Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Obituaries

Introduction to Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

Located at 534 Jones Avenue, North Brattock, PA, 15104, Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community for years. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and personalized care, this funeral home has established itself as a leader in the industry. In this article, we will delve into the services and amenities offered by Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., and explore what sets them apart from other funeral homes in the area.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. has built a reputation on its unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care to families during their most difficult times. The funeral home's team of experienced professionals understands the importance of creating a personalized and meaningful tribute to loved ones, and they work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is carefully considered. From traditional funerals to cremation services, the staff at Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. is dedicated to helping families say goodbye with dignity and respect.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Renee Marie Riggins - June 13, 1984 - January 06, 2021

Departed: 01/06/2021 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Renee Marie Riggins of Swissvale, Pennsylvania entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. She was born on Wednesday, June 13, 1984 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Leonard Riggins Sr. and Nannette Dothard.

Renee was a graduate of Woodland Hills High School Class of 2005. She loved listening to music, especially the music of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. She enjoyed singing, painting her nails and playing cards. She also loved going to the Swissvale library and watching DVD movies. Above all Renee loved her family and friends who will always remember her and her constant smile.

She is survived by her mother Nannette Dothard, her sisters (also known as her “sistas”) Shawntaa Uwoduhireigh of Pittsburgh, Kennesha Henderson of Braddock, Lenora (Lynn) M. (Tiger) Brunson of Braddock, Dolores Riggins (sister-in-law), her brothers (also known as her “brudders”) Lamont (Angela) Wright Sr, Avery Morris of Braddock, and Jeffrey Morris of Braddock. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who will always be her “Boo Boos”.

Beside her father, she was preceded in death by her brothers Leonard Riggins Jr, Ronald Riggins and her baby brother Jeremy Henderson.

Calling hours with the family will be Saturday, January 16, 2021 at PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., (412-271-5115) 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A blessing service will follow right after the visitation. "In Loving Memory of a Special Daughter" The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two I wish you could have stayed with me but Heaven needed you You left me with the memories and I love you dearly still No matter how much time goes by you know I always will You were a very special person with kindness in your heart and the love we had together, grows stronger I know I cannot bring you back, although I wish it everyday But a piece of me went with you -Mom

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Theodore J "Ted" Schleifer - March 05, 1945 - December 22, 2020

Departed: 12/22/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On December 22, 2020, Theodore J. “Ted” Schleifer III, age 75, of North Braddock, received eternal life and was reunited with his late parents, Theodore J. and Evelyn F. (McClelland) Schleifer Jr. Theodore was the owner of the Schleifer Funeral Chapel and Professional Funeral & Cremation Services of North Braddock. He was a graduate of St. Thomas District High School, Class of 1963, Duquesne University, Carlow College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and did graduate work as a Reading Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, where he served as a lector and extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, past president of the Braddock Rotary Club, member of the Enterprise Zone, member of the Knights of Columbus and the Braddock Elks. He was the organist at Kerr Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills and a member of the Allegheny County, Steel Valley, and Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. He was the brother of William B. (Jean Ann) Schleifer of Duquesne and Joanne Schleifer of Braddock; uncle of Jenny Lynn Schleifer of Duquesne, Kristen Marie (Nathan) Matusiak of North East, PA and Bill (Amy) Schleifer of North Huntingdon; adored and cherished great uncle of Addison Matusiak and Autumn and Savannah Schleifer. Visitation will be held at his funeral home, SCHLEIFER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 534 JONES AVE., NORTH BRADDOCK on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 12-7 p.m. Concelebrated mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Church, Braddock. EVERYONE SHOULD PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Burial will follow in Monongahela Cemetery in North Braddock. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110 or Covenant House New York 550 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10018. Arrangements by his brother, William B. Schleifer and nephew, William Brian Schleifer of the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, Duquesne, 412-466-3300. The funeral and burial will be live-streamed through www.maloy-schleiferfuneralhome.com by clicking on his obituary and then on the live-stream option at the bottom.

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Shirley Jane Remaley - February 10, 1942 - December 03, 2020

Departed: 12/03/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Quietly on Thursday, December 3, 2020, Shirley Jane Shank Remaley went home to be with the Lord.  She was born on Tuesday, February 10, 1942, in Sandy Creek, Pennsylvania.  She is a daughter of the late Ira and Evadna Jones Shank.  She is survived by her devoted children, Eunice Puckett of Swissvale, David Remaley of Georgia, Tammy Payne of Braddock, and Mitzie (Spence) Hodge of Braddock, ten grand children and seven great grandchildren, and a brother, Robert Shank of Turtle Creek, and fifteen nieces and nephews.  Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Remaley, who died in 2007, and the following siblings, James Shank, Betty Gorman, Donald Shank, William Shank and Carol Schienle.

