(315) 699-3913
Where To Begin?
Please review the following information, and browse the design galleries.
When you are ready, contact us to discuss your particular situation.
We will be pleased to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you, either at your home, at the cemetery or at one of our area display locations.
There is never an obligation.
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For your appointment, please call
(315) 699-3913
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A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
TO CREATING A UNIQUE AND LASTING TRIBUTE
IMPORTANT:
Selecting a permanent memorial is not as simple as online shopping.
It takes planning and knowledge of the individual cemetery requirements.
Also, cemeteries often require memorial manufactures and installers to carry insurance in order to operate on their grounds. There are websites from out-of-state and foreign companies offering memorials, but they do not provide installation of their products. Further, most cemeteries will not do the installation for them.
​​We live and work locally, we carry the proper insurance, and know our area cemeteries. We are here to serve the Syracuse and the Central New York communities by providing unique and quality offerings, and most importantly by giving guidance throughout the steps involved.
Step 1
Review Cemetery Requirements
The cemetery may have requirements that will determine the type (style), size, material, and even the design of a memorial. Before any planning begins, we will contact the cemetery, without cost or obligation, to determine their particular guidelines. With this information, we will be able to provide you options, and be able to provide the best and most efficient service.
Step 2
Planning and Personalization
Reflecting on the uniqueness of the person and/or persons being memorialized, we will present various design options.
At no charge, concept renderings will be created and you will be able to see the possibilities.
The cost of the memorial will be determined by the color of granite, the size and finish, and the design elements. A complete cost estimate will be presented for your review, and we will have various options to keep within your budget.
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Step 3
Finalizing the Design and Approval
When the design is approved, we will finalize the proposal, and contact the cemetery to have a required concrete foundation installed, and will confirm positioning and that the design is accepted by them.
A deposit will be required at this time, which will include the cemetery fee.
Step 4
Completion and Installation
We will make every effort to complete the memorial as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest of standards.
We understand that this is an emotional time, and we know the importance of communication.
We will always be available to you.
MONUMENT GALLERY
Monuments, often called Upright Monuments, consist of two pieces of granite. A tablet, which will have the name(s), dates and design, is fastened to a granite piece, referred to as a base.
Although granite tablets and bases come in various thicknesses, our standard is 8"; 2" greater than the standard size offered by many suppliers.
Most standard designs will stand between 32" to 40", and can be customized to your preferences.
The weight of an average sized monument will range between 1000 to 2000 lbs.
A concrete foundation rest below the monument for support.
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Presented are just a few of the many design options for monuments.
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SLANT MARKER GALLERY
Slant Markers are memorials in which the face of the granite is cut at a slanted pitch. The marker's height will range from 16" to 22", depending on if an optional base is selected.
They can be used to memorialize one or multiple graves.
The approximate weight of a marker for a individual grave will range from 400 to 650 lbs., depending if a base is used.
As with a monument, a concrete foundation would be installed for support.
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Presented are just a few of the many design options for slant markers.
FLUSH MARKER GALLERY
Flush Markers are installed level with the ground. They can be constructed from a slab of granite or of bronze. The proper thickness and installation are important to prevent damage and cracking, which could result from cemetery equipment going over them.
Our standard thickness for granite markers is 4", and bronze markers are installed within a concrete frame.
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Although this type of memorial is the smallest of those we offer, a granite marker for an individual grave can weigh 150 lbs. Depending on the cemetery, the marker will either be installed on a concrete foundation, or on compacted crushed stone for support.
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Presented are just a few of the many design options for flush markers.
MAUSOLEUM & CREMATION
COLUMBARIUM GALLERY
Mausoleums and Columbariums are options for those who wish to have their remains interred above ground. The buildings are constructed of granite, and have chambers that house remains laid to rest in caskets or cremated remains in urns. In cases where family members have different preferences, both casketed remains and cremated remains are enclosed within. The term columbarium is used for a structure that is used for only cremated remains.
There are many sizes and options available.
The following are just a few of the many design options available.
RESTORATION SERVICES
Turning Back The Hands of Time
Our Restoration Services can reverse the damages caused by environmental elements, neglect and time.
Before Acid Cleaning
After Acid Cleaning
Before Acid Cleaning
After Acid Cleaning
Before Acid Cleaning
After Acid Cleaning
Before Acid Cleaning
After Acid Cleaning
Before Restoration
After
Before Acid Cleaning
Get in Touch
ABOUT
A service built on referrals.
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If you are visiting this site, chances are it comes on a recommendation of someone. I am fortunate and honored to have the trust of colleagues, clients and friends who refer others to me for consideration of my services.
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For over 30 years, I served the Syracuse, NY area as a funeral director. I had the privilege of working with thousands of people during some of the most trying times in their lives. I understand how rituals can provide a grounding effect, especially when loss brings confusion and anxiety. I believe that a permanent resting place can give solace. And I feel a lasting tribute, when planned with care, can give closure to those left to carry on.
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I have been designing cemetery memorials for many years, with an emphasis on the features that make them personal and unique. Working independent of retail shops, the materials and products used to create my designs come directly from trusted quarries and wholesalers, thus the name MonumentsDirect.
I am available to answer any of your questions, to go over your ideas, and estimate the costs that may be involved. Thank you for your interest and consideration.
Jim Carter