01/18/2026
Newsletters, January 2026
Welcome to the NYSFDA Board: Julia Goodman
Posted 1/13/2026 at 12:03pm
Welcome to the NYSFDA Board
Following a vacancy on the NYS Funeral Directors (NYSFDA) Board of Directors, Julia Goodman (Hammill Funeral Home) was appointed to represent Region 4, which covers Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence counties. Welcome to the Board, Julia!
Julia Goodman | Region 4 Director
Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop, NY
Why did you choose a career in funeral service?
Growing up, telling friends that my father was a funeral director—and that we lived above the funeral home—didn’t exactly make our house the most popular place for sleepovers. However, from as early as I can remember, I was fascinated by the deceased, particularly their appearance. I remember thinking, “How do they look so good, even though they are deceased?”
My parents often tell the story that by the age of three, I would stand on a kneeler watching my father work and offer my own critiques. I suppose not much has changed.
By my senior year of high school, I was still very undecided about my career path. I knew I was drawn to both science and art, but I wasn’t sure how to combine the two in a meaningful way. I eventually realized that funeral service uniquely blends scientific knowledge, artistic skill, and compassion—bringing my early curiosity full circle and leading me to pursue this profession.
Today, I recognize that my role goes beyond the technical aspects of funeral service. As a familiar face for young people and families preparing to enter the funeral home, I strive to be a source of comfort and approachability during a difficult time. Through leadership and service, I am committed to helping the public better understand funeral service, so it feels less intimidating and more open, honest, and accessible.
How long have you been in the funeral services industry?
While I grew up around the funeral home, I have been professionally involved in funeral service for 17 years, gaining hands-on experience that continues to shape my approach to care, service, and leadership.
What part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
The most satisfying part of my job is being able to support families during one of the most challenging moments of their lives. Earning their trust and knowing that my guidance and care can bring comfort, clarity, and a sense of peace has a lasting impact—not only for the families I serve, but for me as well. Those moments serve as a reminder of why this work matters and encourage me to continue, even on the most difficult days.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the opportunity to connect with families and simply be present for them. I also deeply value preparing their loved one for an open casket, if that is their choice. I fully believe this is an important part of the grieving process. While it is extremely difficult and no one wants to see their loved one in a casket, I have the ability to create a comfortable, respectful setting that allows families to say “see you later” in a meaningful way. Because it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
What I enjoy most about the profession is that no two days are ever the same. A simple phone call can completely change the direction of my day. While some may view this unpredictability as stressful, I see it as one of the things that makes funeral service so unique. A career that is repetitive can quickly feel stagnant, but the ability to adapt to whatever each day brings keeps the work engaging and meaningful. It also gives me confidence that, no matter what challenges arise, we can continue to serve our communities with care and dedication.
What characteristics do you believe make for a good funeral director?
A good funeral director must be compassionate, patient, and a strong listener, able to meet families where they are emotionally. Integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail are essential, as families place a great deal of trust in us during vulnerable moments. Beyond those core qualities, adaptability, emotional resilience, and clear communication are critical, as each day and each family’s needs are unique. Ultimately, a good funeral director balances skill and knowledge with empathy, ensuring that every family feels supported, understood, and respected—while also setting a positive example for others in the profession.
What has being a funeral director taught you about life?
Being a funeral director, working with and around death daily, has taught me more about life than any book, class, or singular experience ever could. We serve families every day, often putting their needs ahead of our own, and as a single mother, I do my best to do that job first. Balancing the two is not easy, but this profession has made me acutely aware that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
As a mom, I also know that time is fleeting—my daughter is only five, and before I know it, she’ll be graduating and beginning her own adventure in life. This work has taught me to live fully, take time for myself when I can, and always choose concerts, fun, and meaningful experiences over chores—they’ll be waiting when I get back.
Why did you first join the associations and what prompted you to seek a leadership position?
After completing my residency at Eannace Funeral Home in Utica and receiving my license, I returned home to Winthrop eager to serve the families in our community and excited to work at our family-owned funeral home. While we were already members of NYSFDA, I didn’t initially realize the full extent of the guidance and support the association provided.
Attending my first NYSFDA Convention as a licensed director—held that year in Niagara Falls—truly opened my eyes. I quickly saw what an incredible group of professionals we are. The experience was informative, engaging, and gave me the opportunity to connect with funeral directors from across the state. I was also surprised to learn how many others were facing some of the same challenges and barriers that we were.
My involvement deepened when I decided to apply for the Leadership Academy. I knew it would push me outside of my comfort zone, but I’ve found that growth often happens there. Additionally, with our funeral home located in Northern New York—nearly at the Canadian border—I often felt that news, trends, updates, and information took longer to reach us. Becoming more involved allowed me to gain knowledge, build connections, and develop the confidence needed to better serve our families.
The more I learn, the better I am able to serve, and the more I can share with my colleagues. That collaboration helps make funeral service more consistent and strengthens the value of our profession as a whole. Serving in a leadership role allows me to continue that work on a broader level, ensuring our profession remains strong, informed, and prepared for the future.
