HELLMAN MEMORIAL CHAPELS is fortunate in having 6 full-time New York State Licensed Funeral Directors on staff being lead by Steven and Jamie Dranow.

Steven Dranow has been active in funeral service since 1979. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian in 1984 from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, New York, NY, and was the recipient of the Dr. John McAllister Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship and the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Award for Outstanding Scholarship. Mr. Dranow began his career with HELLMAN MEMORIAL CHAPELS upon graduation in March of 1984, licensed in 1985, and became a Managing Partner and Vice President of Hellman's in 1989. In 1992, HELLMAN'S became affiliated with Service Corporation International and in 1995 Mr. Dranow became an Area-Vice President for Service Corporation. He now serves dual roles as President of HELLMAN MEMORIAL CHAPELS and Area Manager in Rockland County for Service Corporation International.

In November of 1999, Steven was installed as President of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America. Steven has served as its Treasurer, Vice President and President from 1999 - 2001. He is now the Chairman JFDA Triparrtite Committee. The Jewish Funeral Directors of America, Inc. (JFDA) is an international association of funeral homes who predominantly serve members of the Jewish faith. Organized in 1932, the JFDA is the oldest and largest organization of its kind whose members has been assisting people of the Jewish faith arrange meaningful and affordable funerals in the Jewish tradition.

The members the JFDA adhere to a code of Ethics and Professional Standards. Recognizing that Jewish funeral service is a calling with great responsibilities, demanding high professional and service standards, eminently fair and honorable dealing with all whom they are called to serve, the members of JFDA conduct themselves and their establishments in keeping with the great traditions of their calling and of their faith.

Steve, a Rockland resident for 16 years, married the former Jamie Fletcher, who is also a licensed funeral director. He and Jamie are the proud parents of a son and daughter, and are members of the Nanuet Hebrew Center and Congregation Sons of Jacob.

Mr. Dranow is an avid supporter of community activities and has served as Executive Board Member for the UJA, is a member and Past Chancellor of the New City-Orangetown Knights of Pythias Lodge, serves as Treasurer of the Benevolent Association and is a Board Member of the Rockland YM-YWHA and chaired the award wining SCI Escape School program.

A popular speaker, Mr. Dranow also conducts Community Outreach and Educational Programs for any group that wishes to understand the distinct practices of Jewish Funeral Customs and can be contacted at 845-356-8600 or via e-mail.

Jamie Dranow has been a New York State licensed funeral director for 17 years, and is also licensed in Florida. She offers the unique perspective of being a Jewish female on staff for those most comfortable with woman counselors and supervision.

Jamie's involvement's have included Board positions on JAWONIO, Inc. A non-profit organization affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy. The JAWONIO facility in New City provides a place where children and adults with all disabilities can maximize their potential to gain independence. She is a Life Member of Hadassah, a member of the Sisterhood's of both Nanuet Hebrew Center and Sons of Jacob. In the business community, Jamie is a member and past President of the Orange and Rockland Funeral Directors Association and is a member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America.