ANDRETT FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
Bernadette Fee lived a long life filled with love, humor, joy, generosity, and faith. Born in Manhattan in 1929, Bernadette had eight brothers and sisters and a large extended family with whom she was close throughout her life.
Bernadette attended St. Frances de Sales School as a child, and graduated from Cathedral High school. After high school, Bernadette began her career, and soon she found herself working as an executive assistant in demanding corporate settings. Business-savvy and diligent, Bernadette embodied self-reliance and determination. While working full-time, Bernadette attended Fordham University, earning a Bachelor of Arts.
Bernadette lived most of her life with her aunts Ena and Margie in Stuyvesant Town. A lifelong animal lover, she cherished the companionship of her beloved cats Susie and Therese, and her cockatoo Mr. Bird.
Bernadette will be remembered for her generosity, as she gave endlessly to the Church, schools, animal rights, and many other causes.
Bernadette was a devout parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, attended Mass daily, and served the church as a Lector. Bernadette loved the community and the practice of prayer that she found in the Church. She had a deep faith and an abiding trust in God that gave her confidence and calm; never was this more evident than at the end of her life, when she so obviously was at peace.
Bernadette's life of independence, love, sacrifice and faith was an inspiration to family and friends alike, who are grateful to have shared her long life with her.
Don William Harrell died in New York City on December 18, 2018, somewhat unexpectedly but after struggling for several months with a variety of health problems. Called Sonny as a child and young man (and even well into adulthood by those who knew him longest), Don was born in Camden, Arkansas, on January 22, 1938, to Don and Annie Lea Harrell, and lived there until he went to Hendrix College. Soon after graduating, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for Senator Fulbright and, much to his later amusement, served on the U.S. Capitol police force. He also earned master's degrees in International Relations from American University and in English from George Washington University. He decided not to pursue further education in International Relations when, taking the final for his degree, he realized he couldn't remember the difference between Iran and Iraq. He then got a Ph.D. in English from Vanderbilt University. It was in Nashville that he met his wife, Christine (Roberts) Harrell, who was also a graduate student in English. They married in July 1968. Together, they moved to Houston, where Don taught English at the University of Houston, and they had their two children, John in 1970 and Jeremy in 1974. Frustrated by academia (he eventually published an op-ed for the New York Times headlined "Publish or Perish -- I'm Out, and Glad"), Don took his family to Little Rock, Ark., to work for his childhood friend David Pryor, who was elected governor of Arkansas in 1974. Don served as his press secretary. In 1978, the family moved to Albany, N.Y., where Don worked for the State University of New York administration, and then to Arlington, Va., in 1981, where he returned to working for Pryor, who was by then in the U.S. Senate. Don served as Sen. Pryor's administrative assistant, which is Hill-speak for chief of staff. Unexpectedly, former colleagues from SUNY invited him to consider a position at TIAA, the higher-education retirement fund. Starting in 1992, Don spent more than a decade as head of TIAA's external affairs. Just as important, Don fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in New York City. Don retired in 2003 and spent some of his retirement serving on non-profit boards, including the Theater Development Fund, the Stepping Stones Foundation, and the American Shakespeare Center. Don is survived by his wife, Chris; his sister, Amy; his beloved daughter-in-law, Jenny, and her husband, John, and their children, Eliot and Martha Jane; and his son Jeremy and his daughters, Louisa and Marianne. He is predeceased by his sister Dotty.
