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 1841 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 prior to the Marvin’s selling to Jay Heald on July 9, 2014, their funeral home was the second-oldest continually family owned funeral home in the country. It is also believed that the funeral home is the oldest business in continuous operation in Essex County.

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.

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.

The Heidrick’s are excited to expand their business and to be able to offer their services to the Plattsburgh area, building on their reputation in Au Sable Forks. They operate under the very simple business philosophy of being open, honest, and kind to others.

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.