Our Story

Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

Why Us?

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

Learn the legacy.

In 1949, LaVerne and Luella Bender established the Bender Funeral Home at 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell. Mr. Bender had been an instructor at the Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science in Syracuse and was well qualified to own and manage his own funeral home. He established a tradition of caring service that is carried on today at all of their funeral home locations.

In 1981, the business was acquired by the Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Canisteo, later changing the name to Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home. The Canisteo Funeral Home was established in 1963 by Gerald Brown, who after 50 years in funeral service, continues to work daily, serving the needs of the entire community.   Since that time, the funeral home has grown and undergone several expansion and remodeling projects. Today, it is one of the most modern and convenient facilities in the area.

In 1985, the funeral home acquired ownership of the former Landon-Beaver Funeral Home of Hornell and incorporated that business into the Canisteo Street location.  In 2006, they also acquired ownership of the Robertson Funeral Home, one of the area’s oldest established funeral firms,  and merged that business into the Canisteo Street Location.

In 1999, the Brown & Powers Funeral Home expanded into Allegany County, and established a funeral home in Angelica, NY.  This one story, ranch style home, is proud to serve all of Allegany County.

One of the area’s largest funeral firms, Brown & Powers continues to serve their families under the guidance of Gerald R. Brown, Chester A. Gosper IV, licensed funeral directors,  in the same caring tradition established By LaVerne Bender in 1949

Who We Are

Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.Together, we make this place amazing.

Gerald  Brown

Gerald Brown

Licensed Director
Chester  Gosper

Chester Gosper

Licensed Director

Explore Our Locations

See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.