George Werst Funeral Home

Werst & LaBella Funeral Home, located at 71-41 Cooper Avenue in the Glendale neighborhood of Queens, New York, is a historic funeral home that has been serving the community since 1901. The business is a continuation of the George Werst Funeral Home, which originally operated on Hart Street in Brooklyn before moving to its current location. The property itself has a rich history: the building was originally a farmhouse built in the 1850s by John Siney, and over the years it served as a tobacco company headquarters, a private golf club, and even a speakeasy during Prohibition. In 1937, the building was purchased by George Werst at a city auction after the speakeasy was shut down. That same year, the funeral home conducted services for Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly, a highly decorated Marine Corps hero. In 1991, the George Werst Funeral Home became part of the Dignity Memorial network, and in 2018, it merged with Walsh-LaBella & Son, forming Werst & LaBella Funeral Home.

The funeral home offers a comprehensive range of services including traditional funerals, cremation services, burial services, and customized celebrations of life. They provide onsite services and have a chapel on the premises. The facility is wheelchair accessible with free on-site parking and a circular driveway. They accept prepayment plans and offer financial assistance through CareCredit. Werst & LaBella is known for its exceptional care for veterans, working closely with local veterans' organizations to create meaningful memorial services. The funeral home is available 24/7 and prides itself on its 100% service guarantee, ensuring every detail meets families' expectations.

The historic mansion-style facility sits on one acre of land and has undergone major renovations while preserving its original grandeur. It is recognized as one of the oldest structures in Queens. The staff serves families of all faiths, backgrounds, and religions. With a stellar 4.9 rating from 86 reviews, Werst & LaBella Funeral Home continues its founding traditions of professionalism and compassionate service to the Glendale, Queens, and Brooklyn communities.