Frequent Questions

The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

•     Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
•     Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
•     Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
•     Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
•     Obtaining copies of the death certificate
•     Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
•     Creates and publishes the obituary
•     Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
•     Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
•     Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.

The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

Pre-arranging funeral services can be done regardless of the final disposition. Pre-arranging is simply recording your wishes with the funeral home and prefunding if you choose to do so.

• Advance Directives - If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his remains and memorialization, you need to bring them with you. These instructions may be found in a will, or there may be a formally witnessed disposition directive, funeral pre-arrangements, or a pre-need contract.
• Military Discharge Papers
• Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
• Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial
• Specific information on the deceased: 
•     Full legal name
•     Address
•     Marital status
•     Social Security number
•     Date of birth
•     Place of birth (city and state)
•     Educational history (number of years of schooling)
•     Armed Forces service dates and serial number
•     Occupation or profession
•     Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
•     Next of kin and other survivors

No. We are not offering these services at this time. 

Cremation regulations differ from one state to another.

We've meticulously crafted a comprehensive set of operational policies and procedures to achieve the highest possible quality and minimize the risk of human error. We guarantee a secure and accurate identification of the deceased at every step of the cremation process. Our cremation equipment is exclusively operated by certified professionals to ensure utmost competence and safety.

While the law does not mandate the use of an urn, it can be a meaningful choice, especially when planning a memorial service or interment in a cemetery. If you opt not to select an urn, the cremated remains will be carefully placed in a plastic bag and then put into a temporary plastic box or container, which is typically provided by the family.

Indeed, you have the option to choose immediate family members for a brief viewing of the deceased before the cremation process, subject to an additional cost. In preparation for this private viewing, the deceased is carefully washed, dressed, and made ready. It's worth noting that in certain situations, such as when the deceased is an organ/tissue or bone donor, additional alternative care may be necessary. Please consult with our staff to discuss specific circumstances and any associated requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission provides clear guidance on the legal requirements and consumer rights regarding embalming in funeral arrangements. In most cases, embalming is not a mandatory legal requirement. It may become necessary if specific funeral arrangements, like a viewing, are chosen. However, individuals generally have the option to select alternative arrangements, such as direct cremation or immediate burial, which do not necessitate embalming and allow them to avoid associated costs. It's crucial for consumers to be aware of their rights and choices when making funeral arrangements.

We offer direct cremation or immediate burial options to our families.