The Symposium and Networking Event is made possible due to a generous gift from
Nassau Suffolk Funeral Directors Association hosted the 5th Symposium and Member Networking Event at the Larkfield on May 13th 2025. Over 80 funeral directors, 15 funeral-service vendors, and mortuary science students gathered for presentations offered by some of the funeral service industry’s leading voices.
Dominick J. Astorino offered a comprehensive course on embalming and restoration work. His background in cellular biology and forensic medicine offers a unique vision into mortuary science. This 2-credit program borrowed heavily from the curriculums at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and Wayne State University in Detroit where Dominick teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, and pathology. His work in the field is highlighted by publications and invitations to present lectures on restorative art and embalming across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
The Reverend Matthew P. Binkewicz shares his experience with professionals in end-of-life care, including funeral directors, social workers, chaplains, nurses, coaches, teachers, and care givers. His combined backgrounds in biology, theology, and thanatology offer funeral director’s comprehensive tools in not just their service to families and the practical need for funerals, but also demonstrate their value in the mourning process and to funeral directors who need to manage compassion fatigue. The Reverend also presented on the changes seen in funeral service as more families embrace technology and how online obituaries have morphed the way society shares in the grief experience.
Nance L. Schick frequently presents to the Nassau Suffolk Funeral Directors Association. Her comprehensive library of courses and her long-standing relationship with the funeral profession underscore her understanding of the industries’ unique needs and challenges. This year’s presentations focused on keeping your funeral home safe and reviewed relevant laws and best practices in managing the funeral home and dealing with human resources and operations.
The evening included a networking event where members of the association gathered. Some funeral service vendors were on hand to demonstrate their products and present their services to members and firms. The Board of Directors and members of the Nassau Suffolk Funeral Directors Association are especially grateful to our sponsors, without whose support the Symposium and Member Networking Event would not be possible.
The highlight of the Symposium and Member Networking Event is always the presentation of the John M. Lieblang Mortuary Science Award. This award is made possible by a generous contribution from Mark Mannix of Cooperative Funeral Fund, and is given in memory of a funeral industry leader, a founding member of the mortuary science department at SUNY Farmingdale, and former chairman of the mortuary science program at Nassau Community College. In addition to the scholarship, Mark Mannix and Cooperative Funeral Fund provide for the MATS: Mortician’s Assessment and Testing Simulator application at Nassau Community College. The simulator is a tool used by all mortuary science program students in preparation for the National Board Examination and closely mimics the testing style of the examination students must take for licensure.
This year, the John M. Lieblang Mortuary Science Award was presented to two students: Jessica F. Travis of Nassau Community College, and TS Dixon-Clark of SUNY Canton. The Board of Directors and membership of the Nassau Suffolk Funeral Directors Association wish you well on your start to a career of service and commend you on your dedication to the families who will benefit from your compassion.
For more information on the Nassau Suffolk Funeral Directors Association, to apply for firm or individual membership, to offer your products or services to our member firms, or for information on how to begin your path to licensure as a funeral director visit our website at nsfda.org
Our 2025 Sponsors
Event Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Student Sponsors
Jeff Burnett
Messenger & H.S. Eckels
PrePlan Funeral Trust
Benefactor
Mark Mannix
Cooperative Funeral Fund