Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful investments you can make—not just for yourself, but for your loved ones. At Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, part of Dignity Memorial, the philosophy is simple: Pre-planning your final arrangements is not about anticipating the inevitable; it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored and giving your family the greatest gift of all—peace of mind.
A Legacy of Compassion and Care
Sal Passalqua, Area Manager and Funeral Director at Volusia Memorial, has dedicated his career to guiding families through life’s most delicate moments. Having grown up in his family’s funeral business in Staten Island, he gained firsthand experience in the profound impact that thoughtful funeral planning can have.
“This is not just a job—it’s a calling,” Sal shares. “Helping families create a meaningful tribute for their loved ones or plan ahead for their own arrangements is a way to provide comfort and certainty in times of loss.”
The Gift of Love: Having the Last Word
Sal refers to pre-planning as ‘The Gift of Love.’ “It’s your way of having the last word,” he says. “What do you want your funeral to look like? How do you want to be remembered?”
At Dignity Memorial, every detail is customized to reflect the life of the individual. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast, an avid cyclist, or a devoted nature lover, the team ensures that your service embodies your unique personality. From the color of the table runners to a display of personal memorabilia, your final farewell is a celebration of your life.
A Thoughtful and Personalized Experience
Walking into Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, the level of detail is immediately apparent. Unlike traditional funeral homes with rows of chairs, services here are designed for comfort and connection—guests are seated at tables, creating an intimate and supportive environment.
One small but telling detail caught our attention: a bottle of contact solution in the restroom. “When people cry, their contacts can dry out or get blurry,” Sal explains. “It’s just a small way we try to think ahead and make things easier for our guests.”
Financial Security Through Pre-Planning
One of the biggest advantages of planning ahead with Dignity Memorial is the ability to lock in today’s prices. Funeral expenses can be significant, and costs tend to rise over time. By making arrangements in advance, families can ensure they are protected from inflation and unexpected financial burdens.
To make this process accessible, Dignity Memorial offers flexible payment plans, allowing families to manage costs over time. Additionally, because Dignity Memorial has locations nationwide, pre-arrangements are transferable—providing reassurance for those who may relocate in the future.
Celebrating Life: A Personalized Approach
Many people hesitate to discuss end-of-life planning, but Sal encourages families to have these conversations early. “It’s much more difficult to make these decisions when you’re caught in the moment of grief,” he explains. “But when you plan ahead, you remove that burden from your loved ones and allow them to focus on celebrating your life.”
Dignity Memorial provides a variety of options, from traditional burials to cremation services. Unique offerings include using cremated remains to create memorial diamonds—allowing families to keep a physical and lasting connection to their loved ones.
An Investment in Peace of Mind
While discussing final arrangements may feel overwhelming, it is ultimately an act of love and consideration. Pre-planning ensures that your wishes are honored, your family is spared difficult decisions, and your legacy is celebrated in a way that truly reflects who you are.
Investing in peace of mind today means giving your loved ones the gift of clarity, comfort, and the space to remember you without the weight of uncertainty. At Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, the commitment to compassion and personalized service makes all the difference—helping families navigate this important journey with dignity and care.
Sal refers to pre-planning as ‘The Gift of Love.’ “It’s your way of having the last word,” he says.