The Columbarium at the Fresh Pond Crematory, located at 61-40 Mt. Olivet Crescent, celebrated the holidays with their annual tree lighting ceremony over the weekend.

“I come every year and I am amazed how beautiful the services are and that each year it gets better and better,” said Elise Ensman. “It really helps families, especially during the holidays. It raises their spirits.”

Bill Risbrook, past governor of the New York State Kiwanis and former member of the 70’s group BT Express, played the saxophone at the ceremony with pianist Richard Lionarons from Song and Dance.

Reverend Joseph Palackal of St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Church spoke with the families about the importance of the memorial service.

Columbarium president J.P. DiTroia and his family hosted the event. His grandson, Christian DiTroia, 11, played the cello while those at the celebration wrote personal notes of remembrance to the ones they lost on paper doves.

“This was a very special event for the DiTroia family,” he said.