Powell Funeral Home marks a century of service to families

The Powell Family was honored on its 100th anniversary by the Amityville Historical Society at the Heritage Fair recently. They are shown receiving recognition from Historical Society President In 1908, Frederick B. Powell established a family funeral business that anchored the Powell family together for decades.

Over the past 100 years, Powell Funeral Home has become a fixture in Amityville, and the Powell family has touched the lives of thousands of local families providing them with help during life's most difficult times.

"Things have changed a lot and even over the past 25 years we can see how families do things differently at funerals," said Wesley A. (Andy) Powell, the great grandson of the founder who died in 1934. "There is more personalization as families display photos and recall stories about the deceased."

The original corporation was operated under the name Powell & Robbins, Inc. Funeral Directors and Embalmers until 1922. Robbins remains a mystery to the Powell family however, which is proud of its history. "No one knows who he was, not even the historical society," said Wesley C. Powell.

The funeral home's name officially changed to F.B. Powell & Son Funeral Directors, when Benjamin F. Powell, son of Frederick B. Powell, joined the firm.

The firm operated for 30 years at 230 Broadway in Amityville until it was incorporated as Powell Funeral Home, Inc. in 1952 in which it moved to 67 Broadway, where it remains today.

In 1931 C. Wesley Powell joined the firm and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1934. He served as the secretary and treasurer through 1967 when Benjamin F. Powell died, followed by C. Wesley, who died in 1990.

Over the years, the Powell family added to its staff. John M. Lieblang joined the firm in 1958. He graduated from the American Academy of Mortuary Science in New York, where he received his funeral director and embalmer license.

When Benjamin F. Powell passed away, C. Wesley Powell and Lieblang acquired an interest in the Powell Funeral Home and the name was then changed to Powell and Lieblang Funeral Home, Inc.

Wesley C. Powell (known to most people today as Wes), then joined the family business and became a li- censed funeral director in 1958. He also is a lifelong resident of Amityville, and a graduate of the Amityville school district. He now serves the firm in a semi-retired capacity.

His son Andy joined the firm in 1977, and is vice-president secretary/treasurer. He represents the fifth generation of the Powell family working in the firm. He also is a lifelong resident of Amityville, graduated Amityville Schools and completed his degree at Farmingdale College in 1979 from the division of Mortuary Science.

"We are very grateful," said Wes in talking about the family's role in the community. "Over the years, people have responded to us and we hope we have given them something back. Having the whole family involved is a big plus," he said smiling, adding that it does make it difficult for the entire family to take vacations together.

Over the years, the Powell family has earned the respect of many within the community for not only their professionalism but also their community commitment.

"They provide a personal and important service to the community and I wish them all the best in the future," said Amityville Village Mayor Peter T. Imbert. "We are thrilled to have a family-owned business in the Village operated by people who are involved in every aspect of Village life."

"You get the sense that you are working with compassionate and professional people," said Pastor David W. Anglin of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amityville in discussing the Powells. "I have never encountered a more personal and professional outfit."

"Throughout its history in Amityville, the Powell family has provided caring and compassionate service to thousands of families under the most difficult circumstances," said John Di Liberto, president of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce. "But the true measure has been the entire family's commitment to community as leaders, volunteers and good neighbors."

The building has also evolved over the years. Recently, the Powells built an additional 2,280 square-feet on to its building at 67 Broadway, adding a large chapel and hallway, two handicapped-accessible restrooms, a second front entry to the building and an enlarged rear foyer and entry area.

Looking to the future, the family can't help but appreciate the uniqueness of its history.

"We are hopeful the funeral home will remain in the family," said Wes.