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FEMA Funeral Reimbursement to End September 30, 2025
Since FEMA began accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance in April 2021, the agency has provided nearly $3 billion in assistance to more than 438,000 people, with an average award of ...
Friday, June 2, 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...
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
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...
Thursday, May 11, 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...
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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...
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
How long does embalming preserve a body?
I am frequently asked, “How long does embalming preserve a body?” The answer is actually quite simple… it depends!
The preservation goal of modern embalming is to preserve the body adequately for ...
Friday, March 31, 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, March 24, 2023
Previous Posts
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...
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...
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