Spence Funeral Services Blog
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, August 25, 2023
Can I have a viewing if I choose to be cremated?
Absolutely! Cremation is only one of several forms of disposition of a body. Other forms of disposition are burial, body donation, aquamation, and composting. Not all these options are permitted in...
Friday, August 18, 2023
Organ and Tissue Donation verses Anatomical Donation
Anatomical Donation and Gift of Life are each programs to consider when individuals and families are considering end-of-life decisions. Both programs are designed that others benefit from another’s...
Friday, August 11, 2023
Considering donating your body?
Anatomical Donation is a recognized and accepted form of human body disposition in the United States. As with all manners of disposition, donating one’s body is a very personal decision. Befor...
Friday, August 4, 2023
“Grief is just love with no place to go.”
Although I have been a licensed funeral director for 29 years, families are still teaching me new things about love, death, and grieving. I appreciate this thoughtful quote: “Grief ...
Friday, July 28, 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, July 21, 2023
What is “preplanning” and how does it benefit me?
Preplanning is simply a matter of taking care of your funeral service details before the need arises. Today, more and more people are making the thoughtful decision to discuss their final arrangeme...
Friday, July 14, 2023
Previous Posts
Do you provide traditional funeral services?
Do you provide traditional funeral services?
The answer is “Yes, we provide traditional funeral services.” Actually, we provide a range of funeral services from traditional services, includi...
Who is William P. Spence?
I was raised in rural Indiana County. Prior to becoming a funeral director, I was employed for 12 years as an underground coal miner by Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company. In 1993, I graduated...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Have a Question?
