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 funeral 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 for the funeral service, 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.
If a cemetery plot has already been purchased, please have the cemetery information available during the arrangements. Each cemetery has its own set of requirements. Most require an Outer Burial Container be purchased, in addition to the casket. Many Jewish cemeteries have requirements in keeping with Jewish tradition, such as taharah or the type of casket. The cemetery requirements can affect the decisions and purchases you make.
Once we finalize the date, time, and location of the funeral service, 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 not purchasing a shroud), a photo for the obituary, names and details to include in the obituary, cemetery information, 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 considered. Collaborate with siblings, children, parents, and others to create a meaningful funeral that honors the life and memories of tour lived 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 funeral. Funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, costs and personal preferences. These factors help determine whether the funeral 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 funeral service:
The Traditional Chapel Service includes the use of our facilities (including our chapel), staff and equipment for a funeral service; the use of our facilities, staff and equipment for one hour of visitation; a procession to a local cemetery; the use of our staff, equipment and supplies for the graveside portion of the service.
This type of service is held strictly at the cemetery. Mourners gather at the graveside at a specified time. This type of service includes the use of our staff, equipment and supplies for a graveside service, and placement of the casket on the grave.
This type of service involves mourners gathering at Ralph Schugar Chapel and then proceeding together to the cemetery for a graveside service. The Extended Graveside Service includes the use of our facilities, staff and equipment to gather prior to the graveside service; a procession to a local cemetery; and the use of our staff, equipment and supplies for the graveside service.
The funeral service can also be held at a Temple, Synagogue, or other religious facility, followed by a procession to the cemetery for the burial and final prayers. This includes the use of our staff and equipment for a funeral service off-site; the use of our facilities, staff and equipment for one hour of visitation; a procession to a local cemetery; the use of our staff, equipment and supplies for the graveside portion of the service.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the grave will not sink in. Either a grave liner or burial vault will satisfy these requirements.
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
Special Package Price List
Casket Price List
Outer Burial Container Price List
Burial Shroud Price List