Shirley was a faithful member of Calvary Apostolic Church in Swissvale.  At this time there will be no formal funeral services.  A Memorial Service will be conducted at a later date.  Please check our website for details. All funeral and cremation arrangements have been entrusted to PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., (412-271-1362), 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania 15104.  Pleas check

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Mark J. Hornyak - November 13, 1959 - November 03, 2020

Departed: 11/03/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Mark Joseph Hornyak of Wilkinsburg, formerly of North Braddock, entered life eternal.  He was born on Friday, the 13th, 1959, in Braddock to the late Donald ‘Don’ and Rita L. Swiden Hornyak who preceded him in death.  He is survived by his daughters, April (John) Friday of Monroeville and Rebecca Hornyak of Sheridan, his grandchildren, Malani, Hornyak, Clarence and Kiya Ford, and Aiden and Ryleigh Friday, a sister Donna (Lee) Pokriva of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and his brothers, Stephen (Noreen) Hornyak of Brentwood, John Hornyak of Turtle Creek and David (late Linda) Hornyak of Turtle Creek and an Uncle, Robert (Ruth) Hornyak, and nieces, nephews and cousins.  Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Edward Hornyak.

Mark’s daughters have chosen cremation with a ‘Final Good-Bye Visitation’ which is for immediate family members only.  A Memorial Visitation will be held on November 12, 2020, from 2:00 to4:00 P.M. followed by a Panachida Service at 4:00 P.M. conducted by Reverend Vitalii Stashkevych, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Braddock.

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Damian Church - July 20, 1972 - August 29, 2020

Departed: 08/29/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Damian Church of West Mifflin went quietly home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 29, 2020. He was born to the late Georgianna Church on Thursday July 20, 1972. Damian was a graduate of Steel Valley High School Class of 1990.  He was the lead prep cook at TGI Friday's at their Waterfront location in Homestead.  He has been employed there for the last 20 years. Damian  a member of Community of the Crucified One in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his brothers Stanley “Stan” Church of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Ulysses “Uly” (Terryona) Church of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania,  and Randy Wilson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, a special niece La’Tia  and three nephews Stanley Jr, Santino and Amari.

Calling hours with the family will be on Friday, September 4, 2020 at PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., (412-271-5115), 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.  A Blessing Service will follow the visitation.  Reverend Paul Stewart of the Community of the Crucified One will officiate.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitation will be limited to 25 people in the funeral home at one time and face masks are required.

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Robert "Bobby" Welsh - December 30, 1961 - July 30, 2020

Departed: 07/30/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Quietly, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Robert ‘Bob’ Welsh of McKeesport, entered life eternal.  He was born on Saturday, December 30, 1961, in Braddock to the late Samuel Welsh and Audrey Nedel Welsh.  He is survived by his adoring wife, Lisa Hart Welsh, a son, Jesse Welsh of the United States Navy, his sisters, Cindy (late Richard Crowley) of Forest Hills, and Diane (Harry) Smith of South Carolina, and a brother John (Cheryl) Welsh of North Carolina and nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by Lisa’s mother, Agnes Wilkins, Lisa’s children, Amanda Corbin and Brittney Corbin of Pittsburgh, and their children, Ray Kimmbel, Michael Young, and Amiayah Smith..

Bobby will   be remembered for the construction company that he owned, “Tool Box Remodeling”.  He was a master at building and fixing just about anything.

There was no visitation or funeral service.

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William "Bill" S. Wallis - February 24, 1957 - July 09, 2020

Departed: 07/09/2020 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: William "Bill" Sherrick Wallis of Swissvale, Pennsylvania formerly from North Braddock departed this life peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2020. He was born on Wednesday, February 27, 1957 to the late William Samuel Wallis and Carolyn S. Golden. Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Donald Wallis, sister Mary Jo Stedry and loving aunt Peg Kanchy. He is survived by his loving daughter Austin Jeanne Wallis of Columbia, South Carolina and his sister Ruthanne Thomas of North Versailles, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by a list of cousins; Linda Claar and son Jimmy Claar, Kris (Mark) Visco and family, Judy (Drew) Kanchy, George (Laura) Kanchy and Joyce Kanchy

William was the chief of maintenance for the Marriot Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia and was very loved by his family.

