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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
What happens to the money when we pre-pay our funerals?
In Pennsylvania, funeral directors are required by law to deposit in escrow or trust the entire amount of the monies received by the funeral director for future expenses. None of this money is avai...
Friday, November 10, 2023
What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?
As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...
Friday, November 10, 2023
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...
Friday, November 10, 2023
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 ...
Friday, November 10, 2023
Previous Posts
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What happens to the money when we pre-pay our funerals?
In Pennsylvania, funeral directors are required by law to deposit in escrow or trust the entire amount of the monies received by the funeral director for future expenses. None of this money is avai...
What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?
As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...
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