About Us

There is a reason you have come to this page. Either you know of, or are preparing for the death of someone you love, or you are concerned about your family and how they are going to deal with your loss, or you would like information regarding the cost of funerals. While preparation is indeed prudent, it is also important to remember that nothing can absolutely prepare us or our loved ones for death. Originally founded in 1991 under the mission that our ministry was to help those who are grieving begin a life-long journey without their loved one, Michael E. Brown and Ross Belfiore purchased the funeral home in August of 2015 and will serve the community with "Honor, Value & Trust".  Our facility, which is located in a scenic country setting just outside the Village of Cazenovia, offers those who are grieving a place to memorialize their loved one in an atmosphere of understated elegance. There is also a link availing you to the many services and vendors that will help you complete this arrangement process (ie. floral shops, churches, cemeteries, monument companies, accommodations, etc.). By all means, we are available in person or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions or respond to your needs.

Our Staff

Michael E. Brown                                                                                                                                                              Co-Owner/Funeral Director

Michael E. Brown's professional career in funeral services began upon his graduation from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in 1998. He performed his residency with Maurer Funeral Home, Inc. which has locations in Baldwinsville and Liverpool. At the end of his residency, the Maurer family hired him as a licensed funeral director. While at Maurer Funeral Home, Michael gained a tremendous amount of invaluable experience in funeral service. He learned that hard work, listening and doing whatever a family request equates with success. In July of 2004, Michael went to work for Foster Funeral Home, Inc., another family owned firm that has two locations, one in Fulton and another in Hannibal. While with Foster Funeral Home, Mike gained even more experience in the field of funeral service and his leadership skills blossomed. Michael became the manager of their Hannibal location in 2012. Having a deep passion for funeral service, Michael considers it a true honor to own and operate a funeral home and will serve the community of Cazenovia and Madison County with the utmost professionalism in a caring and compassionate manner. His other passion is his family. He has seven children. Elizabeth (22), Julia (20), Mikey (18), Campbell (17), Matthew (16), Catherine (13) and Gabriella (9) and are constantly on the go with their school, sports and church activities. In his spare time, Michael enjoys playing outdoors with his children, going to Church, watching Syracuse University basketball, exercising and going to the beach.

Ross A. Belfiore                                                                                                                                                    

Co-Owner/Office Manager

Ross is co-owner of Michael E. Brown Funeral Services and is actively involved in the daily operations of the business. He has over 40 years experience in the funeral business as a licensed cosmetologist along with other skills that are part of his resume. Ross has a business background and is a New York State Retired Teacher with 25 years experience as a vocational educator and administrator.

Having a degree in business and education with a concentration in social science, along with his many years assisting families in preparing deceased for a final viewing, Ross understands the difficulty of coping with the death of a loved one. For many of us, this will be the most profound and challenging experience of our lives.

Ross's belief is that with the work he performs, he is helping families reach a place of relative tranquility and inner peace. By confronting our loss as days go by we can work towards acceptance. 

Ross graduated from Central City Business Institute, Richard Detoto School of Beauty Culture, S.U.N.Y. Oswego/B.S. El Ed, he  received his Permanent Certification VTE Secondary Education and is a certified Conflict Resolution Mediator. His dedication to his community includes being the past Dean of Students with Oswego County B.O.C.E.S., past Exulted Ruler with the Elks Lodge #830 and a member of the Fulton Rotary.

Ross has three children, Julie, David and Alexander as well as four grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys working with stained glass, kayaking and watching all sports.