A complete offering of cremation services at our Lancaster, PA location gives family and friends the ability to say goodbye when traditional burial is not chosen.

Cremation is most often done in conjunction with other funeral services. When it comes to the personal choice of cremation, some elect to have their remains buried in a cemetery while others choose to be scattered in a special place in nature that carries special significance to the departed. Still others are kept in the home of a family member or loved one.

If a loved one’s wishes regarding cremation are not clearly defined at the time of death, our licensed funeral directors will assist families in exploring the best option for them. Whatever the desire, the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home provides cremation services in its Lancaster, PA crematory. As a result, we assure families that their loved ones never leave our care, even during the cremation process. In fact, family members may be present to witness the process if they so choose.

Cremation paired with funeral services and burial

Even when cremation is chosen, families often elect to have funeral services held so that family and friends can come together and say goodbye to their loved one. A visitation (viewing) and/or funeral service can take place prior to cremation just as it would when planning a traditional burial funeral. The funeral ceremony can take place at one of our three Lancaster County funeral homes, or at the family’s place of worship.

Burial of the cremated remains, if desired, must take place at a later date, after the cremation process is completed. This committal service may be public or private depending on family preferences.

Cremation with a memorial service and burial

This choice includes cremation taking place prior to the service. After cremation has occurred, friends and family can gather at a visitation and memorial service designed specifically for their needs. Then a reception, a scattering of ashes or an interment ceremony at a cemetery can be held. Regardless, your Charles F. Snyder funeral director will coordinate the necessary details for the family of the deceased.

Immediate cremation only

Immediate cremation includes no ceremonies or rites. It may take place only after obtaining a signed death certificate from the attending physician along with a signed authorization from the next of kin, or authorized agent of the deceased. In the State of Pennsylvania there is a twenty-four hour waiting period after the time of death before cremation can be performed since cremation is irreversible. Charles F. Snyder funeral home directors will take care of the required paperwork and handle all of the arrangements with the appropriate agencies, including coordinating veteran benefits.

Options for cremated remains

Different people choose to do different things with the cremated remains of a deceased family member or friend. Options include burial in a family plot, scattering of the ashes, placement in an urn to be kept at home, or placed in a columbarium niche (a place designated for the inurnment of the ashes of the dead) or other location. Charles F. Snyder funeral directors can assist families in exploring the best option for them, and will coordinate the details.

Should families choose to keep some or all of the ashes as a keepsake, there are many options of urns and receptacles to choose from. Our selection room allows families to get together and explore ways to personalize cremation services and choose appropriate receptacles for their loved one. Keepsakes for remains and memorial jewelry (like Thumbies) are also available in many options.

The Funeral Ark

The Funeral Ark is a special way to allow family and friends to participate in funeral ceremonies that involve cremation. The cremation urn is on display in the ark, and pallbearers can carry it in a formal procession in and out of our chapels, a place of worship, at a memorial service or to a cemetery for a committal service.