INDUSTRY INSIGHT
WONDERFUL REMEMBRANCES
We Listen…
We Understand
C
ommunication is key is an old cliché. At Perman Funeral
Home, our goal is to alleviate confusion and doubt for the
families we serve. Excellent communication starts with a
family’s initial contact with our funeral home. Questions
between the family and staff get the ball rolling. We learn so much
when communication is continuous.
Invariably, the conversation then gets to this: What should we bring
to the funeral home?
Here is what your family should bring to an arrangement or
prearrangement conference:
• Clothing – We request a full set of clothing including
undergarments, socks/stockings and shoes/slippers. Tops or shirts
should not plunge at the neckline. Tops, shirts, sweaters or jackets
should be long sleeved. We clothe the deceased out of respect,
even if a simple cremation is selected.
• Photographs – Perman Funeral Home uses photos for many
things. For example, we use a photo for the obituary on our
website, memorial cards, and informational signage at the funeral
home. We also use 50 to 75 family photographs to create custom
DVDs for use at the visitation. We can use printed photographs, cell
phone photos, CDs, flash drives and emailed photos.
• Statistical Information – Information is required for website and
newspaper death notices, death certificates, and Social Security.
Information needed includes the full name of the deceased,
parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name), highest level
of education completed, Social Security number, names to be
included in the website or newspaper notices, date and place of
birth including county, and next-of-kin name, address, email and
telephone contacts.
• Contact Information – Church, clergy, officiant telephone number,
email and address are needed. We also help secure caterers,
musicians, dove release, military honor guard, active duty military
honor guard, etc.
• Benefit Paperwork – Veteran benefits, work-related benefits and
insurance policies can be expeditiously handled by our excellent
staff members.
• Cemetery or Mausoleum Information – Please bring your deed
paperwork so we can handle burial details and arrangements.
We excel at helping the family build the story of a life lived. We may
ask: How would you describe the person? What gave him the most
enjoyment in life? What was her favorite food to eat or to prepare?
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What was the most fun for him? Families tell us about employment
history, membership in organizations, clubs and fraternal lodges,
offices held, awards, recognitions and honors. What were her favorite
colors, best vacations, fondest memories? Was there a religious or
church affiliation?
Recently a family told us that their family member loved candy.
We later asked them to bring candy during the visitation hours and
services. They said, “Wow. You really listened to what we said. Now we
understand why you asked so many questions.”
We helped another family create wonderful stories about
their husband and father through his military career and active
participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Visitors were drawn into
his life with his Air Force and Boy Scout uniforms proudly displayed.
Military and scout memorabilia throughout the viewing rooms were
like going through a display at a museum.
Communication and listening are key to helping families get where
they need to be. Call us to help tell the stories.
FREE FUNERAL
PLANNING GUIDE
Come by for FREE tour and Planning Guide
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TO BE BETTER PREPARED
• What to do First –
a checklist
• Funeral Arrangements
• Pre-planning / Planning
Ahead
Frank Perman, Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC
412-486-3600 www.permanfuneralhome.com
923 Saxonburg Blvd, at Route 8, Shaler Township across from Eat ‘n Park
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman,
FD, Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC. He is the owner
of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc.,
923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township.
Mr. Perman believes an educated consumer makes the
most personal, affordable and memorable decisions.
Inquiries may be made to him at 412.486.3600 or emailed to
[email protected].
SHALER ❘ SPRING 2018
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