There will be no services for William. Theodore Schleifer of Professional Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., (412-271-5115) is assisting the family with William’s arrangements.

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Richard Lee Robinette - April 19, 1934 - November 25, 2019

Departed: 11/25/2019 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Quietly after an extended illness, Richard Lee Robinette of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, entered life eternal.  He was born in Johnstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to the late Sherman and Edith Marie Robinette.  He is survived by a sister, Carol Jean Williams, of Everett, Pennsylvania, and his dear friend of 42 years, Nancy Lewis of Brownsville.  There are no services scheduled at this time.  The family has chosen cremation.  Theodore Schleifer of Professional Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., (412-271-5115) is assisting the family with Richard’s cremation.

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Richard Lee Robinette - April 19, 1934 - November 25, 2019

Departed: 11/25/2019 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Quietly after an extended illness, Richard Lee Robinette of Brownsville, entered life eternal at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.  He  was born in Johnstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania to the late Sherman and Edith Marie Robinette.  He is survived by a sister, Carol Jean Williams of Everett, Pennsylvania, and his long time friend, Nancy Lewis.  There are no formal services scheduled at this time.  The family has chosen cremation.  Theodore Schleifer of Professional Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

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Mary Pat Leach - June 07, 1952 - August 04, 2019

Departed: 08/04/2019 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On Sunday, August 4, 2019, Mary Pat Flanagan Leach of Wilkins Township, formerly of the Braddock area, went quietly into life eternal, with her family at her side at Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh.  She was born on Saturday, June 7, 1952, in Braddock.  She is survived by her husband, Ronald “Ron” Leach, her daughter, Alissa Flanagan-Bollinger, and her three grandchildren.  Aliyah, Julia and Jason.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anne Sabatina  Flanagan, and her brother, Daniel Flanagan and a sister Sally Flanagan Freeman.

She was formerly a Case Manager at Career Links.  Mary Pat was an organ donor.  Please share memories of Mary Pat on our website.

Memorials may be made directly to the family or to the funeral home at 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania  15104.

There will not be a public viewing or service. Cremation care is under the direction of PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. (412-271-5115).

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Samuel Lopez - October 26, 1993 - July 04, 2019

Departed: 07/04/2019 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On Thursday, July 4, 2019, Samuel Lopez of McKeesport entered life eternal due to a fatal motorcycle accident.  He was born on Tuesday, October 26, 1993, in Mexico to Miguel and Roslina Perez-Dias Lopez who survive.  He is also survived by his daughter in Mexico and a brother, Cornelio Lopez of McKeesport, and aunts and uncles in Mexico.  Samuel was a roofer by trade.  He worked on residential homes in the Pittsburgh area.  Calling hours with his family will be on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. (412-271-5115), 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.

Samuel's body will be returned to the land of his birth, Mexico, where all funeral services and the interment will be held.

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John Edward "Poppa John" Perry - July 29, 1936 - May 26, 2019

Departed: 05/26/2019 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On Sunday, May 26, 2019, after an extended illness, John “Poppa John” Perry of Forest Hills passed into life eternal at his home with his loving wife at his side.  He was born in Pendelton County Kentucky on Wednesday, July 29, 1936, to the late John Perry and Evelyn Kelly Perry.  He is the beloved husband of Marcia Casses.  He was known to all as “Poppa John”, a loving step-father and grandfather.  He was a caring and loving man, always looking to do for others, especially his loving wife.

He was a retired owner-operator over the road trucker, an Army Veteran, and a life member of Shippensburg American Legion.

There will be no visitation or funeral services.  PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., (412-271-5115), Theodore Schleifer, Supervisor,  has been chosen to provide care for “Poppa John” and his family.

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Ta'Sean Hamion Gray - June 04, 2000 - December 31, 2018

Departed: 12/31/2018 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On New Years Eve, December 31, 2018, Ta’Sean Hamion Gray was pronounced dead at 8:49 AM from gun shots believed to be fired the night before on Sunday, December 30, 2018.  He was born on Sunday, June 4, 2000, at Magee Hospital.  Ta’Sean was a senior at the Academy, Woodland Hills School District.  His plans were to attend college and pursue a career in music.  He was a gifted musician that wrote his own music.

