Riverside Memorial Chapel

Since 1897, Riverside Memorial Chapel has been a cornerstone of funeral service in New York City, with its iconic Upper West Side location at 180 West 76th Street opening in 1927. This historic funeral home stands as a landmark, housed in a magnificent neo-French-Renaissance-style building that has been masterfully renovated and restored. As the only member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America in Manhattan, Riverside Memorial Chapel specializes in serving the Jewish community with deep reverence for tradition and custom. The professional team is thoroughly versed in all aspects of Jewish funeral practices, from traditional washing and shmira to the tearing of garments and the use of unadorned wooden caskets. They serve all sects of the Jewish faith, including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and secular families, ensuring that every service honors the unique traditions of the deceased and their loved ones. The facility offers three distinct chapels to accommodate gatherings of varying sizes. The Charles S. Salomon Chapel provides an intimate setting for approximately 75 guests, while the modern chapel seats around 140. The crown jewel is the Gothic Chapel, a breathtaking space that seats 350 people. It features a vaulted two-story ceiling painted to resemble the night sky, arched stained-glass windows, and three murals depicting religious themes. The chapel's acoustics are exceptional, and a pipe organ is available for services. An enclosed balcony provides overflow seating for larger crowds. Riverside Memorial Chapel is not limited to Jewish services; they welcome families of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. They also assist with bringing loved ones home from anywhere in the country or even arranging burial in Israel. The funeral home offers a comprehensive range of services including burial, cremation, and onsite chapel services. Pre-planning options are available with prepayment plans to lock in today's prices. The facility is wheelchair accessible with an assistive hearing loop and free on-site parking. As part of the Dignity Memorial network, Riverside Memorial Chapel offers a 100% service guarantee and 24/7 availability. The history of the chapel traces back to Louis Meyers, who started a livery stable in 1897 on the Lower East Side, transporting the deceased. The business evolved through the generations, eventually becoming Riverside Memorial Chapel in 1933. The Rosenthal family's leadership expanded the business significantly. From 1994 to 1998, the architectural firm Belmont Freeman conducted an extensive restoration of the exterior and interior, preserving its historic grandeur while upgrading systems. A stained-glass window in the chapel is dedicated to the Rosenthal family, honoring their legacy. Today, Riverside Memorial Chapel continues to provide premier funeral services with compassion, integrity, and dignity, serving as a trusted guide for families during their most difficult times.