Frequently asked Questions - Answers to questions every consumer should know

What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the deceased, delays the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of the deceased. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting for them.

Is embalming required in the State of New Jersey?
No. Embalming is not required in the State of New Jersey unless the final disposition of the deceased occurs after 48 hours from the time of death. It may also depend on factors such as, whether the selected service is with a public or private viewing, has an open casket, or if the deceased is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the burial or cremation.

Why should I prearrange my funeral or burial?
When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral, cemetery arrangements, and the memorial service that you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. Once again we as a family offer you this service, for all your pre-arranged funeral or burial plans.

What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to offer?
The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motor equipment and that they provide a General Price List to all clients. You have the right to select and pay for only those services you choose to utilize.

How can I personalize a funeral service?
Bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. Example: An avid golfer might have a favorite putter placed in the casket. An avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their personal effects or trophies displayed on a memory table. A person who quilted could have the casket draped with a quilt they made. An artist could have their artwork displayed. A person’s favorite rocking chair could be brought to the funeral home and placed next to the casket.

What are a memory table and/or a memory board?
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items and any other significant memorabilia of the deceased. A memory board would have a collection of family photographs or personal articles attached and can be displayed on an easel for visitors to reminisce about their life experiences with the deceased.

What happens if someone close to me dies away from home?
After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be for you to call our funeral home. We will be able to direct and make the necessary arrangements to transfer the deceased, relieving you, the family or loved one of the burden of dealing with unfamiliar people, places and related issues.

Is it possible to have a traditional funeral if someone with a Communicable disease dies?
Yes. It is possible to have a traditional funeral even if someone passes away as a result of a communicable disease.

If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a service?
Yes. We here at Par-troy Funeral Home can arrange for either a Memorial Service or Gathering of Friends to be held at a time and place convenient for you, the family or loved one.

Why would I need to purchase Certified Copies of a death certificate?
Certified copies are used as a proof of death for the transfer of stocks and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. We can help you determine how many certified copies you may need to settle an estate and also secure certified copies for you.

Why are some casket prices more than others?
It depends upon the materials with which the casket is made. Obviously, a casket made of bronze would be priced higher than one made of steel. A casket made of solid mahogany would be more costly to manufacture than one of soft pinewood. A casket with crepe interior materials would be priced less than an interior of velvet because of the cost of the material. It depends upon what materials the casket shell is made of, the interior materials and any protective features included in that particular model.

What are the different types of burial caskets?
Most caskets are made of either hardwood or metal. Metal caskets, including those made from bronze, copper, stainless steel and steel, are known for their protective features and unique finishes. Bronze and copper are among the most durable and beautiful of metals; both are naturally non-rusting. Stainless and carbon steel caskets come in a variety of grades, gauges, styles, and finishes. They are manufactured and tested to be completely resistant to the entrance of air and water. Metal caskets combine lasting protection. Hardwood caskets include a wide variety of species: Mahogany, Walnut, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Pecan, Poplar, and Pine. The warmth, beauty and personality it brings to fine furniture ideally suited it for the construction of quality caskets.

What are burial vaults and grave liners?
These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may be made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, bronze, plastic, or fiberglass. A grave liner is a lightweight version of a vault, which simply keeps the grave surface from sinking in.

Must I purchase a burial vault?
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the ground will not sink. Either a grave liner or a burial vault will satisfy these requirements.

What is double depth?
Many cemeteries either allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave or have specific sections where this type of grave is available. Double depth just means that one casket is placed in the grave at an approximate depth of seven feet. When a second interment is required, the second casket is placed on top of the first casket at standard depth.

What does the government give a veteran in regards to a marker?
The United States government provides markers or stones for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world, which are not already marked. Flat markers and stones are used to mark the grave of a veteran or dependent in the style which meets the requirements of the cemetery. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbarium in national cemeteries used for interment of cremated remains.

If I am a veteran and plan to be buried in a national cemetery, is my spouse eligible to be buried with to me?
Yes. A space for your spouse or any dependant or children can be authorized at the time of your death.

Is a casket required when someone is to be cremated?
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many crematories require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, rigid, covered container (alternative container). This does not need to be a casket as such. What is required is an enclosed, rigid, container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container selected is really a personal decision, depending on the type of funeral selected by the family. Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple, or mahogany caskets can be seen in our showroom.

Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket once again on show in our show room.

Can we have the service before or after the cremation?
Yes. A Service can be held before or after the cremation. It’s completely a matter of family preference.

What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered in an area that was significant to the deceased. (Authorization in some cases may be required. Always be advised to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.)

Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process – the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

What is a columbarium?
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes freestanding, either indoors or outdoors, is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold cremated remains.

How much does a funeral cost?
No two funerals are exactly the same, nor should they be. There is a wide range of funeral services from which to choose. Since every funeral is planned to meet the special needs of each family, it’s difficult to speak in generalities about the “average” funeral or the “average” costs. There are certain expenses basic to almost every funeral, but many are determined by the selections that are made, the services specified and the additional items requested.

What is a General Price List?
The General Price List (GPL) is the keystone of the Funeral Rule. It must contain identifying information, itemized prices for the various goods and services that you sell, and other important disclosures. The GPL enables consumers to comparison shop and to purchase, on an itemized basis, only the goods and services they want. The main categories that should be presented on the GPL: Professional Services, Facility Charges, Transportation, Merchandise and Cash Disbursements. Other categories included on the GPL are Forwarding and Receiving the Remains of the Deceased, Direct Cremation and Immediate Burial. You must give the GPL to anyone who asks, in person, about funeral goods, funeral services, or the prices of such goods or services. You must give the GPL to such individuals to keep. The request for information does not have to come from a consumer or someone who wants to make funeral arrangements now or in the future. You must give a GPL to all persons who inquire about funeral arrangements.

What is a Traditional Funeral?
A Traditional funeral normally involves visitation at a funeral home for whatever time predetermined by the family, a funeral service in the funeral home or from a Church and a committal service at the cemetery.

What should I do when someone passes away?
We are a Twenty Four-hour family service here at Par-Troy Funeral Home. We are available seven days a week. We will make any necessary arrangements and notify the proper authorities