Left to treasure his memory is his Mother, La’Tasha Price of North Braddock, the dad that raised him, Lynn Brown of Rankin, and his siblings, NaTaVia Price of East Liberty, Lyndin Brown, Sha-Lyn Brown, La’Tazjha Brown, Lynette Brown all at home in North Braddock, and a sister, Amber Davis of West Mifflin.  He is also survived by his maternal grandfather, Joseph Vaughn, Sr., and his grandmothers Ramona Vaughn and Coco Gray, aunts and uncles, Martina ‘Tina’ Price, Dwayne (Andrea) Vaught, Joseph Vaughn, Jr., Sherice Vaughn, Chante Vaughn, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Calling hours with the family will be on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., (412-271-5115), 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, Pennsylvania from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Ta’Sean will lay in state at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 245 Third Avenue, Rankin, Pennsylvania  15104 from 10:00 A.M. until his Going Home at 11:00 A.M. which will be conducted by Pastor Christopher Conti of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  He will be laid to rest in Monongahela Cemetery, North Braddock, Pennsylvania immediately following the service.

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John "Jack" P. Shields, Jr. - January 30, 1953 - December 19, 2018

Departed: 12/19/2018 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at UPMC East, John Patrick “Jack” Shields, Jr. entered life eternal.  He was born in Braddock on Saturday, Jauary 30, 1953. To the late John Patrick Shields, Sr. and his wife, Ruth Cayton Shields.  Jack is the father of three children, Jessica (Aaron) Booker of North Braddock, John P. Shields, III, and his wife Michele of North Huntingdon, and Sarah (Jack Porch) of Hunker as well as 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings, Terry Shields of Irwin, Tim (Neva) Shields of Greensburg, Linda (Frank) Cigich of Export, Patricia Brown of Alexandria, Virginia and his best friend, Jackie DelleDonne and her daughter, Kiki.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Serafini and his former wife, Janice Shields (April 11, 2017), and his AKA daughter, Angela DelleDonne and her son, Louis.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  He  was employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital as a boiler room engineer.  He was previously employed at UPMC Braddock in the same position until it closed.

There will be no visitation.  A Memorial Service will be held in 2019. Theodore Schleifer of PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. (412-271-5115) is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

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Dorothy 'Dolly' Fertal - May 29, 1929 - November 16, 2018

Departed: 11/16/2018 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Quietly on, Friday, November 16, 2018, Dorothy “Dolly” Donato Fertal entered life eternal.  She was born on Wednesday, May 29, 1929, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­in Braddock to the late Frank and Ann Bache Donato.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ She was the wife of the late John L. “Ferty” Fertal.  Together they owned Ferty’s Bar in Braddock for over 50 years.

She is survived by her daughter Christine (Tony Matrazzo) her son, Vincent Fertal both of North Braddock, a daughter-in-law, Nancy Fertal of the South Side, grandchildren Michael (Ana) Fertal and Lindsay (Erin) Fertal, and great grandchildren Alina and Lucas Fertal.

Calling hours with the family will be on Monday, November 19, 2018, from 4-8 P.M. in the SCHLEIFER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Inc. (412-271-1361), 534 Jones Avenue, North Braddock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Good Shepherd Church, Braddock, on Tuesday TIME LATER.   Burial will follow in Monongahela Cemetery alongside of her husband. Arrangements by PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES

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James O. Johnson - December 27, 1941 - October 14, 2018

Departed: 10/14/2018 (North Brattock)

Obituary Preview: Mr. James Ollie Johnson, 76, of the Southwestern Veteran’s Center, East Liberty, transitioned into life eternal on Sunday evening, October 14, 2018, at his residence. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, December 27, 1941, to the late Mervin and Lillian Gomez Johnson.  He moved to the Pittsburgh area in 1978.

Survivors include, his longtime companion, Lillian A. Perry, and her four children, all girls, three brothers,  Mervin O. (late wife Emily) Johnson of South Holland, Illinois, Louis (Beverly) Johnson of Mobile, Alabama, Robert (Shirl) Johnson of Pittsburgh and one sister, Anita (late Ernest) Brown of Madison, Wisconsin, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Calling hours with the family will be on Saturday, October 20, 2018, in the New Testament Missionary Baptist Church (412-247-7505) 1036 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania 15221 at 10:00 A.M. Going Home will be at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend James Matthews officiating. Private burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, on Monday, October 22, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at which time full United States Army Military Honors will be rendered.

PROFESSIONAL Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with Mr. Johnson’s funeral arrangements.

