Bryan M. Riccardi, a lifelong resident of Cortland, is the son of the late Dominick A. Riccardi, and Leola Glazer Grant, who still resides in Cortland.

A graduate of Cortland High School, Bryan graduated with honors from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service.  As a student, Bryan was named to the President's List for outstanding academic achievment.

Following graduation, Bryan successfuly completed the National Board Examination in Funeral Service and the New York State Mortuary Law Exam.  In 1991, after completing a one year residency with the Bertini Funeral Home in Cortland, Byran was asked by funeral home owner Ann Bertini to stay on as the home's licensed director.  Upon her retirement four years later in the spring of 1995, Mrs. Bertini entrusted the ownership of her business to Bryan and his wife, Terri. 

Bryan is dedicated to his business and the families he serves.  "I cannot imagine finding another profession as personally rewarding as I do funeral service," he said.  "This career has truly been a labor of love and I feel both privileged and honored to have been allowed to share important moments with families and loved ones.  Assisting families has been a ministry of sorts, and I find much peace and spirituality in the families with whom I work."

Bryan and his wife Terri are the parent of two daughters, Erika a stylist working and residing in Ithaca, N.Y., and Marissa, a student at SUNY Cortland.

In January 2007, just prior to the deep freeze and first major blizzard of the season, work began on the first major addition to the funeral home -a new enclosed and handicapped accesible entryway.  Because Bryan understands the integrity and importance of the history and heritage of a local landmark, Crown Construction was hired to manage the historical renovation of the facility, which will match the current home to the smallest detail .  Renovations are expected to be completed in March 2007.