About Us

We are Angela Acly Carr and Avery Acly, a father, daughter team devoted to serving families with compassion, respect, and professionalism. Avery, a military veteran and graduate of Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science, has spent over 50 years guiding families through life’s most difficult moments. Angela, also a Simmons graduate, has been a licensed funeral director for more than 35 years, continuing the family tradition of caring for our community with dedication and heart.

As a family, we understand that every loss is personal and deeply meaningful. We recognize that funerals are not just events, they are opportunities to honor, celebrate, and remember the lives of those we love. With decades of experience, we provide thoughtful guidance, attentive care, and unwavering support, helping families navigate decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Our approach is rooted in genuine care. We treat every family as we would our own, listening closely, offering support, and ensuring that every detail is handled with dignity and respect. Beyond our work in the funeral home, we are active members of the community, committed to giving back and making a positive difference wherever we can.

Being part of this community and helping families honor their loved ones is not just our profession, it is our privilege and our calling. We are honored to walk alongside families during these difficult times, to provide comfort when it is most needed, and to help preserve the memory of the lives that have touched us all.

Avery Acly

Angela Acly Carr

Our History

Acly-Stover Funeral Home has proudly been a family-owned business for 107 years, serving the families of the Southern Tier with compassion and care.

The story began at 325-327 East Second Street, where the residence was once home to Senator William T. Smith and his family. On November 4, 1918, S. John Stover Sr. purchased the property from the Smith family and opened it as a funeral home, naming it Stover Funeral Home. He also established an ambulance service, charging just $2.00 for transportation—a humble beginning that set the foundation for decades of dedicated service.

In 1935, S. John's son, S. John Stover Jr., became an undertaker and joined his father in the family business. On July 26, 1946, father and son became partners, operating the funeral home and ambulance service together until the ambulance service was sold in 1953 and S. John Sr. passed away in 1963.

The Stover family faced a tremendous challenge when Tropical Storm Agnes struck on June 23, 1972, flooding and destroying much of Corning, including the funeral home. Yet, their commitment to the community and their business remained strong. The Stovers worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives and their business, continuing to serve the families of Corning and the surrounding area.

In March 1985, after years of dedicated service, S. John Jr. sold the funeral home to his longtime associate, Avery W. Acly, who would carry the family tradition forward. Avery undertook major renovations in 1986, doubling the size of the funeral home to create a more welcoming, home-like atmosphere for the families they served.

In 1990, Avery’s daughter, Angela Acly Carr, joined her father in the business, bringing a new generation’s care and commitment to the funeral home. As the business continued to grow, a parking lot was added in 1994, and the house next door was incorporated into the funeral home, making it the largest funeral home on the Southside.

In time, the “Acly” name was added, honoring three generations of locally owned and family-operated service. The heart of Acly-Stover Funeral Home remains the same: a family devoted to providing support, comfort, and dignity during life’s most challenging moments.

In this section