Funeral Directors and Funeral Homes

People always hear about funeral directors in conjunction with funeral homes, but what do funeral directors actually do? Read on to learn more about funeral directors and funeral homes in Piscataway, NJ.

What is a Funeral Director?

A funeral director is a funeral rites professional. A funeral director is generally in charge of funeral home tasks including embalming, burials and cremations and other funeral jobs like planning, arranging, and even hosting the funeral services. Funeral directors most often own or work at a funeral home, but they can also be independent employees or contractors.

While funeral directors in the United States are not required to have formal training, meaning a degree or federal certificate, to work in funeral homes, funeral directors are required to have licenses in the state in which they practice. These licenses usually have a certain number of classroom training and practical hour requirements, and always have a test so you can be assured licenses funeral directors know what they are doing.

Some colleges and universities offer funeral director degrees and programs for additional training and experience, but the state licensing programs are typically available at vocational schools.

Regulations

Funeral directors are very regulated. In fact, New Jersey has funeral director and funeral homes regulations beyond the federal licensing requirements and training programs. New Jersey even has a special funeral agency that is devoted to regulating funeral directors, funeral homes and funeral services. This agency can act as impartial judges in disputes, but most often acts as protection for clients from corruption and incompetence.

Funeral Director Jobs

Funeral directors are in charge of funeral home jobs including:

Arrange transportation of the deceased
Train upcoming staff members
Prepare the remains (body)
Plan the funeral service
Submit paperwork and legal documents
Consult with the deceased’s family
Discuss and plan funerals with people who wish to arrange their own service in advance

Funeral directors are, in the most broken down sense, all about the logistics of funeral services at funeral homes. They work with families to make funeral service decisions like location, date, and time and more small details such as burial or cremation, flowers, and even obituary writing.

However, a funeral director’s most important task is helping the family fill out and file all the necessary paperwork that comes with a death. Funeral directors can also help families notify insurance agencies or even the government for veteran’s benefits.

Plinton Curry Funeral Home

Plinton Curry Funeral Home, located at 411 West Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090 and 428 Elizabeth Ave Somerset NJ 08873, has a full staff of licensed, experienced and compassionate funeral directors in Piscataway, NJ ready to help you and your family in your time of need.

We are fully licensed, insured, and trained so you can count on us to be the funeral home you can rely on.

Call us today at 908-232-6889 or 732-469-3300 to learn more about our funeral directors and funeral homes in Piscataway, NJ.