INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
DIFFERENCES
I
n 1966, my dad purchased Paris Funeral Home in Lawrenceville. We
used to have long conversations about changes in funeral service
and expectations of consumers. Dad and I would come up with
different ideas to help serve families. Our 50-year story continues to
evolve today.
Many people think that all funeral homes are basically the same.
Heather, my wife, threw me a challenge. She said, “Let people know
what makes Perman Funeral Home different.” Challenge accepted.
After I came up with a long list of things, “the boss” picked her Top 10.
HEATHER’S TOP 10 LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE
OUR FUNERAL HOME DIFFERENT
10. Our funeral home staff produces a personalized life tribute DVD
using photographs, data sticks and smartphone photos.
9. Our funeral director and staff handle complete veteran services
including travel to Arlington National Cemetery.
8. Our funeral home displays urns, keepsake urns, memorial jewelry
and crystals.
7. Our funeral director and staff make arrangements for food and
beverage service.
6. Our funeral director installed a built-in music and PA system
utilizing CDs, cassette tapes, iTunes, computers or vinyl.
5. Our funeral home is a certified Green Burial Council funeral home
offering green burial caskets, urns and funeral options.
4. Our funeral director and staff do DNA banking and related
products.
3. Our funeral director installed public Wi-Fi.
2. Our funeral director assists with crowdfunding options for
donations for families and charities.
1. Our staff and funeral home have handled funerals for Catholic,
Buddhist, Jewish, Protestant, Lutheran, non-denominational, nonreligious, Episcopal, Jehovah’s Witness, Presbyterian, Latter Day
Saints, Evangelical Christian and Native American families. And a
Wiccan — that was interesting!
STORIES THAT WOULD HAVE MADE DAD SHRUG
Heather told the story of her grandfather’s funeral years before
we met. The funeral home her family used was so small that, during
the funeral service, she had to stand on steps that led to an upstairs
office. She couldn’t hear or see the service.
A local businesswoman related a story of paying respects to
someone she knew. She waited in line well over an hour outside in
freezing weather. There were many children and elderly in line. Insult
to injury was added when she discovered empty rooms inside where
those in line could have waited.
A friend told me about a funeral home with no parking lot at all.
Two ladies had to park seven blocks away and walk to the funeral
home at nighttime.
OUR SOLUTIONS
Our funeral home can seat over 100 people comfortably for funeral
services.
Our funeral home can accommodate over 200 people in line inside
the building to pay their respects.
Our funeral home has almost 1,000 available parking spaces within
75 yards of the front door.
FIVE THINGS I WOULD ADD TO HEATHER’S TOP 10
1. Our funeral director and staff have done home visitations and
off-site funerals.
2. Our funeral home has done dove releases and balloon releases.
3. Our funeral director built a brand-new private family conference
room.
4. Our funeral home has a grand piano and can help secure
musicians and vocalists.
5. Our staff has made it a priority to further our education in Funeral
Service in order to continually improve our ability to serve
families.
Pre-arranging a funeral assures you that your wishes will be
followed. Plan a funeral that is personal, affordable and memorable
by calling us or visiting us at www.permanfuneralhome.com. Also,
please put Saturday, June 11, on your calendar for our fourth annual
Open House from 2-5 p.m.
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman,
licensed funeral director, supervisor and owner of Perman
Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 923 Saxonburg
Blvd. at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes
that an educated consumer makes the best decisions.
Questions can be made to him at 412.486.3600 or email at
[email protected].
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