At Travis Monument Group, we understand that a memorial is more than stone. It is a lasting tribute to a life lived, crafted with care, and built to stand for generations. That is why we are proud to share an important new chapter in our own story: Hudson Valley Monuments in Cortlandt Manor has officially joined our family.

“This is more than a name change,” said Anthony Minozzi, COO of Travis Monument Group. “It’s a renewed commitment to serving as a reliable partner to funeral homes and cemeteries—delivering what’s needed, when it’s needed, with professionalism and care.”

For decades, Hudson Valley Monuments, originally known as Hillside Memorials, has been a trusted name in Westchester County. Originally founded in 1922 as George W. West Monuments, then in 1953 by John Wittgen, Hillside Memorials emerged. Later guided by his daughter Marianne Hanner and granddaughter Lorraine, the business became known for its personalized approach, attention to detail, and deep care for every family served.

Our paths crossed with the Hanner family many years ago, and we quickly discovered a shared commitment to doing things the right way with respect, compassion, and craftsmanship. When Lorraine decided it was time to step away, she entrusted us with continuing her family’s work. This was not just a business decision. It was a passing of the torch between people who value the same principles.

Now, as Hudson Valley Monuments becomes part of the Travis Monument Group, we remain dedicated to the traditions that have made it so well-respected in the community. Families will see the same familiar location across from Hillside Cemetery, the same welcoming approach, and the same dedication to creating memorials that truly honor loved ones.

What we bring is the strength of eight generations of stonemasonry, access to the finest materials, and a team of artisans who treat every memorial as if it were for our own family. From traditional granite and marble markers to highly personalized designs with photographs, custom artwork, or meaningful inscriptions, every monument is crafted with precision and heart. We take the time to listen, guide you through the process, and provide scale size renderings before any work begins so you can be confident your memorial will be exactly as you envision it.

Our Family of Locations

Hudson Valley Monuments is proud to join the following Travis Monument Group locations:

• Travis Monuments
• Orange County Monuments
• Putnam County Monuments
• Rovelli Monuments
• Hudson Valley Monuments

Our promise is simple. We will carry forward the legacy of Hudson Valley Monuments with the same care and integrity that has defined it for more than 100 years. Together, we will continue to serve the families of the Hudson Valley with compassion, craftsmanship, and a dedication to preserving memories in stone.

Celebrating 70 Years of Craftsmanship: A Tribute to Charles Minozzi

At Travis Monument Group, we believe every monument tells a story. This year, we are honored to share the remarkable story of one of our own. In 2025, our father and mentor, Charles Minozzi, marks 70 years in the memorial industry. This milestone is a testament to a lifetime dedicated to preserving memories in stone.

The Minozzi name has long been tied to stone. Generations before Charles, his grandfather and father were stonecutters in Italy, shaping cobblestone roads and lettering by hand. That skill became the foundation of Minozzi and Sons, the family business that Charles stepped into as a boy.

At only 13, he began working alongside his Uncle Fred, learning to cut letters with stencil, hammer, and chisel. What started as small tasks quickly became a passion. His uncle nurtured his natural eye for design, and Charles soon discovered a gift for creating lettering that was precise, beautiful, and lasting.

That early training instilled in him a standard of excellence that has defined his entire career. Even today, Charles can look across a cemetery and know which stones were hand-carved and which were sandblasted.

Adapting Through the Decades

The memorial industry has changed dramatically in 70 years. From hand-cutting stencils to the introduction of sandblasting, and later, computer-aided design, Charles has witnessed it all. His grandfather resisted the move to machines, preferring the feel of hand tools. Charles, too, has always valued the craft he learned as a boy. While he welcomed technology into the business, he never lost his dedication to the artistry of handwork.

As computers entered the trade in the 1990s, Charles remained committed to the methods that set his work apart. To him, no machine could replace the eye, patience, and touch of a skilled artisan.

Crafting History in Stone

Over the years, Charles has been entrusted with projects of great significance. He helped restore the resting place of Mother Cabrini, designed a monument honoring Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in Hillburn, New York, contributed to memorials for the 15th anniversary of September 11, and reimagined tributes spanning from World War II to Vietnam.

Each project carried its own weight of responsibility, but Charles approached every design with the same philosophy: offer ideas, listen carefully, and collaborate until the family’s vision comes to life.

An Artist in His Own Right

Though Charles modestly says he is not the artist his uncle was, his creativity is evident in every design he has brought to life. Whether sketching concepts, selecting the right stone, or envisioning the placement of a monument, his work has inspired generations of families and shaped the identity of Travis Monument Group.

What Charles values most, however, is not the projects or the recognition. It is the human connections. For him, the greatest reward has been the gratitude of the families he has served. As he often says, “I have gotten a lot of hugs over the years.”

Seventy years in this work is not just about skill or longevity. It is about heart, commitment, and the belief that every memorial deserves the same care as if it were for our own family.

Today, we celebrate Charles not only for his decades of craftsmanship, but for the compassion and integrity that have defined his life’s work. His legacy lives on in every monument he has touched and in the values he has passed down to us at Travis Monument Group.

In a heartfelt act of community service, the 9/11 Memorial Heroes Monument in Putnam County’s Cornerstone Park has undergone a significant restoration. This monument solemnly honors the 8 men that lost their lives on 9/11, and the other 7 who passed later due to 9/11 related illness.

Putnam County Monuments and Mike Muenz of Cargain Funeral Homes led this important project. They replaced the monument’s weather-worn aluminum plaque with a new, durable bronze one, ensuring the longevity of these engraved names, each representing a cherished soul lost due to the events of that tragic day. This upgrade isn’t just a physical improvement; it’s a symbolic gesture, reinforcing the community’s commitment to remembering and honoring these heroes.

The restoration has been met with deep gratitude from the community, who see it as a fitting tribute to those who served and sacrificed. The memorial now stands not only as a remembrance of past events but as a beacon of the enduring spirit of Putnam County, where the collective memory of its heroes remains strong and vibrant.

As the years pass and memories fade, it is through efforts like this that the stories of bravery and sacrifice remain alive. The restored monument serves as a reminder to all who visit Cornerstone Park that the heroes of 9/11 will never be forgotten. The community’s dedication to maintaining this monument ensures that future generations will continue to honor and reflect on the courage of those who gave everything in the name of duty.

“We can’t thank the two local businesses enough for their generosity and community spirit in covering the cost of replacing the aluminum plaque with a bronze plaque,” said Denis Hanrahan while speaking with the Mid Hudson News.

This restoration is a beautiful example of how a community can come together to protect and honor its history, making sure that the sacrifices made by these heroes will continue to be recognized for years to come.