Upon D.J. Wright’s purchase of the building and business in January of 2015, an extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior of the building began immediately to transform the facilities to D.J.’s vision of what he wanted for all those entrusted into the care of the Wright & Ford Care Team. Staying FULLY OPERATIONAL during this time period as the renovations and construction were done was tricky, but they were completed in several phases as D.J. and the team wanted to continue to serve families with the utmost dignity and respect. Pictured to the left is the former selection room which was completely demolished to make room for new gathering spaces.

Among the many changes were the addition of a new ADA compliant ramp, enlarging and adding visitation rooms/chapels, adding new ADA restrooms, creating several new arrangement conference rooms and family/clergy rooms, all new decor throughout the building, installing a top level video and sound system, building a brand new, state-of-the-art clinical care embalming suite and adding facilities to enable us to have, if families wish, a therapy dog present during visitations.

Also added were an entire new area with caskets and vaults for burial and mausoleum entombment, as well as a cremation room with products specifically designed for cremation. A room for traditional all-wood construction products designed for those of the Jewish, Hindu and Muslim faith were added as well as a “Green Options” selection space with multiple options for those desiring earth-friendly services.

Below are some notes from the beginning:

Demolition has begun…

Our new chapel will be accomplished by enlarging and conjoining several rooms to be large enough for big groups, yet still have that “home-like” atmosphere we hear that our families want.

The community has spoken and we have heard and will deliver. Our continued “service above self” philosophy coupled with a true “home” able to handle small to large groups is but just one of the many reasons for this expansive renovation.We are excited to be able to offer our community this new vision and are so grateful for the overwhelming amount of support received thus far. Please remember, we are completely operational as the renovation is being done in several phases so no funerals will be impacted by the work. Please feel free to contact us at 908-782-3311 anytime with questions.

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end…”

The Team…
I have an amazing general contractor, George Eckelman of Eckelman Bros. Construction (he re-built the Stangl Factory which just won several awards for design, innovation and restoration) as well as an amazing architect, Chris Pickell, whose work is very well known as well as award-winning. They both listened to all my needs and wishes and together came up with a plan to benefit all those we have the honor of serving.

All the sub-contractors have all been so great to work with and are VERY reverent knowing that someone’s loved one is present in another secured area of the building. I am so impressed by that fact and I did not have to say anything. They all just knew. Not a cuss word. No smoking. No loud music. All professionals. I could not be more thankful.

 

Our primary visitation room will have an ante-room for memorabilia, a memorial video tribute and be a gathering area for those who are not necessarily comfortable in the main room. We have tried to take into account an individuals needs during this renovation and make sure that the personal comfort level one has with funerals and the overall memorialization and celebration of life events are all considered.