.July 20, 2011

"My mother’s request was to be cremated and have her ashes scattered across the ocean. As her daughter, I wanted to fulfill her last request. While researching “burials at sea in Montauk, NY” I discovered Captain Len Giarraputo. I decided to give him a call. We spoke in regards to how a burial at sea would be conducted. I was concerned about getting sea sick and about the size of the boat. I emailed him my other questions and he emailed me immediately answering all my questions and concerns. He reassured me that everything would run smoothly. I made arrangements on July 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. to meet with Captain Len along with my beautiful mom, my husband and my father.
It was a bright, sunny, clear and crisp day and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I couldn’t ask for anything more. We drove to Montauk and immediately found Captain Len waiting for us. He greeted us in a professional manner and showed us aboard his beautiful 28 foot boat, which was amazing. He explained the procedure of the burial at sea process, as well where we were going. He demonstrated great hospitality and made my family feel comfortable along the ride.
He took us out 7 miles from Montauk and the ride was amazing. The day was absolutely gorgeous. The ocean was so calm that it looked like glass shining under the sun. As we reached our destination, he stopped the boat to conduct a small ceremony and place my mommy’s remains at peace. My mommy’s last request was to be set free into the ocean and to toast a glass of champagne to the wonderful lives she had touched through the years. My husband cracked open the bottle, poured the champagne, and the three of us toasted and said a few words in honor of my mom. Captain Len took pictures of the ceremony. I opened the urn and poured her ashes into the blue sea. Captain Len supplied 3 red roses for us that I threw into the ocean for my mommy. I felt like my mommy was there in spirit watching over us. The day was so perfect that I could see my mommy’s wonderful huge smile looked down upon us. Captain Len issued me a certificate of my mommy’s latitude and longitude, which was witnessed and signed by him.
On our way back, I felt that my mommy was finally at peace. Captain Len is a humble and knowledgeable person. He made the entire ride a wonderful experience. I would recommend that if you decided to conduct a burial at sea that Captain Len will make your experience an unforgettable one."
Nina M.
October 8, 2011
"On October 8, 2011 my Step-Mother Carol and I had the pleasure of bringing my father James "Jimmy" Raymond Smith, Jr. to rest in an area he truly loved. My father was raised in Sayville, NY, but enjoyed being able to spend time whenever he could in the Montauk area. Carol and I began this journey with a bit of hesitation and nervousness, but really could not have asked for a better outcome. Captain Len and his son Chris were very friendly and accommodating and even helped us to film the occasion when the battery in our camera went out. It was a beautiful day and one that was fitting in which to say goodbye to someone that meant so much to us. Once we got beyond Montauk Point and were heading to my father's final resting place, I began to see a rainbow. I was lucky enough to catch that rainbow on film. After the ceremony we all shared champagne and even dropped a few lines in an attempt to fish, which my father would have loved. Once this journey was completed, Carol and I felt that everyone, including my father, could now be at peace. Thank you Len & Chris for your role in this journey. It will not be forgotten."
Tracy B.
"I am not sure if you remember me. I called you about 2 weeks ago requesting a "burial at sea" for my Father-in-Law and you were at the hospital with your wife as she was having surgery. You had promised a call back to me, and you kept to your word in the middle of everything you had going on yourself.
My Father-in-Law went to Montauk every year. But when he retired from the NYPD he went about 3 times a year. He loved it there. When he was in Montauk, he was happy. He stopped going 6 years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. My Mother-in-Law got him to go once last year. She drove him up they stayed for an hour and took their last picture together at the place they loved.
My Mother-in-Law fell very ill this past July, and was in the hospital for 3 months. She is now handicapped and has limited use of her legs and hands, but she is working very hard to get back to the way she used to be. Before her illness, she was the sole caretaker of my Father-in-Law.
Len, I wanted to give you a little background on the family you helped. Because of you, we were able to carry out his last wish honorably. With all that my family has gone through this year, you forget that there are genuine people around like yourself and your friends that can come together and help a family that you don't know.
Words will never express how grateful I am that you picked up the phone that day at your wife's bedside. We talk about you almost every day. You and your friends have brought peace and comfort into our hearts.
You are an honorable man with a genuine heart! Wishing you all the best for years to come.”
Tamara P.