Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., is the only Jewish family owned and operated funeral home in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We specialize in providing traditional services for Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, or non-religious beliefs, but we are honored to assist families of any faith and cultural background.
At Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., we understand that planning a cremation can be an overwhelming experience, and our goal is to offer support and assistance to help you navigate this process with care and understanding. We can accommodate your needs and make arrangements in person at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., at your local home, through Zoom, or on the phone.
No matter what method is used to make arrangements, here are some key points to consider:
In Pennsylvania, the vital statistics needed for certified copies of the death certificate include the legal residence, social security number, birthplace, father’s first and last name, mother’s first and maiden name, highest level of education, and occupation for most of working life. If a veteran, you will need to bring a copy of their DD-214 to receive military honors and benefits.
During the arrangements, we will discuss your family’s wishes to have a service before or after the cremation, including the location of the service, Rabbi or other officiating clergy, and religious traditions such as taharah and shiva. For those seeking a less traditional service, we welcome families to personalize the funeral to honor their loved one’s memory, by including photos, a video, or special honors from the military or another organization. We will also discuss your plans for after the cremation, such as purchasing an urn to display at home, burying the cremated remains in a cemetery, or other options.
Once we finalize cremation details, you can decide if you want to write an obituary for the newspaper(s) and/or our website. You may choose to write something beforehand and share it during the arrangements, or we can work with you to write the obituary.
Please remember to bring the social security number, clothing (if desired), a photo for the obituary, names and details to include in the obituary, and military discharge paperwork (the DD-214) if requesting military honors or benefits.
Funeral costs can vary significantly. We will work with your budget to develop a poignant remembrance within your means. Payment is due by the day of the service, but if you are in need of financial assistance, let us know and we will discuss options.
It’s crucial to communicate with family members and loved ones to ensure that everyone’s wishes and preferences are taken into account. Collaborate with siblings, children, parents, and others to create a meaningful funeral that honors the life and memories of your loved one.
We hope that this information provides you with valuable insights into the process of making funeral arrangements. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to honor a loved one. It’s about creating a meaningful farewell that celebrates their life and provides comfort and closure for those left behind.
Every family is different, and not everyone wants the same type of cremation. Cremation practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, costs and personal preferences. These factors help determine whether the cremation service will be elaborate or simple, public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held.
During the arrangements conference, you will need to select one of the following types of cremation service:
Families who prefer not to have any service or gathering can select a Direct Cremation, which will lead to an immediate cremation, once the vital statistics have been gathered, the doctor has signed the cause of death, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has authorized the cremation.
A Full Service Cremation includes the use of our facilities (including our chapel), staff and equipment for a service with one hour of visitation. The service can be held before the cremation, with your loved one present in a rental casket, or a memorial service can be organized after the cremation. The service can take place at a Temple, Synagogue, or other religious facility for an additional fee.
Material: Poplar Wood
Made in the USA by renowned clock maker Howard Miller. Traditional chiming clock, chime can be turned off. Includes temporary container.
Materials: Wood
Unique blended woodgrain, handcrafted from pre-consumer upcycled wood. These urns include a unique geotag feature which allows you to digitally locate a loved ones exact final resting place. You can upload a photograph and create a personal online memorial that can be viewed by friends and family.
Material: Porcelain
Bernardaud, the world-renowned porcelain company, is synonymous with luxury, savoir-faire and French craftsmanship. Matching keepsake urn available for purchase.
Material: Porcelain
Bernardaud, the world-renowned porcelain company, is synonymous with luxury, savoir-faire and French craftsmanship.
Material: Glass
Handmade Stained Glass, includes corrugated insert. This dual-purpose urn can be used to hold cremated remains or special keepsakes that evoke fond memories.
Material: Resin
Songbird and teal design
Material: Glass
Handmade Stained Glass, includes corrugated insert. This dual-purpose urn can be used to hold cremated remains or special keepsakes that evoke fond memories.
Material: Solid American Hardwood with Cherry Finish
Honor a Veteran with this display case. Flag included with a DD-214. Engraved nameplate available for an additional charge.
Material: Solid Marble
Natural stone urn offers the elegance and beauty combined with the visual interests of color and texture variety. Matching keepsake urn available for purchase. Silver charm available for an additional charge.
Material: Biodegradable Materials
A biodegradable urn made of eco-friendly materials, designed to float briefly and sink gracefully in water.
Material: Stainless Steel
Hand crafted, work of art in Stainless Steel.
Material: Walnut
The companion urn is designed to hold the cremated remains of two people. Solid walnut with a laser engraved design. Personalization available for additional charge.
Material: Jade
Natural stone urn offers the elegance and beauty combined with the visual interests of color and texture variety.
Material: Hand-Turned Solid Maple
Fine art piece, hand-signed by artist
Material options: Ambrosia Maple, Solid Hardwood with a Cherry Finish, Solid Hardwood with a Walnut Finish
Design options: Classic, Craftsman, Heritage
Description: These urns are hand-turned by skilled artisans and craftsmen in the USA. They can be custom ordered with your desired design (Classic, Craftsman, or Heritage) and type of wood (Ambrosia Maple or Solid Hardwood with a Cherry Finish or a Walnut Finish).
Material: Hand-Turned Ambrosia Maple and Walnut
Fine art piece to be hung on the wall with the cremated remains placed in the middle of the piece; hand-signed by artist
Material: Hand-Turned Chestnut Oak
Fine art piece to be hung on the wall with the cremated remains placed in the middle of the piece; hand-signed by artist
Material: Walnut & Maple
This miniature keepsake can be personalized with optional engraving.
Payment in full is expected by the funeral service. For your convenience we accept cash, checks and credit cards. If using a credit card, a processing fee will be added to the Cash Advance portion of your statement. Verified insurance policies and Estates are also acceptable forms of payment, but may incur an additional fee for delayed payment.
General Price List
Urn Price List
