Overton Funeral Home, Inc.

172 Main Street   Islip, NY   11751

An Islip Landmark

The Funeral Home Has Been in the Overton Family Since 1923.

The Overton Funeral Home was started in 1923 by Arthur W. Overton in a house on Main Street across from Monell Avenue (now the site of Starbucks). Five years later "Doc" Overton moved the funeral home to the John King house at 140 Main Street where it remained for six years. In 1934 the present venue was established on the Vivian property at 172 Main Street. The house itself originally was one of two on the Atwood estate on Ocean Avenue, built in the early 1880s, before it was moved by barge across the creek to its current location. The living room served two purposes: as a chapel and as a family retreat. To accommodate requirements everyone became skilled in furniture moving. In 1953, reflecting growing service to the community, the building was altered with living quarters being moved to the 2nd floor and three permanent chapels being established on the ground floor. Ten years later a wing was added, providing two additional large chapels and office space. Now five chapels are available to serve the families of Islip Township and surrounding areas. The outstanding characteristics of the Overton establishment are its home-like atmosphere, informal furniture arrangement, tasteful lighting and decor - these characteristics combine to produce a pleasing ambiance. The funeral home, a landmark dating back to the early 1880s is known widely for the beauty of its grounds. Changes in the seasons can be identified by observing the profusion of flowers and shrubs skillfully and generously placed around the building and walks. In addition, seasonal flowers abound in all rooms.

The Overton Funeral Home is also a family operation. Arthur W., the founder, a native of Patchogue, and Cornelia born in West Sayville, were married in 1920 and three years later took Islip to their hearts. Many recall Art's exuberance and friendly humor as he moved about the hamlet. They had 3 children - Joyce, Shirley and Wayne. Shirley, a life long resident of Islip, and Fred Voss, raised in Bay Shore, married in 1949. In 1960 Fred joined the corporation and in 1968 became President and Manager until his retirement in 1986. Shirley, who passed away in 1994, was Secretary Treasurer. J. Kent Atherton, Joyce's son, joined the organization in 1975 and served as funeral director until 1988 when he moved to Florida. Wayne, a former school administrator, became President and Manager upon Fred's retirement in 1986. Fred passed away in 1998. Wayne's wife Lois, a nurse and special education teacher,  joined the firm in 1986 as a licensed funeral director and is corporate secretary. Lois retired in May 2003 and Wayne followed her footsteps in December the same year. Shirley's daughter, Nancy Buehler, joined the firm in 1983 and serves as Vice President, office manager, and bookkeeper. Nancy's son Eric joined the firm in September  2001, maintaining the family tradition. Eric took over the reigns of manager when Wayne retired. Robert George Smith, a life long resident who joined the firm in 1970, is a full time licensed funeral director and is responsible for the firm's embalming. Rounding out the professional staff is Michael Folks, a funeral director originally from Sayville who joined the funeral home in 1996. Together they extend sincere concern for all who come to them. They talk with pride of "our families."