Our History
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest
integrity. At the young age of seven, after taking his first tour of a funeral home, Stephen J. Priola expressed an interest in the funeral service profession. Unlike most children, who change their career ideals at
the drop of a hat, Stephen maintained his interest throughout his youth. He began working in funeral homes at age 16 while he was still enrolled in Parsippany High School, from which he later graduated from
in 1987. He went on to Drew University in Madison, NJ where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Sociology in 1991. In 1992, after being awarded membership in Mu Sigma Alpha, a Mortuary Science
Honor Society, Stephen graduated Cum Laude from the American Academy/McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in New York, New York.
He was licensed as a funeral director in 1993, at which time he founded the Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. The business operated from rented locations in Whippany and later Madison while
Stephen sought a permanent location in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The current facility opened in September of 2000 on the property where the former landmark "Primo's" had stood for many years, in the heart of of
the Lake Hiawatha business district of Parsippany. The home is independently owned and operated by the Priola family who are longtime Parsippany residents. Stephen is assisted in the daily operations of the business by his parents Angela and Ron Priola, and a staff of ten part time attendants, most of which are retired after years of experience in other professions.
Stephen Priola is heavily involved in the local community. He is a longtime member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parsippany where he serves on the Parish Finance Council, as an usher, Eucharistic
Minister, and member of the Lazarus and Adoration ministries. He is a member and Past President of the Parsippany Rotary Club, a member and Past President of the Montville UNICO Club, and the St. Pius X Knights of Columbus Council in Montville. He is also a member of the Parsippany and Montville Township Chambers of Commerce, and the Hiawatha Business Owner's Association. Mr. Priola is a member and
former board member of the New Jersey State Funeral Director's Association and the Morris County Funeral Director's Association where he served three terms as President.
In the words of Mr. Priola, Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service is all about "comfort, value and convenience." The home is non-sectarian and serves all faiths and cultures. The detail-oriented
staff is committed to providing personalized, white glove service at fair prices. Funeral options are available within the reach of every family including those who rely on SSI/Medicaid. Special requests are encouraged and accommodated whenever possible.