Our Staff

Roy was born and raised in Schenectady, NY. At a young age he developed an interest in the funeral business and decided he wanted to become a Funeral Director.

In 1974, Roy graduated with honors from the Mortuary Science Program at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY.

He served his state required residency training at the prestigious Marshall W. Tebbutt's Sons in Albany, NY. Roy received his funeral directing license in 1975 and has served families like yours for over 47 years.

In 1980, Roy began a “Professional Trade” business, supplying professional services such as embalming and cosmetology services to Capital District funeral homes. His reputation has earned him the distinction as one of the most respected embalmers. Even though Roy was very successful with his embalming service he always desired to operate his own funeral home, but then he decided to grow in a new direction due to the popularity of cremations. From this, Simple Choices, Inc. was established. Simple Choices would serve the needs of families seeking affordable cremation as an alternative to the high cost of funerals.

Roy has always considered it his greatest privilege to assist families in their time of loss and grief. He has always considered funeral directing a vocation rather than just an occupation.

Roy has been a church organist since the age of 14. During this period he met his wife Anne Marie (also a church organist). They have a daughter, Andrea Marie, who is married with 3 children living in Nashville, TN and employed by the Vanderbilt University as Manager of Global Safety and Security.

Nicholas “Nick” Facci has been helping families in funeral homes since 2009.

He found his calling in funeral service at a young age after the death of a childhood friend and a cousin. Nick began working in the funeral industry during his sophomore year of high school. After high school he was employed with several funeral firms in the Capital District.

A native of Amsterdam, Nick is a graduate of Amsterdam High School class of 2012. After high school he received his Associates Degree in Applied Science, Major in Mortuary Science with the distinction of high honors from Hudson Valley Community College in 2014. Nick received his National Board Certification from the International Conference of Funeral Service in June 2014 and then served his state required residency under the sponsor of his long-time mentor, Roy F. Bordeau. Nick received his Funeral Directing License in July 2015 after passing the New York State Bureau of Funeral Directing law exam.

Nick remained on staff with the Simple Choices from licensure until March 2017, when at that time he accepted a position with a national conglomerate funeral firm, which brought him tremendous experience and opportunity. After serving that firm for nearly 4 years, Nick returned to Simple Choices to serve as a Funeral Director and Assistant Manager.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys traveling, landscaping, home improvement projects and spending time with family and friends.

“Over the years, I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best-known firms and directors in the profession, for which I am grateful. I credit these individuals and their businesses for molding me to be the Funeral Director that I am today. I love what I do, and I do not consider this a job or just my career but rather my lifestyle.”

Kat has been part of our family since April 2014, following the death of her original owner. She was formally adopted by Roy Bordeau on Good Friday, April 18, 2014, and was brought home to Troy, New York. Kat is 9 years old and has been with Simple Choices since she was just shy of 1.

She resides in the Funeral Home at 218 2nd Avenue and has been a fixture to our family business, often providing comfort and tension relief for the families we are privileged to serve. Kat has a sweet disposition and is very good with client families. Many of our client families ask about her long after their loved one has been cared for. Her presence has been requested to soothe their grief, simply by stroking her soft fur or merely enjoying her supportive companionship. She is a big part of what we do daily, from greeting families to providing companionship in the office. She can often be seen exploring the Funeral Home’s common areas as well as its restful gardens.

Kat has become the Capital Region’s first and only known comfort companion to serve families in a Funeral Home. Like other comfort animals used in hospice, hospitals and nursing homes, Kat acts as a source of comfort and love in times of emotional distress contributing a calming presence to the atmosphere of our Home.

Here are some reviews of what families have said about her:

“He also has the most marvelous cat that makes it easy to keep things in perspective.” -D. Goodhue
“Thank You Roy and Kat (the adorable little cat on property)!” -P. Murphy