All of these facts, while interesting, fail to convey who Don was and what he meant to so, so many people. Don was a voracious reader of fiction, poetry, biography, and history. He was a writer of essays for publications such as Runner's World, the Christian Science Monitor, and the New York Times Magazine, and he was a regular book critic for the Houston Chronicle. He had a deep love of the theater, starting from childhood when his father would bring him to New York to see plays. In almost comical fashion, he could recall, decades later, which actor played which part in which play in which theater. Don also was an accomplished pianist and filled his home with the sounds of Chopin and Joplin, Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim. But more than anything, Don was a kind, selfless, warm, hilarious, generous, loving person. To know Don for even a few minutes was to be his friend. He saw the best in everyone, and, even against resistance, was able to help people see it in themselves. Through his experience, strength, and hope, he saved countless lives.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Managing Director
Gregory joined our team in the spring of 2011 and is a resident of New York City. He attended Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY, where he studied mortuary science. Subsequent to mortuary school, Gregory attended the University at Albany and Empire State College. Gregory began his career in 1997 was licensed in New York State since 2000, and has been continuously employed in funeral service. He first served as a funeral director and manager in his home city of Schenectady, NY, prior to his move to New York City. The consummate professional, Gregory has a volume of experience and is credited for his attention to detail, competence, and compassionate demeanor. His dedication is unsurpassed.
Jennifer was born and raised in New York. She attended American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Services in Manhattan, graduating in 2007. Known for her warmth and compassion, Jennifer epitomizes the professionalism and trust that evokes the spirit of the company. She served her residency and career as a funeral director with the Greenwich Village Funeral Home and has quickly become part of the fabric of the community.
Born in Washington State, Joel has lived in New York City for the past 14 years and joined the firm in 2002. Having attended and graduated from the American-McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in Manhattan, he served his residency and his career as a funeral director at Greenwich Village Funeral Home. Joel brings a quiet dignity and sincerity to all he serves. His genuine demeanor and humble manner makes everyone he meets feel comfortable and at ease.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Owner
- New Owner
Commonly called "The Arrangement Conference" you may meet with a Director at our Chapel in Greenwich Village.
At the beginning of the Arrangement Conference, you will be provided with a copy of our General Price List. Every service or item we offer with its cost is contained within. Our directors will guide you in your arrangements so that your cost will be within your means and the service that you plan will be meaningful.
Additionally, the type of service you wish will be discussed. Chapel, church, synagogue or graveside services are usual options. It is important for those interested in a burial to know that embalming, is NOT required by law in New York State, unless a viewing takes place.
A dignified selection of Caskets, Urns and Vaults are available for your inspection - on premises - along with the Andrett Funeral Home Casket Price List and Outer Interment Receptacle Price List catalogues to show the specifications and cost of each item.
A licensed N.Y. State Funeral Director since 1971, Peter has served as owner and CEO. A native New Yorker, he has utilized his entire career to coalesce the most advanced staff, the finest facility and the highest principles of funeral service. He has dedicated himself to serving countless individuals and families that have experienced loss, while providing them a comfortable atmosphere of compassion and professionalism. With these ideals, Peter has personally taught each of his staff to carry-on premier standards. A persistent advocate for the communities of the metropolitan area, Peter serves on many non-profit boards and has been honored by the City Council of NYC, The Caring Community, The Children's Aid Society, Greenwich Village - Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, The American Legion and most recently was named "A Legend of the Village" and received the Humanitarian Award by VillageCare.org for community service. Currently, Peter serves as a board member and is President of the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association.
Will (Bill) is survived by his wife, Eileen (nee Fletcher), daughter, Jacqueline, and sister, Barbara Farrell Fletcher. He leaves behind nephew, Tom Egan and nieces, Vanessa Lamoreuax, Suzanne Raleigh, and Jennifer Riccardi. He was born in The Bronx on March 20, 1943, to William F. Farrell, Sr. and Amelia Gibowich.
After high school, he joined the army and served as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. During this time he suffered a traumatic car crash which left him partially disabled. He married Eileen F. Fletcher on June 1, 1968. He continued his education at Pace University, The New School, and earned a graduate degree from New York University. Jackie was born in 1984 and was a beloved addition to the family. He worked at the Village Vanguard for a time and then as a psychiatric social worker. He managed a Homeless Shelter for Men in Brooklyn. For many years he worked with inmates at Rikers Island and maintained a small private practice which continued until he died.
He was known for his humor and love of traveling. His personal journey to healing was to help others. He loved life, his family, friends, and colleagues.