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Jaycox-Jaworski and Willig Funeral Homes— Where the Importance of Family is Understood
There are a lot of reasons why people become funeral directors, but for Chris Odasso, owner of Jaycox-Jaworski and Willig Funeral Homes, personal experiences 10 years apart played a huge role in his decision.
“ In 1987, I had just started working at a funeral home in Kittanning when I attended my first committal service. I anticipated sadness, but instead there was so much love and gratitude to God for His gift of the loved one,” Chris said.“ About 10 years later, I got word that my gravely ill uncle had died. Sickness drew the life out of him, leaving only a vague and tragic resemblance of him. But my hometown funeral home returned his good memory to me, thanks to a talented embalmer. In fact, he actually looked better than he had in years. The value of a restored positive memory now drives me. My goal is to give that same experience to every family that entrusts Jaycox-Jaworski or Willig Funeral Home with their loved one’ s care.”
That driving force of providing a positive and peaceful memory in a caring and supportive setting is the basis of Chris’ stewardship of Jaycox-Jaworski, which has served the community since 1871, and Willig since 1927.
Not only do they have a talented and compassionate staff that can accommodate virtually any unique and heartfelt request, but they also have a grief facilitator on staff, Jody Dausey, who arranges annual remembrance services and visits community senior centers to sing, perform Bible studies and officiate Veterans and Memorial Day services.
“ Jody is part of our ongoing commitment to those we serve and to our community. Families really appreciate her services, with some choosing to attend her bereavement groups, which have been described as life changing,” Chris said.“ Grief doesn’ t stop when the funeral’ s over and we make sure we are there for all of our families when they need someone.”
That dedication to the community even transcended Chris’
Left: Chris Odasso, Owner / Funeral Director Right: Charles Danforth, Supervisor building of a crematory in 2015. Whereas most crematories are industrial-scale tools of the trade, Chris decided to build the“ Gentle Care Crematory” to match what people would envision or hope a crematory would be. The facility, at 220 9th Street, has tours available on the first Sunday of every month through June at 11 a. m. for people who may be considering cremation over burial.“ All of these services aren’ t business transactions for us; they are privileges,” Chris said.“ My first committal service was over 30 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Families invite us into an intimate space where we glimpse the love they feel and the lives they’ ve shared with their loved one. My staff and I are blessed to be a part of that.”
For more information on Jaycox-Jaworski or Willig Funeral Homes, go to jaycox-jaworskifh. com, or willigfuneralcremationservices. com. You can also call at 412.664.4489 for the Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home, or 412.664.9178 for the Willig Funeral Home. Pre-planning options are available, and staff can help you with any requirements from monument selection to grief support and ensuring that survivors of veterans receive all of the benefits entitled to them.
2703 O’ Neil Boulevard • McKeesport, PA 15132 412.664.4489
220 9th Street • McKeesport, PA 15132 412.664.9178
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