IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2019 | Page 28

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PEACEFUL RESTING PLACE
SPONSORED CONTENT
T
here is a special place in the
southern suburbs of Pittsburgh
that is open, cozy, and tranquil,
encouraging a positive, relaxing
respite from the bustle of the surrounding
community. Affording beatific vistas of rolling
hills and wooded glens that wrap around
friendly nearby neighborhoods, Jefferson
Memorial Cemetery has provided a peaceful
resting place since 1929 when it was founded
by Harry C. Neel.
Mr. Neel named his new cemetery Jefferson
Memorial Park because of its situation in
Jefferson Township and because of his
admiration of Thomas Jefferson.
The humble parcel of rolling hills, green
knolls and acres of shaded lawns is home to numerous species
of distinctive native plant life, and evocative sculptural pieces. A
Visitor’s Guide assists in locating Jefferson Park’s many historic
pieces including significant memorials and distinguished
dedications in bronze, stained glass, granite, marble, and more.
In 1962 the cemetery mausoleum was the first of many
major features to be completed at Jefferson Memorial, with
enhancements to the property continuing to this day. John D.
Neel established the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in 1993
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after maintaining a reputation for
excellence and exemplary, personalized
service for countless families from
Jefferson and surrounding regions for
over three decades. Today, Jefferson
Memorial Funeral Home has grown
to become one of the largest in
Pennsylvania. Unlike many other
cemeteries and funeral homes, Jefferson—a fourth-generation
family enterprise—is one of the largest, most beautiful privately
owned cemeteries in the United States. It was envisioned and
designed to be a Memorial Park, with no tombstones to mar
the beauty of the sweeping lawns. In 2013 the crematory was
added; the convenience of having both funeral home and
crematory facilities in one location has been paramount to the
growth of Jefferson, and the expansions and growing amenities
did not stop there.
President and CEO Harry C. Neel is credited with the growth
and innovation that has made Jefferson Memorial what it is
today. He is joined by daughter Dagny Neel Fitzpatrick, Vice
President in charge of Family Services, while Whitney R. Neel
lends her expertise to the numerous specialized amenities. To
commemorate Jefferson Memorial Cemetery’s 90th anniversary,
and to show their gratitude to the community, the Neel family
proudly announces a yearlong celebration.
Upcoming family-friendly events include the Easter
Eggstravaganza, featuring face painting, petting zoo, and pony
rides; Family Fun Movie Nights (current films shown under
the stars); Yoga in the Park (innovative and traditional yoga
along with related healthy activities experienced amid striking
backdrops around the park); and Bark in the Park (dog-friendly
fundraising walk through the scenic grounds with proceeds
benefiting the American Cancer Society). Other events such as
Historic Park Tours highlight unique artifacts, monuments and
their histories, diverse flora and fauna, along with interesting
facts about Jefferson Memorial, and the annual commemorative
Memorial Day Celebration.
Be sure to catch one-of-a-kind experiences that are fun,
exciting, and thought provoking, and discover the wide array of
comforting, positive aspects of Jefferson Memorial Park.