Simple Funerals Blog
Is embalming required by law?
Embalming is only required by Pennsylvania law under certain circumstances. If it is the desire of the family to have a public viewing of the deceased, the law requires that the body be embal...
Friday, November 10, 2023
Can I be buried on my own property?
According to the legal counsel of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania does not have laws restricting one from being buried on their own property. The legality of being buri...
Friday, November 10, 2023
How included should children be in funerals?
This is a great question that often gets asked. For the record, I am not a licensed psychologist, counselor, or even a parent. However, my study and observation have provided me with se...
Friday, November 10, 2023
What is meant by Green Burial?
Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the env...
Friday, November 10, 2023
Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?
Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...
Friday, November 10, 2023
Why are people of the Jewish faith buried so soon after death?
There are various sects of Judaism, each with slightly different customs and practices. Jewish funeral customs are based on their belief and understanding of life, death, soul (neshama), and afterl...
Friday, November 10, 2023
How should I dress for a funeral?
In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in bl...
Friday, November 10, 2023
Previous Posts
What happens if I die away from my hometown?
Although it is seldom that death occurs when traveling for business or pleasure, it occasionally happens. The short answer to the question is, “Call the funeral director of your choice in you...
The thing about “Closure”
The longer I am a funeral director the greater disdain I have for the word “closure” as it is used in the context of one’s grief. Many well-meaning individuals, and even professionals, often offer ...
What happens to money I pre-pay if you are no longer in business or you sell your business?
Nearly every person who pre-funds their funeral will ask this question, and rightfully so. It’s wise to know how your money will be invested and what safeguards are in place to protect it for its i...
Children and Grief
Grief is a human reaction to loss. Grief can be experienced as the result of the loss of a job, a home, a marriage, a pet, a lost opportunity, a relationship, and the list is endless. I...
What is the coroner and what do they do?
The coroner is a county government official who is elected by county residents by typical voting procedure. Although the office is usually held by physicians or, sometimes funeral directors, all ci...
Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?
Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...
What is “preplanning” and how does it benefit me?
Preplanning is simply a matter of taking care of your funeral service details before the need arises. Today, more and more people are making the thoughtful decision to discuss their final arrangeme...
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