1Why should I use Bradley & Son Funeral Homes?
We take our mission seriously and will do whatever it takes to provide care and comfort to family and friends in the time of need. Click to learn more about what we do.
2Where are your funeral homes located?
We have five funeral homes located in Chatham, Summit, Springfield, Union, and Whippany, New Jersey, and we serve the surrounding counties of Morris, Union, Essex and beyond. Click to learn more about all of our locations.
3Do you offer cremation services?
Yes, we offer full cremation services with visitation and ceremony as an option through one of our five funeral homes.
4I just want a simple, low-cost cremation or burial. Do I have to come in
to the funeral home to make arrangements?
to the funeral home to make arrangements?
We offer a simple, direct cremation product for families who do not want to visit the funeral home and do not require any visitation or ceremony. If you are interested in low-cost arrangements without visitations or immediate memorial ceremonies, please visit SimpleCremationNJ.com, where you can complete all arrangements, including identification and paperwork, entirely online without ever having to visit the funeral home.
5Does the Catholic Church permit cremation?
The Catholic Church permits cremation (since 1963) as an acceptable, alternative means of burial. It is preferred that cremation occur after the celebration of the Funeral Liturgy; the Rite of Committal then takes place after the cremated remains have been prepared by the funeral home. However, the Funeral Mass may be celebrated with the cremated remains present. On March 21, 1997, the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted an indult authorizing the presence of the cremains for the Funeral Mass. The Sacred Congregation emphasized that the cremains must be treated with respect and must be interred after the funeral Mass.
The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. Scattering the ashes is considered irreverent and disrespectful to the body and not permitted by our Catholic beliefs. It is also illegal in most places. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea (burial at sea is allowed), from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. Sometimes, families wish to keep the cremated ashes at home on the mantle, but again the Church does not permit this practice because of the probability of an accident, and it also sees the routine daily life overshadowing the special presence of the bodily remains and, ultimately, it disrespects them by failing to show honor. The remains should be placed in a columbarium or buried in the ground. We are also reminded that “burying the dead” is a corporal work of mercy of the Church. Whenever possible, appropriate means for recording with dignity the memory of the deceased should be adopted, such as a plaque or stone which records the name of the deceased. From the Order of Christian Funerals #417, as provided by St. Patrick Church
6Must I have a visitation or a memorial ceremony?
To see is to believe and we believe in the benefit of “witnessing” or seeing reality so we can dispel any doubts and begin the mourning process; however, visitations are not required or mandated. There are times where traditional solutions may not be fitting, so please share your needs and concerns with us so we can help you to make the right decisions.
7Is there a rule or law mandating I put an obituary in the newspaper?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no law or rule regarding obituaries. Newspapers are still an excellent way of getting the word out but with the growth of e-mail and online communities such as Facebook, some people are moving away from newspapers into online memorials/obituaries.
8Why are newspaper obituaries so expensive?
That is best answered by the newspapers, but we guess that rising publication costs combined with reduced readership are probably involved. We will do our best to provide you with accurate estimates before you approve obituaries. If cost is an issue, we can run a short or truncated obituary in the newspaper and then place a full story exactly as you want it on our website for no additional cost to you.
9My church will not allow eulogies. Can you help me locate one that will?
We understand the importance of telling the story of a departed loved one and we want you to have the opportunity to properly eulogize. If you have been a member of a particular church for a significant amount of time we expect that you would receive a great amount of support and comfort there. To best eulogize, our service coordinators and celebrants can offer you opportunities before and after the important church ritual allowing you to have both the ritual you need and the time to eulogize and share the stories. If necessary, we will help you find a church that is willing to accommodate your request.
10How can I pay for a funeral?
We offer a number of payment options, all of which do require a deposit prior to the funeral. If you have life insurance we will guide you in processing your claim and if you have any particular concerns we will do our best to accommodate you.
11Can I plan and pay for a funeral in advance?
Yes, and with the cost of funerals increasing every year, you can save your loved ones a great deal of financial stress by planning and paying now. When you pre-plan and pre-pay with us, you will be certain that your arrangements will cost no more than they would cost today—whether your time comes a year from now or 30 years from now. Bradley’s has a certified Advance Planning Specialist on staff to help you every step of the way. Read more about planning for the future.
12Does Bradley & Son Funeral Homes provide funerals for those on public assistance?
Yes. We will work with county agencies to verify a person’s qualifications for public assistance. We will work with survivors to provide a dignified cremation or burial and coordinate reimbursement for expenses with the cemetery or crematory. Through county offices, the State of New Jersey provides for a minimal service for those qualified individuals without assets. Family members may contribute a small amount (predetermined by the state) for services. Any funding over the maximum will reduce the amount of reimbursement by the State. Call us for further details.
13My family member is a Veteran. What benefits are we due?
