Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory
Guiding the Living in Making Conscious Decisions for Coping with Loss
by Gisele Rinaldi Siebold

Opened over 70 years ago by Charles F. Snyder Sr., Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory continues to be family-owned and family-operated. Three generations of the Charles F. Snyder family work diligently to support families with pre-planning and in times of grief and loss. “Being family-owned means we are accountable to our customers, and that they have a direct connection to the ownership,” explains Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. “We are mindful that we will build a reputation through each and every family we serve, and believe that success is measured by earning their trust during their time of need.”

Four core principles that create personal relationships are behind the services provided, notes Chip and his son, Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III. First and foremost, their staff is considered their most valuable asset. Furthermore, price does not determine quality, and diversity is respected. Finally, community involvement in churches, neighborhood organizations and charities is emphasized through flexible work schedules, event sponsorships and donated services.

Careful listening, asking the right questions, and making appropriate suggestions in keeping with the spirit of the deceased are core strengths of the funeral professionals at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory. “Delivering excellent service depends on how we are able to support a family and represent their own values in the customized funeral services we create,” shares Chip. The caring and compassionate staff are highly trained and proficient in organizing services. They experience family stories and understand how to interpret emotions. The funeral professionals work very hard at lightening the load for those making arrangements by listening and empathizing with a family’s grief, while guiding them through the process of planning.

Any type of funeral or memorial service can be created to fit personal needs and wishes, and the licensed funeral directors handle the involved details, whether the death has occurred locally, or away from home, in another state or even another country. Services range from traditional funerals and graveside services to cremation, veteran services, celebrations of life, green burials and eco-friendly services, as well as pet cremation services, and are performed with each family’s needs and desires in mind. As the only funeral service provider in Lancaster County to be Green Burial Certified by the Green Burial Council, Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory understand and follow through with the guidelines that support environmental goals, such as conserving natural resources, reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural habitats and protecting worker health.

“Special, meaningful funeral services are available at many different price points. We feel it is important to work with families in a way that honors their loved one without causing undue financial burden,” notes Chad. “Our staff will always deliver the same level of care, concern and dedication to our funeral services, regardless of a family’s budget.” All services are delivered in a spirit of equality and respect. “We believe all races, nationalities, cultures and religious faiths are equally valuable, regardless of their similarity or familiarity to our individual experiences, beliefs or values,” explains Chip.

Cultural customs and religious denomination often determine the specific elements of ritual used, and the extent to which the funeral directors need to be involved. “Our society has so few rituals left, compared to years ago when there were many more traditions and rituals that people engaged in as opposed to the fast pace of today’s world,” responds Chip. “In grief, people are at a loss as to what to do. They want and need something. Rituals provide an opportunity to say what’s important, what’s meaningful, what counts. They affirm the connection between our lives and the lives of others, and restore a sense of balance to life.”

A full complement of services and merchandise that offer a fitting burial or cremation for a beloved pet can be hosted at the funeral home, a pet cemetery or the family’s home.

Pre-planning creates peace of mind. Pre-arranged and/or pre-funded funeral, cremation and cemetery arrangements considerably ease a family’s burden when death occurs. It can also play an integral part in financial planning, with various options for individuals who elect to pre-fund their funeral. Pre-planning specialists welcome appointments. Interested parties are also invited to attend one of the Lunch and Learn events, scheduled throughout the year at various local restaurants, which provide a casual and informative way to explore pre-planning.

“We assist individuals and families with consciously planning for the inevitable by honoring traditions or creating new rituals, and encourage them to ask for help with any part of the process that is involved with grief and loss,” offers Chip. “It is our honor to continue the family tradition of serving the community.”

Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. serves all of Lancaster County and downtown Lititz with four locations: 3110 Lititz Pk., Lititz; 414 E. King St., Lancaster; 441 N. George St., Millersville; and Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home, 127 S. Broad St., Lititz. For more information, call 717-560- 5100, email Chad@SnyderFuneralHome.com or visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.

Gisele Rinaldi Siebold is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks edition.