you. Look it over before you sign anything.
- Check for Veteran Benefits: The Farenga family is known for being very thorough with veterans' honors. If your loved one served, make sure you bring their DD-214 discharge papers. The funeral home can coordinate the honor guard and the flag.
- Consider the "Repast": Since Hodder’s is on McLean Ave, there are about a dozen restaurants within walking distance for the post-funeral gathering. Places like JP Clarke’s or Rory Dolan’s are staples for a reason.
Managing the end-of-life process is never going to be "easy," but knowing the history and the people behind the desk helps. It’s about trust. On McLean Avenue, that trust is earned over generations, and it seems the Farenga family is intent on keeping the Hodder legacy alive while modernizing it for the 2020s.
Next Steps for You: Check your records for any existing life insurance policies or "final expense" plans before you book an appointment. If you're looking for specific pricing on a custom urn or a specialized memorial service, you should call their direct Yonkers line at (914) 237-5800 to request a current PDF of their General Price List. This ensures you have the 2026 rates in hand before you walk through the door.