You’ve probably driven past that Federalist-style building at the corner of Nesconset Highway and Terryville Road a thousand times. It’s imposing. It’s historic. Honestly, it’s just part of the scenery in Port Jefferson Station. But there is a lot more to O.B. Davis Port Jefferson than just being a place where people go when life gets heavy.
Most folks around Brookhaven think of it as just another funeral home. They aren’t technically wrong, but they're missing the bigger picture. This isn't just a business; it is one of the oldest surviving enterprises on Long Island. We are talking about a legacy that predates the Civil War.
The Furniture Store That Became a Life Story
The year was 1858. Port Jefferson wasn't a tourist hub with overpriced gelato and ferry lines; it was a gritty shipbuilding village. E.A. Raynor took over a small business from a guy named Ambrose T. King. Back then, King was a cabinetmaker. In the 19th century, if you could build a sturdy cabinet or a dining table, you were also the person who built the coffins.
Undertaking was basically a side hustle for furniture makers.
Orlando B. Davis—the "O.B." in the name—didn't even take full control until 1914. For decades, the business operated right in the heart of the historic village. It wasn't until 1935 that the family finally decided to stop selling sofas and start focusing exclusively on funeral services. They literally split the business in half.
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Why the Location Moved to Port Jefferson Station
A lot of people ask why O.B. Davis isn't actually down by the water in Port Jefferson Village anymore. It comes down to growth. By the mid-20th century, the old village location was cramped. The Davis family saw the writing on the wall: the suburbs were expanding.
They moved to the current spot at 4839 Nesconset Highway because they needed space. The building itself is designed in that classic Federalist style, meant to feel permanent and stable. It’s a landmark in its own right now. Even after the Davis family sold the business to George M. Conway in 1972, the name stayed.
Why change a brand that had already been around for over a century?
Today, it’s part of the Dignity Memorial network. Some people get weird about "corporate" funeral homes, but honestly, it’s the local staff—people like Ralph G. Ferrara and Cindy Cavorti—who actually run the show. They’re the ones you see at the supermarket or the local diner.
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What Really Happens Behind Those Doors
Most people only see the viewing rooms. But O.B. Davis does a lot of stuff that doesn't involve traditional black suits and somber music.
- Veterans Services: They are a "Level Four Founding Community Partner" with the We Honor Veterans program. This isn't just a badge on their website. It means they actually know how to navigate the nightmare of VA paperwork.
- Catering and Lifes: This is a big shift in the industry. People don't just want coffee and dry cookies anymore. They do full-on catered events now.
- Tech Integration: They produce tribute videos and allow for remote arrangements via email.
There's a common misconception that you have to do things a certain way because "that's how it's done in Port Jeff." That’s bunk. Whether it’s a full traditional service or a simple cremation with the ashes scattered in the Long Island Sound, the options are way more flexible than they were in 1858.
The Reality of Grief in a Small Town
Living in a place like Port Jefferson or Miller Place means everybody knows everybody. When someone passes, it isn't just a private family matter; it's a community event. This creates a specific kind of pressure on a funeral home.
If they mess up, the whole town hears about it at the next PTA meeting or at the Port Jeff ferry terminal. The reputation of O.B. Davis Port Jefferson has survived since the 1850s specifically because they’ve managed to stay consistent through ownership changes and shifts in how society handles death.
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They also have sister locations in Miller Place and Centereach. This is helpful because, let’s be real, traffic on Route 112 or 25A is a nightmare. Having options helps when you’re trying to coordinate fifty cars for a procession.
Practical Steps for Local Families
If you are dealing with a loss or just trying to be a "planner" so your kids don't have to deal with it later, here is the brass tacks:
- Check the Paperwork: If you’re looking for an old obituary from the 1940s or 50s, O.B. Davis often has archives that aren't fully digitized on sites like Ancestry. It’s worth a call.
- Veterans Benefits: If the deceased was a vet, don't try to handle the honors yourself. Ask the staff about the specific military protocols they provide—they handle the flag folding and the Honor Guard coordination.
- Pre-planning: You can actually lock in prices. Inflation is hitting everything, including caskets. Doing it ahead of time is basically a hedge against the rising cost of living (or dying).
- Death Certificates: They usually handle the filing with the Town of Brookhaven. Don't waste your time trying to go to Town Hall yourself unless you enjoy waiting in lines.
The history of Port Jefferson is usually told through shipyards and pirates. But the story of how we take care of each other at the end is just as much a part of the local fabric. O.B. Davis isn't just a building on the highway; it's a 160-year-old witness to the town's evolution.