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A Wide Range of Funeral Services

Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs of each family. These services include:

- Traditional funerals with visitation and burial

- Cremation services with memorialization options

- Graveside services

- Memorial services

- Pre-planning and pre-funding options

A State-of-the-Art Facility

The funeral home's facility at 534 Jones Avenue is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families. The spacious chapel can accommodate large gatherings, while the intimate visitation rooms offer a cozy setting for smaller gatherings. The facility is also equipped with modern audio-visual technology, allowing families to personalize their services with music, video tributes, and other multimedia elements.

Personalized Funeral Planning

At Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., the staff understands that every individual is unique, and that their funeral service should reflect their personality, interests, and accomplishments. To achieve this, the funeral home offers personalized funeral planning services, which allow families to customize every aspect of the service. From selecting music and flowers to choosing a casket or urn, the staff works closely with families to create a truly personalized tribute.

Cremation Options

For families who choose cremation, Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. offers a range of options to suit their needs. These include direct cremation, cremation with memorialization, and witness cremation. The funeral home's crematory is located on-site, ensuring that families can trust that their loved one will be cared for with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.

Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding Options

Many individuals are taking advantage of pre-planning and pre-funding their funeral services, and Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. offers these options to families. By pre-planning, individuals can make their wishes known and spare their loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. Pre-funding allows individuals to set aside funds specifically for their funeral expenses, ensuring that their family will not have to bear the financial burden.

A Commitment to Community

Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. is deeply committed to the North Brattock community it serves. The funeral home participates in local events and organizations, and its staff members are actively involved in volunteer work throughout the area. This commitment to community is reflected in the funeral home's dedication to providing exceptional service and compassionate care to every family it serves.

Contact Information

If you would like to learn more about Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., or would like to schedule a consultation with one of their experienced professionals, please do not hesitate to contact them at (insert phone number) or visit their website at (insert website URL). Their caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It is usually published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral program to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing important information to those who knew them. They can help to notify people of the person's passing, share details about their life and accomplishments, and provide information about funeral services and memorial donations.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, with the assistance of a funeral home or newspaper. In some cases, a professional writer may be hired to write the obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral services, memorial donations, and any other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's wishes. Typically, an obituary ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the person.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and the length of the obituary. Some newspapers offer free or low-cost obituaries, while others may charge by the word or line. Online obituary platforms may also charge a fee for publishing an obituary.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it is not possible to make changes to an obituary once it has been published. However, some online platforms may allow you to make corrections or updates for a limited time after publication.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

You can usually submit an obituary to a newspaper by email or through their website. Be sure to follow the newspaper's guidelines for format and content.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to have control over how they are remembered. This can be a meaningful way to reflect on your life and legacy.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. It is often used when a full obituary is not desired or necessary.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice that announces someone's passing and provides biographical information. A eulogy is a speech or written tribute that celebrates the person's life and shares personal anecdotes and memories.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include humorous anecdotes or quotes in an obituary as a way to celebrate the person's personality and spirit.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or private details about the person's life that you do not wish to share publicly, it's best to omit them from the obituary or discuss them with family members before publishing.

Can I include charitable donations in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary as a way to honor the person's memory and support a good cause.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary can vary depending on the publication and their deadlines. Typically, it takes 1-2 days for an obituary to be published in print, while online platforms may publish immediately.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In some cases, yes. You may want to republish an obituary on significant dates such as birthdays or anniversaries of the person's passing.

What if I need to correct errors in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication or online platform where the obituary was published as soon as possible to report any errors. They may be able to make corrections or issue a retraction.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include meaningful quotes or song lyrics in an obituary as a way to add depth and emotion to the tribute.

How do I write an effective condolence message in response to an obituary?

A sincere and heartfelt condolence message should express sympathy for the family's loss and share a personal memory or anecdote about the deceased if possible.

Can I include links or attachments in an online obituary?

This depends on the online platform being used. Some may allow links or attachments such as photos or videos, while others may not.

What if I'm unsure about what information to include in an obituary?

You can consult with family members, friends, or a funeral home for guidance on what information to include in an obituary. They can help you create a fitting tribute that honors the person's life.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes, social media can be a useful tool for sharing an obituary with friends and family who may not see it through traditional channels. You can post a link to the online obituary or share a summary of the person's life on social media platforms.

How do I preserve an online obituary for future generations?

You can save a copy of the online obituary as a PDF or print it out for safekeeping. Some online platforms also offer archiving services that allow you to preserve the obituary for years to come.