McHoul Funeral Home

The McHoul Funeral Home is known throughout the region for its comfortable, spacious visitation rooms, state-of-the-art facilities, and its beautiful non-denominational chapel. Since the home was originally constructed in 1750 by the Van Wyck family, its 250-plus year old appearance has always given this facility such a unique touch. In 2000, the funeral home’s 6,800 square foot addition tripled its original floor size, making it one of the largest funeral homes in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas.

At the McHoul Funeral Home, each room possesses its own character. As you enter the front door and begin your way down the central corridor, you will find two Victorian-era sitting rooms, which can also be used for calling hours or funeral services. The collection of hand-crafted doll houses which you will find in this wing of the home is found by many to serve as a comfortable way to unwind or relax. You will also find a collection of several antique plates, historical artifacts and stunning wall décor.

As you continue down the hallway you will come to our very spacious and comfortable visitation room, containing soft hues and lighting. A unique aspect of this room is the large seating section which contains soft, theatre-style seats, as opposed to the traditionally used folding chair found in most funeral homes.

The Chapel at the McHoul Funeral Home can provide for a beautiful lasting tribute to one’s legacy. Non-denominational in style, this chapel-like setting can serve as home to any religion. It contains pews and a gorgeous stained-glass window.

At the McHoul Funeral Home, we understand that no two families are alike… and we strive to ensure that each funeral is specially tailored to the individual needs of each family we serve. With the help of our central music/microphone system, multiple picture boards and easels, and the pictures and cherished items brought in by each family, we are able to create an unique atmosphere for every funeral.

Our Funeral Directors:
Douglas A. McHoul is a second generation funeral director from Boston, MA. He graduated from the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, worked with his father and brothers for many years at their funeral home in Boston, and has been a New York State Licensed Funeral Director for almost 40 years. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Since moving to Dutchess County in 1966, Doug has participated in many community activities and has held leadership positions in such organizations as Hopewell Hose Company of the East Fishkill Fire District, East Fishkill & Dutchess County Historical Societies, East Fishkill Rotary Club (Charter Member and Paul Harris Fellow) , Knights of Columbus, Kevin Barry Irish Club, Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, East Fishkill Republican Club (Past President), United States Navy League, American Legion, Sylvan Grange, and Dutchess County Pomona Grange. He has served on the boards of the United Way of Dutchess County, Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Association of Senior Citizens, Dutchess Community College, East Fishkill Community Library, Dutchess County Community Action Agency, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. He is a member of St. Columba Church, where he spearheaded the church building campaign. He has also served his community as an elected official, having been a Dutchess County Legislator from 1971 to 1991 and serving as Chairman of the Legislature for four years. In 1992 he was appointed Director of Dutchess County Office for the Aging, followed by a 1998 appointment as Commissioner of Dutchess County Personnel until 2002, when he retired. He also owns and operates Casa La Lanchita, a guesthouse on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Marikay Thomes McHoul is also a second generation funeral director. A native of Stamford, CT, she moved to Pawling, graduated from New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and worked with her father and brother at their family owned business, Horn & Thomes Funeral Home, Inc. Approximately forty years ago, Doug and Marikay moved to Hopewell Junction and established the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Marikay is very active in the community, participating in such organizations as the East Fishkill and Dutchess County Historical Societies, Kevin Barry Irish Club, East Fishkill Republican Club, East Fishkill Republican Committee, United States Navy League, Sylvan Grange, and the Dutchess County Pomona Grange. She is a member of St. Columba Church, and past president of the St. Denis-St. Columba Altar Rosary Society. Marikay is a motivated member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She has held many local, state and national leadership positions – Past Regent of the Melzingah Chapter, Honorary State Regent of New York, and National Corresponding Secretary General, to name just a few. In addition to holding her New York State Real Estate License, Marikay also owns and operates Casa La Lanchita, a guesthouse on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Doug and Marikay have four daughters, a son, and ten grandchildren, who all assist with the family business.

Peter J. Cassidy is a native of Fort Fairfield, Maine. He graduated from New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and has been a New York State Licensed Funeral Director since 1987. Upon his relocation to Hopewell Junction, Peter immediately became involved in many organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight) , East Fishkill Historical Society and the East Fishkill Rotary Club (Past President and Paul Harris Fellow). A member of St. Columba Church, he is also involved with the St. Denis-St. Columba Parent School Association and the Our Lady of Lourdes Parents’ Organization. An elected official, Peter is serving his third term as Councilman for the Town of East Fishkill. He was instrumental in establishing the Annual East Fishkill Community Day, that he still co-chairs. He also has been working to restore and maintain the many abandoned cemeteries in the Town of East Fishkill.

Lori McHoul Cassidy is a third generation funeral director. She graduated from New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, and received her New York State Funeral Director’s license in 1987. Lori continues the family commitment to the community by maintaining an active membership in such organizations as the East Fishkill Rotary Club (Past President and Paul Harris Fellow), St. Columba Church, St. Denis – St. Columba Altar Rosary Society (Past President), and East Fishkill Historical Society. She is an active member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she serves on the local, state and national levels. For many years, Lori volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician with the East Fishkill Rescue Squad. She is also involved with the St. Denis-St. Columba Parent School Association and the Our Lady Of Lourdes Parents’ Organization.

Peter and Lori are the parents of three daughters – Loretta, Carolyn and Allison, and also own and operate Cassidy Memorials, Inc., Hopewell Junction.

Douglas A. A. McHoul is also a third generation funeral director. In 2002, he graduated cum laude from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. In February of 2003, along with other graduates of the McAllister Institute, he was featured in a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. Doug became a New York State Licensed Funeral Director in 2004. He is Past President of the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess and an active member of the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce, where he participated in the Chamber’s Leadership Dutchess Program. In 2006, he was nominated as one of the Hudson Valley’s Top 40 Under 40 “Movers and Shakers”. He is Honorary State President of the New York State Society Children of the American Revoultion, where during his 2000-2001 presidency, he lead a state-wide fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of New York. Doug, his wife Stephanie, and their daughter Madelyn, live in Hopewell Junction.