What To Consider When Meeting The Funeral Home Staff

First, let's define Who is a Funeral Director, and why is it important

A funeral director is a professional who arranges and manages funerals, including preparing the body for burial or cremation, selecting a casket or urn, arranging the funeral service, and coordinating with the cemetery or crematorium personnel.


The funeral director is essential because they help families navigate the complex process of planning a funeral or memorial service for their loved one. They provide guidance, support, and expertise in areas such as arranging for burial or cremation, obtaining necessary permits and certificates, and coordinating with other professionals involved in the funeral process. Additionally, they can help families make important decisions and provide emotional support during a challenging times.


What are the skills the staff of a funeral home should have? 

The funeral home staff should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, empathy and compassion, attention to detail, organizational and time management skills, knowledge of funeral planning and procedures, and the ability to handle stressful situations professionally and sensibly.

What should You consider when meeting the staff of a funeral home?

When meeting the staff of a funeral home, it's important to consider the following:


  1. Be respectful and courteous.
  2. Be prepared to discuss your needs and preferences.
  3. Ask questions about the funeral home's services and fees.
  4. Consider the location, facilities, and reputation of the funeral home.
  5. Take note of the staff's professionalism, empathy, and communication skills.
  6. Trust your intuitions and choose a funeral home that feels right for you and your family.


Meet Our Staff: Our Heritage Makes Us Different

 Funeral service has been the traditional family occupation in our family since 1919, when my Grandfather Vernon opened our first funeral home in Pleasantville, Pennsylvania. In 1936, my Uncle Fred opened another firm in Dale Borough, just outside of Johnstown. Soon to follow would be my Uncle Louis and my father, Jack Sr., both owning and operating firms in Bedford County. Our third generation began with my brother, Jack Jr., who now owns and oversees the operation of three homes in Bedford County.

Upon graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1978, I continued to work for the McDonald-Linn Funeral Home in Pittsburgh for two years. Then in 1980 my family and I moved to Chambersburg, where I began my employment with the John 0. Park Funeral Home, formerly located in downtown Chambersburg. I would then purchase the business from Mr. Park in 1983. Due to substantial growth and the need for a larger facility, we erected an entirely new building in 1993 at our present location on Falling Spring Road. We are proud to announce our recent addition with the purchase of the John L. Agett Funeral Home in Dry Run, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Geisel Funeral Home history
Pictured clockwise from top:
The late Vernon G. Geisel, Thomas Geisel II,
The late Jack H. Geisel Sr., and Thomas Geisel

Our Experienced Staff

 At Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center, we are committed to working with the funeral industry's best and brightest. Our funeral staff are not only compassionate but have many years of experience in funeral and cremation services. 
 
We are a community funeral home and ensure our staff are like-minded individuals. This means we pledge to treat your family like they are a part of our own. We know that when a family steps through our doors, they need assistance and support to help them say goodbye. 

We pride ourselves on the care and compassion our staff provides the help a family honor their loved one. It is our goal to help every family say goodbye with a dignified and respectful service. 
 
Our funeral home is comprised of two groups: our licensed funeral directors and our non-licensed staff. In both groups, you will find dedicated professionals who are integral to our success. These men and women will work hard to help create a meaningful funeral service for your loved one. 

Our licensed funeral directors are responsible for arranging services and coordinating care for the deceased. Our non-licensed staff are just as integral to the success of our company. They play a key role in the operation of our funeral home and coordinating services. 
 
We invite you to browse to learn more about the people that make us a leader among funeral homes in Chambersburg. 

Learn More About:

What to Expect at a Funeral Home

Click below to visit our blog page about what to expect when visiting a funeral home and what to do before, during, and after a funeral service. Contact us if you need more information, we will be glad to answer your questions and concerns.

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