·        Only LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTORS Can Sell Cremation Services to the Public

·        24 Hours Must Transpire Between the Time of Death and the Time of Cremation

WE ARE THE ONLY FUNERAL HOME IN THE ELLWOOD AREA WITH A CREMATORY.

Other funeral homes offer cremation services, but the Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory
is the only funeral home in the Ellwood Area with a crematory. This ensures your loved one never leaves our care.
Our crematory is available for your inspection.

What is Cremation?

Cremation is using high heat and flame to physically reduce a human body to ashes and bone fragments.
In Pennsylvania, cremation must take place at a minimum 1850F. The body is placed in the cremation unit,
or retort, and is subjected to the heat and flame for an average of 2-3 hours. Time will vary,
depending on a number of factors, including the size of the body. After the cremated remains cool,
they are removed from the retort. At this time, a magnet is used to remove any metal from the cremated remains
The cremated remains are then placed in a processor that will grind the ashes and bone fragments into a fine powder.

The cremation process is irreversible. Much consideration should be given
to this aspect before one decides if cremation is right for them.

What Choices Can Accompany Cremation?

Choosing cremation is one of a number of options you have about the type of
overall funeral service. With cremation, you may also choose:

Cemetery Placements

Cremated remains may be buried in a traditional cemetery lot. Containers with ashes may be buried in family
plots or urn gardens. They may be placed in a niche in a columbarium or kept at home. All of these options permit
the identification of a loved one with a permanent marker. Or, they may be scattered at a selected site
of special significance, where permitted. The choice of disposition may influence your choice of container.

Choosing Cremation Containers

Cremation options include a choice of container to hold the body, which may be a traditional casket,
a specially constructed cremation casket, usually of simpler design, or an alternative container. There are
a wide variety of styles and designs available at varied prices. Following cremation, another choice must
be made about disposition and memorialization of the cremated remains. There are many types of urns and
containers that may be selected by the family, including some that represent an aspect in the life of the
deceased person, such as a favorite hobby or pastime. We maintain a stock of such items here at the funeral home.

Scattering of Cremated Remains

Scattering of cremated remains should be considered carefully, since the process cannot be undone
and desires may change over time. When families desire, funeral directors can arrange to have the ashes
scattered at sea, in the desert or mountains, or other locations.

Making Your Wishes Known

Simply stating your wish to be cremated is not legally enough to insure that your wishes are carried out.
A person who feels strongly about this decision can best insure this will happen through pre-need cremation
arrangements. One can fill out their own cremation authorization form, pre-need, and we can keep it on file
here at the funeral home. We encourage families to ask questions about cremation and all the options it provides.

Taken in part from:  “Cremation & Its Options”  ©1996 Pennsylvania Funeral Director’s Association