Cremation

Cremation Urns

In today’s world, the word cremation is one that many are familiar with.  Cremation (using fire and heat) is the process by which the body of a deceased person is reduced to its basic elements. 


We here at Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home Inc. know that you may have many questions when it comes to the choice of cremation.  Many families choose viewing and religious services preceding the actual cremation whereas others choose an Immediate Cremation with a Memorial Service to follow.  Some families choose to bring their loved one’s cremated remains home with them, while others prefer earth burial in their chosen cemetery or entombment in a niche at a mausoleum. 


We will explain all of the options available to you and your family.  There has always been a misconception that if you choose cremation, you cannot have a “traditional visitation and service” as your family has always done—this is not true.   You can choose traditional services, Memorial Services (with or without the deceased present) or even a “Celebration of Life”.  It is your choice. 

Some people believe that if you are Catholic, you cannot be cremated.  According to the New York State Catholic Conference’s brochure entitled, “Catholic Teaching on Cremation” cremation is permitted. “Cremation is permitted for Catholics as long as it is not chosen in denial of Christian teaching on the Resurrection and the sacredness of the human body.  Church teaching insists that cremated remains must be given the same respect as the body, including the manner in which they are carried and the attention given to their appropriate transport and placement.  The cremated remains of a body are to be buried or entombed, preferably in a Catholic cemetery, using the rites provided by the Order of Christian Funerals. The following are not considered reverent dispositions that the Church requires: scattering, dividing or keeping cremated remains in the home.  The remains of a cremated body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains of a human body.  This includes a worthy container to hold the cremated remains.”


One common question that we get is, “Do you do the actual cremation at your funeral home?”   The answer is “no”.  There is now two crematoriums in Onondaga County—one is called Oakwood Crematory and it is located on the grounds of the historic Oakwood Cemetery near Syracuse University.  The second crematory is Woodlawn Cremation Center located in Woodlawn Cemetery on Grant Blvd. near Shop City. We select these crematories for the care that they extend to the families that utilize this service and the proximity to the City of Syracuse.  They both carry all needed licenses and training per the requirements of the New York State Division of Cemeteries—the regulatory agency for all crematoriums in New York State.

In our funeral home, we have a special selection room devoted to urns, keepsake urns, jewelry and urn vaults. 


Urns

When one returns from the crematory, the “cremains” are returned in a “temporary container”.  This container is about the size of a bread box and the weight is usually 5-7 pounds.   

Many people do not know what the definition of an urn is.  According to the Webster’s Dictionary, an urn is “A vase of varying size and shape usually having a footed base or pedestal  that is an ornamental vase for holding the ashes of the dead “ 


Urn Vaults

Our urn selection includes, Belleek Irish Porcelain, various woods and metals, marble and bronze.  Our keepsake selection includes wood and bronze and our jewelry is featured in both sterling silver and bronze.   

Share by: