Serving Northeast Pennsylvania 570-562-1300
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Funeral Service
Q: Can I personalize my funeral service?
A: Yes, we at Jacob Davis Funeral Home encourage it and believe that each funeral should reflect the life of deceased. No two funerals should be exactly the same. We encourage you to let us know how your loved one is to be remembered and we will do our best to create such a ceremony and tribute.
A: Yes, we at Jacob Davis Funeral Home encourage it and believe that each funeral should reflect the life of deceased. No two funerals should be exactly the same. We encourage you to let us know how your loved one is to be remembered and we will do our best to create such a ceremony and tribute.
Q.: Should we have a public viewing?
A: We believe that a public viewing can help the grieving process. In making a viewing part of your funeral service, you can provide a certain amount of closure to all in attendance. This is a time for families and friends to come together and pay tribute. Funerals are really for the living.
At the Time of Death
Q: What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on a holiday?
A: We are here when you need us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Someone on our staff will be there to assist you.
Q: What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
A: One of our funeral directors can help you make all the necessary arrangements. We'll take care of everything from bringing your loved one back home; to helping you arrange the service. All you need to do is call us. We'll take care of the rest.
Cremations
Q: What is cremation?
A: Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.
Q: Is a casket needed for cremation?
A: No, a casket is not required. Most states require an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard, however, in some states, no container is required.
Q: Can an urn be brought into a church?
A: Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service. Most Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during the memorial mass. It is encouraged that cremated remains be part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.
Q: How can I be sure that I receive the correct remains?
A: All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error. Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time.
Vaults
Q: Are vaults required for all burials?
A: A large majority of cemeteries do require them but it is a PA state law. Various religious and ethnic groups bury without vaults.
Q: What is the difference between an outer container (grave liner) and a burial vault?
A: An outer burial container is made from concrete only, it has no inner liner of plastic, and the cover does not have an inner liner of the cover does not seal to the base with a butyl seal. So that means water and other outside elements will get inside the outer burial container and eventually into the casket.
Members of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association