Copeland Funeral Home

Terrance M. Copeland, Sr. - A funeral director’s funeral director (a licensed funeral director for 35 years), “Terry” had a dream of owning his own funeral home. When the opportunity presented itself, he decided to stay in the community he loved so much - New Paltz, NY. Along with his wife Patricia Copeland, they opened the funeral home on June 1, 1991. He worked hard for 10 years to keep the trust of hundreds of families. On January 4, 2001, he died with the knowledge that he more than exceeded his dreams. Thousands came to his funeral to honor the man and celebrate a full life.

Our History
Although the Copeland Funeral Home, Inc. has been in business since June 1, 1991, you could say that we, the Copeland Family, have been a part of the New Paltz community since 1966. When we opened in 1991, Terry Copeland was well known and well established in the community. He was the town funeral director. Terry knew starting a business was a risk, but a risk people hoped he would take. The site for the funeral home was chosen for the quiet open space and for its country location.

The building was built to be a funeral home, as opposed to buying an old building and hope that it suits your needs. For seven years, hundreds of funerals were held in the original building. We decided we needed more room in order to serve the families; therefore in 1998, we expanded to the present building. The addition included a bigger chapel with a cathedral ceiling at the back part of the building and in the front, the chapel was expanded to double in size.

Terry, with Pat by his side, ran the business together in the beginning. In early 1992, their son, Tim, joined them to help with the ever growing business. They all worked together until Terry’s death in January of 2001. Tim said “My father taught me everything he knew except how to be the family; with his death he has accomplished that. It is his final lesson.” Tim decided to carry on with what his father had started. We have the same philosophy with a modern twist. Computers were introduced, casket room modernized, and new technologies introduced to help an ever-changing demand of the clients- new and old alike.

Our Staff
Staff members of Copeland Funeral Home, Inc. are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.

Timothy Copeland	What a tremendous opportunity I am given every day I come to the office! The challenge every family or individual gives me is an honor and privilege no matter how great or small. I get strange looks when I say, “I love what I do”, the looks I can take, because what I do is minister to the needs of people at a most difficult time in their lives. I am afforded this opportunity by way of help, from a remarkable staff and of course a completely supportive family. My wife Debbie, the force behind my strength, is always there for me ( including 3:00 in morning when the phone rings!) when I need her. My two children Emily and Brendan always bring a smile to my face on those long days. So, from myself and my family - thank you, New Paltz and our surrounding communities, for the opportunity to serve you.

James Matus	I was born in Little Falls, NY on April 5, 1967. I graduated from Little Falls, Jr./Sr. High School class of 1985. While in high school, I chose to become a funeral director and attended Herkimer County Community College and Simmons School of Mortuary Science. I graduated from Simmons in 1987. I served my internship at a funeral home in Oneida, NY. I previously managed a funeral home in upstate New York before moving to the Poughkeepsie area in 1996 where I was a funeral home manager for seven years. I joined the Copeland Funeral Home, Inc. in January of 2004. I have made my home in New Paltz since 2005 to better serve the families that I work with. In June of 1990, I married my high school sweet heart, Barbara. We have two children ages 10 and 8 respectively. Barbara is employed by St. Mary, mother of the church in Fishkill as a second grade teacher. We attend St. Joseph’s church in New Paltz.