Cremation is a method of disposition of human remains.  A person’s body is reduced to small pieces of bone fragments by a process of intense heat.  Those fragments are then pulverized by machine.  The end result is referred to as cremated remains or ashes.

Our funeral home does not have a crematory on site.  We use one of the 7 crematories in Allegheny County, all of which are highly reputable and experienced.

Funeral and Cremation

Even though cremation is chosen as the method of disposition of the body, a funeral can still be held.  Cremation would follow a funeral service that can include viewing or visitation with a closed casket.  Services could be held at the funeral home or in a church.

In our area, 15% of the dispositions are via cremation.  At our funeral home, 70% of those families have a funeral with a service, followed by cremation.

Disposition of Ashes

Although a family chooses cremation, the disposition of the ashes must also be determined.  There are no regulations in Pennsylvania regarding the disposition of ashes.  Families can choose whichever method they are comfortable with.

Most often, ashes are buried in a cemetery, either in an already occupied grave or a grave to be used specifically for that individual.  Also, many cemeteries provide niches for cremated remains in their mausoleums.

Scattering is also an option for disposal of ashes.  Typically this can be done anywhere as long as there are no trespassing violations or government regulations.

Some families choose to retain the ashes in their homes.

Urns

There must be a container to hold the ashes after cremation.  Most commonly, families will select an urn to contain the ashes, especially if there is to be a service with the ashes present, burial or entombment of the ashes, or if they are to be retained by the family.  Where no urn is selected from our funeral home, the crematories return the ashes to the funeral home in temporary urns made of black plastic or cardboard.