Our History

In 1952 Maryann and Joseph Konopka and their young daughter, Lizabeth moved into an 18th century home atop the Palisades overlooking the Hudson River in North Bergen, New Jersey, near the Cliffside Park boarder. For the next year, on a shoe sting budget, they worked day and night converting the second floor to their apartment, with the first floor as their Funeral Home. The night before the opening in 1953, Joe was still painting, while Maryann was hand-sewing carpeting on the steps when the ceiling fell in! After a quick clean up and some camouflage the opening was not delayed.

As the "New Polish Funeral Home" in the area with well established competition, the beginning was not easy. Joe as the "Funeral Director", and Maryann as the "Lady Attendant", (a new concept of the day, as women were rarely recognized in the business) began to win over the community. Maryann and Joe set the standards of a personalized family owned funeral home.

Ever since she could remember, their daughter, Liz, had no other ambition other than to become a Funeral Director. Raised in the business, every aspect of it became her life. Never once did she have any desire to have any other career, following her parents' ideals in helping people in their utmost time of need.

Today, Liz is the Manager and Director, personally conducting nearly every aspect of every Funeral. Over the years, the funeral home has been fully renovated, keeping it bright and fresh with the times, yet still remaining a "Home". What was once the "New Polish Funeral Home" is now a home which caters to all religions, ethnic groups and lifestyles. Joseph Z. Konopka Funeral Home, LLC still remains personalized and family owned, fully staffed with lifelong friends.