August 2020

Page A26 AUGUST 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A Bay Memorials 321 S. 15 th St. • Escanaba, MI 49829 • (906) 786-2609 • Fax (906) 786-2692 Zerbel’s www.baymemorialsbabycaskets.com PROPORTIONALLY SIZED FOR MISCARRIED, STILLBORN & NEWBORN BABIES Burial Cradle caskets SM Available in 10”, 20”, 30” allowing you to tastefully care for even the smallest baby with all the compassion every parent desires for as low as $46.00 ALL � PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA! PREMIER Serving Our Clients SINCE 1999 Satisfaction Guaranteed! PREMIUM QUALITY EQUIPMENT CHURCH TRUCKS DELUXE MODEL $567 Black, Gold or Silver Mini Oversize Stretcher 650lB CAPACITY 1-Year Warranty $1,714 Three Position Locking System 12001B MADE IN USA CAPACITY MADE IN USA Remains Processor Stainless Steel Safety Interlock Run Timer with Light UL Approv e d MADE IN Components USA 1.5 HP MOTOR 15.2 AMPS, 1800 RPM $1,847 1-YearWarranty Cemetery Lowering Device 850 lB 5-Year CAPACITY Warranty $ 2,220 MADE IN USA Oversize Stretcher 1000 lB 1 - Year CAPACITY Warranty ' $ 2 072 Tall Boy Stretcher for Suburban Vehicles 1-Year $ 2,251 Warranty MADE IN Rails +$ 255 USA #1 BEST SELLING CALL FOR DETAILS: 561-602-3330 Church Truck in America! www.PremierFuneralSupply.com mymortuarycooler.com Are you state compliant? Gina, the Bereavement Dog Continued from Page A2 Fresh Pond Crematory & Columbarium families with loved ones at Fresh Pond and date back to the 19th century. The images on the windows are mostly secular, due in large part to the non-denominational status of the Columbarium. Some of the images reference cremation, such as an urn with flames and smoke erupting from the top. The windows were made using complicat- ed glass-making techniques used by the Tiffa- ny Studio during the 19th century, including drapery, herringbone glass, and opalescent glass. The stunning pieces of window art can be found throughout the entire Columbarium in the cha- pel, on the ceiling, and among the niches. The Human (and Canine) Touch U.S. Columbarium Company at Fresh Pond Crematory is run by J. P. DiTroia, the president and his wife Tina, the vice presi- dent. J. P. began working at the crematory in 1967 when he was only 17 years old. He is carrying on the family business, as Fresh Pond was previously run by his uncle. Send Us Your News! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 Fax 1-800-321-9040 Email info@nomispublications.com FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS We welcome news of the industry. Send us information on your firm today! “In Star Trek: The Next Generation , the character Lt. Tasha Yar says, ‘Death is that state in which one exists only in the memory of others. Which is why there is not an end. No goodbye, just good memories.’” –J. P. DiTroia DiTroia is dedicated to not only serving the communi- ty and the families at the Columbarium, but also to the his- tory and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. He is always looking for ways to improve their services. For instance, he’s researching ways to incorporate virtual reality and advanced technology to allow visitors to view a digital scrapbook of a person’s life, accessed by scanning a code with a smartphone. He’s been working with the Friends of Fresh Pond and con- servator Patrick J. Clark to restore the stained glass windows to their original beauty. The DiTroias rescued a beagle named Gina who now works as a bereavement dog. “Because she is so calm, af- fectionate, and well-behaved, we thought Gina would be a perfect addition to our staff,” saysDiTroia. Therapy dogs are becoming more commonplace in businesses and make sense in a funeral home environment. Incorporating a therapy dog to greet families and pro- vide comfort and support can help make that first step easier. When properly utilized, therapy dogs can sit in on arrangements and visitations. They can be the face of the organization at community events. Gina and J. P. received their training together on site at the cemetery. They learned how to respond to each other and to the families who would need the services of a be- reavement dog. “Over time, the demand for Gina’s ser- vices has grown among the bereaved seeking comfort,” he says, adding, “Gina helps lift families’ hearts, because no one can resist a warm, willing bit of affection.” J. P. DiTroia has written numerous articles for the in- dustry. He is active both professionally and in his local community. He has served on the board of the Metro- politan Cemetery Association and chaired the cremation committee. A Golf Outing committee member of the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association . He is a board Member of the New York State Cemetery Association , and is on the membership committee for the Cremation As- sociation of North America . J. P. is trained as a Certified Senior Advisor, focusing on end of life services. J. P. andTina are recognized as expert cremation councilors. They have two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren. To learn more about Gina the bereavement dog or Fresh Pond Crematory visit them on Facebook or at www.freshpondcrematory.com. J. P. DiTroia can be reached at 718-821-9700.