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Update on Elizabethtown Closure
After 197 years of serving the Elizabethtown community, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of
Heidrick Funeral Home in Elizabethtown effective May 1, 2026.
Over the past several months, we have carefully explored every possible option to rebuild and continue operations following the catastrophic fire that occurred in April 2025. Unfortunately, due to excessive and unsustainable construction costs, rebuilding is no longer a viable path forward. We have redesigned the building several times, looked at existing properties, and even the option of relocating the firm to other areas, all unsuccessfully. We have invested a significant amount of time and money to design a building which would meet all requirements and codes, but as construction costs continue to rise it is simply no longer feasible.
This was not a decision made lightly. We want to recognize the Marvin family who owned and operated the firm for seven generations and to Jay Heald who purchased it after there were no successors within the Marvin family. Chris and Jerod Heidrick purchased the firm from Jay in August 2023, and while they only owned it for a short time, they were welcomed to the community with open arms, and they will be forever grateful. The Marvin family, Jay, and Chris and Jerod have had the honor to serve generations of families in this community, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and support you have given us over the years.
For families who have prearrangements with our Elizabethtown location, please know that your arrangements are safe and will continue to be honored. In the coming days, you will receive detailed information outlining the next steps. We will also personally assist anyone who wishes to transfer their prearrangements to another funeral home or keep their arrangements with us through our Au Sable Forks or Plattsburgh locations.
We remain committed to serving the families of our region through our Au Sable Forks and Plattsburgh locations, and we are here to support you during this transition in any way we can.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for nearly two centuries.
— The Heidrick Family
April 1, 2026
About Elizabethtown
Founded in 1829
W.M. Marvin’s Sons was founded in 1829 by Jacob Allen, a nephew of Ethan Allen. In the 1800’s, and particularly after the Civil War, funeral homes were a side business of cabinet and furniture businesses. This was because cabinet makers were skilled with woodworking, and therefore had the knowledge to build coffins, which would later become more elaborate caskets. This was true for the Marvin’s as well and their undertaking business began in 1840 when Edgar Marvin married Jacob’s daughter, Susan Allen. The firm’s ownership transferred to family members over seven generations, following in Jacob’s footsteps were Walter M. Marvin and his sons Fred Marvin and Edgar Marvin II, John Marvin and Walter S. Marvin, Edgar M. Marvin IV, and Walter “Smitty” Marvin III.
It is believed that the firm is in the top ten oldest family owned
funeral homes in the United States, and the oldest continually
operating family owned funeral homes in New York State.
As has been the trend the past couple of decades with funeral homes around the country, there were no longer any successors interested in the family business so the Marvin’s sold their firm to Jay Heald.
On August 21st, 2023, Jerod and Chris Heidrick, the owners of Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks, purchased the firm from Jay.
About Plattsburgh
Jay Heald founded Heald Funeral Home in Plattsburgh in 2006 following a lengthy career at other firms. Jay sold the business to Jerod and Chris Heidrick, the owners of Heidrick- Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks, on August 21st, 2023.
They are widely known in the Towns of Black Brook, Jay, Wilmington, and Keene for their ability to truly personalize services. They also believe in the use of up-to-date technology to streamline arrangements and the administration of their firm. By using this technology, it eliminates the often tedious and very time-consuming tasks taking place behind the scenes, which gives them more time to spend with the families they serve and to be able to offer personalization that would otherwise be unavailable. They also can complete arrangements online through their secure portal, which significantly lessens the burden for families that are out of the area.
Chad Deans joined their team as their General Manager and Funeral Director of the Plattsburgh location.
You can read more about Jerod, Chris, and Chad in the “About” section of this website.
Helping You Plan
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your loved one's funeral service? Would you like to browse through our catalog of viewing merchandise? Maybe you want to learn more about planning your own funeral.
We've made all of this information — and more — available for you to explore in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Helping You Grieve
Our experience has taught us that when losing a loved one, those left behind feel lost and alone. Many do not know where to turn to or how to cope.
Our grief support programs in place are dedicated to helping you during your difficult time and making each day a little easier for you when a loved one is lost.