If a veteran dies at a veteran’s facility, transportation costs to funeral home and disposition will most likely be reimbursed. We can help with the application. All veterans are entitled to a U.S. Flag to be presented to a survivor and representatives of the military will play taps, fold the flag, and provide a gun salute (depending on circumstances) when available. If cemetery rules allow, a granite or bronze marker will be provided free of charge (installation charges will apply). Also keep in mind that New Jersey has a Veteran’s Cemetery, which will provide for the burial free of charge. Ask us for more details.
14What happens if someone dies out of state?
Not to worry, we can take care of this for you. We will coordinate with a local funeral home for the caring of the decedent and for obtaining permits and death certificates. While you can work directly with both funeral homes, sometimes it is more cost-effective to work directly with only one funeral home.
15What is embalming?
Embalming is the disinfection and temporary preservation of the human body after death. This allows for public visitation and provides more time for family and friends who need to travel in from out of town. Chemicals are circulated throughout the circulatory system to affect the chemical composition of the body to greatly slow down decay. Currently formaldehyde chemicals are used in most cases, and we are learning about environmentally friendly alternatives to allow for green burials.
16Do I have to be embalmed?
Embalming is not required by law, except in certain special cases. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require embalming, such as direct cremation or immediate burial.
No human remains may remain unburied or uncremated in New Jersey for more than 48 hours unless embalmed or refrigerated. (N.J.A.C.8:9-1.1)
17Must I use a vault or outer burial container for a burial?
While we see value in using one, we will not make you use one. Many cemeteries require a concrete outer burial container, some make it optional, and some will not allow it. Your funeral director can help guide you through this once we know the name of the cemetery.
18What is a green burial?
A green burial is a form of disposition which allows the deceased individual to recycle back to the earth without chemical preservation, metal caskets, chemically treated wood caskets, and/or outer burial vaults. The body is prepared with natural or organic products, and applying natural cosmetics. The family is able to join in the ritual washing of the deceased.
A burial shroud, a long piece of cloth usually constructed of 100% cotton or linen surrounds the deceased. The body can then be placed in a casket constructed of biodegradable materials including wood, bamboo, or willow, excluding metal parts and fasteners. The family may help lower the deceased into the ground at the cemetery. They are also encouraged to be involved with services.
A burial shroud, a long piece of cloth usually constructed of 100% cotton or linen surrounds the deceased. The body can then be placed in a casket constructed of biodegradable materials including wood, bamboo, or willow, excluding metal parts and fasteners. The family may help lower the deceased into the ground at the cemetery. They are also encouraged to be involved with services.
19Can I arrange a green burial at a Bradley Funeral Home?
Yes, Bradley & Son Funeral Homes are certified by the Green Burial Council. Please talk to one of our caring professionals who will be happy to help you with your request.
Each family has the opportunity to have visitation at the funeral home, at their place of worship, deceased home, or the graveside. The deceased will be shrouded and placed in a green casket or temporary biodegradable alternate container during calling hours or funeral service. Any type of service may be rendered by clergy, family/friends, or our in-house celebrants.
Each family has the opportunity to have visitation at the funeral home, at their place of worship, deceased home, or the graveside. The deceased will be shrouded and placed in a green casket or temporary biodegradable alternate container during calling hours or funeral service. Any type of service may be rendered by clergy, family/friends, or our in-house celebrants.
20We are not members of a church or other religious organization. Can I still have
a funeral with a memorial service?
a funeral with a memorial service?
Yes, this type of service is called a Celebrant Service. It is a funeral ceremony that is conducted by a Certified Funeral Celebrant and is a very personal, humanistic "celebration of life." All aspects of the service celebrate your loved one's lifestyle and honor his or her spirit and faith. Celebrants are specially trained in leading all aspects of these services. Typical components of a Celebrant Service include eulogies, music, poems, and prayers.
21Can you help my family arrange a memorial luncheon, repast or reception?
Most families want the opportunity to gather immediately after the funeral service to continue the sharing of memories at a local restaurant, catering hall, or private residence. Bradley & Son Funeral Homes is fully equipped to assist your family with all memorial reception and catering needs.
22Do you offer memorial videos or printed keepsakes?
Yes, we are proud to have an entire department devoted to creating personalized tributes to your loved one. These include professional videos (DVDs and online), prayer cards, bookmarks, pictorial obituaries, personalized church programs, and completely custom items like posters, sports cards, recipe cards, etc. With a range of basic to premium options, there are tributes to suit every budget and unique need.
23Do you offer any grief support for after funeral services?
We feel strongly about supporting you through the bereavement process; the caring does not end when the funeral is over. For most, it is only just beginning as they search for meaning and try to adjust to life without their loved one. The Center for Life Transition (CFLT), as part of Bradley & Son Funeral Homes, has created a safe and caring place to help you, your family and friends transition through your loss with support and understanding. We offer ongoing support free of charge in the form of bimonthly support groups, individual home visits when necessary, and social groups.
24What do I do with social media accounts upon death?
The lawyers at Avelino & Hartlaub have prepared a document to show you the steps to protect the deceased from identity theft, including closing social media accounts. Download a PDF here.