When you’re driving down Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge, it’s easy to miss the Robert Spearing Funeral Home NJ. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just sits there, a quiet fixture of the Pascack Valley that’s been around since just after World War II. Honestly, most people don't think about funeral homes until they absolutely have to, and then, suddenly, every detail matters.
I’ve noticed a lot of folks assume all funeral homes in North Jersey are basically the same—big corporate chains with revolving-door staff. That’s actually the first thing people get wrong about this place.
A History That’s Kinda Personal
Back on February 8, 1949, Robert Spearing III opened the doors here. He wasn’t just a businessman; he was a guy who had just come back from serving in the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. You’ve probably met veterans like him—disciplined, quiet, but with a deep sense of duty. He became an expert in veteran affairs because he lived it.
He and his wife, Lillian, didn't just work there. They lived there. They raised their kids in that building. Think about that for a second. The level of "skin in the game" you have when your home address is the same as your business address is something you just don't see anymore. It’s rare.
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Robert ran the show until 2003. Now, his daughter Lillian (who’s been licensed since the mid-80s) manages it alongside her sisters, Donna and Christina. It’s still a family-run operation in a world where everything else is being bought out by conglomerates.
What the Services Actually Look Like
If you're looking for a flashy, high-tech "celebration center" with neon lights, this isn't it. The Robert Spearing Funeral Home NJ is traditional. It’s peaceful. It’s meant to feel like a home because, well, it was one.
People often ask about the cost, and while I can’t give you a quote that won’t change next week, the "Basic Services of Director and Staff" usually hovers around the $3,400 mark. By the time you add in things like:
- Embalming (roughly $1,395)
- The viewing/visitation ($1,300ish)
- The hearse ($595)
- The actual ceremony ($525)
You’re looking at a total that often lands near $9,800, depending on the casket and other choices. It’s a lot of money. It always is. But it's helpful to see the breakdown so you aren't blindsided during an already terrible week.
The "Hidden" Stuff Nobody Mentions
One thing that gets overlooked is the handicap accessibility. Older buildings in Bergen County can be a nightmare for wheelchairs, but they’ve made sure this one is fully accessible. It sounds like a small detail until your 90-year-old grandmother needs to get inside to say goodbye to her brother.
The staff here also handles the logistics that most of us would forget. They deal with the social security notifications and the veteran's benefits—which, given Robert’s history, is something they take pretty seriously.
They also work closely with local florists like Park Ridge Florist or Sutton Florist. If you see a massive spray of lilies or a custom cross arrangement at a service there, it’s usually coming from one of those local spots nearby.
Realities of Planning in Park Ridge
Look, nobody wants to be at 155 Kinderkamack Road. But if you’re from Park Ridge, Montvale, or Hillsdale, this is usually where you end up. The families served here are often the same ones who have been going there for three generations.
I’ve seen obituaries for folks like Francis Oakley or Gene Shano (who made it to 100!) flow through their doors recently. It’s a cross-section of the community.
Practical Steps for Moving Forward
If you find yourself in the position of having to call a funeral home, don't just agree to everything on the first phone call.
- Ask for the GPL. Every funeral home is legally required to give you a General Price List. Get it. Read it.
- Check the Veteran Status. If your loved one served, tell the Spearing sisters immediately. There are honors and burials in national cemeteries (like BGWCD in Wrightstown) that they can help coordinate.
- Consider Pre-Planning. It feels morbid, but it honestly saves your family from having to guess what kind of casket you would’ve liked while they're crying in a conference room.
- Visit the Space. If you’re choosing between a few places in the Pascack Valley, just walk inside. You’ll know within five minutes if the "vibe" feels right for your family.
Ultimately, the Robert Spearing Funeral Home NJ exists for that one specific, difficult moment. It’s a small-town staple that relies on its reputation because in a place like Park Ridge, everyone knows everyone.
To start the process, your first step is to gather any existing life insurance policies and discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable. Once you have those, call the director to set up an initial consultation where you can review the General Price List in person and discuss specific cultural or religious needs.