Wonderful service during such a sad time. Bill Rafferty really helped my family through the cremation process. I really appreciate everything!
Rachel M.
Philadelphia, PA
I highly recommend Neptune Cremation Service. Bill Rafferty and his team are top-notch in providing excellent service with care and compassion. Bill was with us every step of the way in making sure all details were tended to for my father. Thank you very much Bill to you and your staff. I’d give you 6 stars if I could. All the best!
Frankie C.
Milmont, PA
Bill and the team are wonderful. During a stressful time when it was difficult to know exactly what to do, Bill took care of every detail and did so with compassion and care. I am happy I found them and can’t speak highly enough about the experience.
Steve H.
Milmont Park, PA
Highly recommend this business. Bill was responsive, respectful, detail-oriented, and extremely helpful during the loss of my father-in-law.
Caroline C.
Philadelphia, PA
Under the worst of tragic circumstances, I’ve dealt with Bill Rafferty after the loss of my father. He was so kind and compassionate to our family, and also respectful of our loved ones. Bill was a bright light in the dark despair of grief. Highly recommend his services.
Rosanne G.
Philadelphia, PA
Well, I first met Bill Rafferty it was under less-than-ideal circumstances. I had just gotten the news that Dad was fading fast. I contacted four Crematory establishments asking for specific needs for my loved one. Bill called me back very quickly. His voice was reassuring, the information he gave me was spot-on exactly what I needed. Price was a serious consideration for us because Dad did not have the resources to handle his final wishes and we had been out of work for a large portion of 2020 due to covid-19. Bill sent me his pricing and explained what package he could put together for me that both fulfilled the state requirements as well as the personal needs, at a very competitive price. Bill picked up Dad within hours of my call even though it was late at night. Today Dad’s ashes and documents were ready for pickup. Looking back, I can say that Bill and his support staff were excellent every step of the way. The contact was frequent and always supportive. I’m really glad that we trusted Bill Rafferty and Neptune Cremation with Dad’s final wishes. Update, 2mos later Step-mom went to be with Dad. I didn’t need to call anyone else. Bill Rafferty of Neptune Cremation Service was my go-to. I made the call and Bill started the process A#1 just like with Dad. Excellent service from start to finish and at a price that will not put me in debt. Bill made this part of the process of losing a loved one much easier for my family.
Pam B.
Milmont Park, PA
I HIGHLY recommend Neptune Cremation Service in Milmont Park, Pa., and would like to share my experience in dealing with the passing of my mother. My mom had passed suddenly in Dec. 2020, and the nursing home called us and said, ” we’re sorry to tell you your mom has passed away, and you have 1 to 1 1/2 hours to remove her body”. My mom was destitute and we hadn’t had time to call around to many places to handle her afterlife care. The few places I did have a chance to call were very unfeeling and extremely business-like in their tone. When I called Neptune, Bill Rafferty called me back immediately and instantaneously put my fears at ease and was compassionate and understanding as to my dilemma with the time constraint that was forced on me and jumped into action instantly. Now mind you, It was after the business had closed for the night and this man spent hours of his own time on the phone with my wife and myself walking us through the process step by step. He and his assistant Betty were so personable and compassionate with my recent loss and thorough with all of the information about the process, I would like to applaud their character not only as representatives of Neptune but as people who care for others !!!! I can only say that I wish there were more people in the world like them !!!!!!!! Thank you Bill and Betty for helping guide me through what could have been a total nightmare if I hadn’t reached out to Neptune and Bill Rafferty !!!! Sincerely, Wayne A. R.
Wayne R.
Milmont Park, PA
My husband passed away on October 3, 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was very hard for me because human contact and compassion were hard to find. The Neptune Society has stepped up and helped me through every step of the process. We are doing a placement at the Neptune Memorial reef and Covid-19 restrictions have mandated that I change plans many times to accommodate family and friends. I am single and my children live out of the state, so the Neptune Society has been my family and helped me every step of the way. I cannot express my appreciation enough for these wonderful compassionate people.Jo Ann S. Palm Harbor, Florida
Bob S.
Palm Harbor, CA
My husband just recently passed away, and Bill Rafferty made this process a little more tolerable. He was genuine, and honest at a time when I needed it most. Bill helped me with so much more than just cremation. He made me aware of what the next steps were, and helped if not did them for me! Bill was highly recommended to me by the community and township Police. In your time of grief everyone needs Neptune, and Bill Rafferty
Two hours north of Pittsburgh, this beautiful 11,500-acre state park is filled with hills, white pine and hemlock trees, and the Clarion River. You can hike, though one of the best ways to experience Cook Forest is to kayak or canoe down the river.
Pennsylvania’s only national forest, the Allegheny is at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its old-growth forest, whose changing colors in the fall provide spectacular views from the many overlooks throughout the forest.
The 13,000-acre park is a National Natural Landmark, known for its old-growth forest and 24 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek, each unique and providing tranquil resting stops along the trail. Diverse wildlife adds to the park’s beauty.
Just south of Forksville and surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest, the 780-acre park is mountainous, full of foliage and diverse wildlife, and has some great areas for boating in the mountain steam. The best times to visit for scenic views are in June, when the mountain laurels bloom, and in October, for fall foliage. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources describes the park as “virtually in a class by itself.”
Additional Notes on Scattering Cremated Remains in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. Cremation renders ashes harmless, so there is no public health risk involved in scattering ashes. Use common sense and refrain from scattering in places where they would be obvious to others.
Pennsylvania Cremation FAQs
What happens when you can't afford funeral services in Pennsylvania?
The state of Pennsylvania offers burial benefits to those who are already receiving assistance through Social Security or who are eligible for cash benefits through the Department of Human Services before death. Nursing home residents who have received state or SSI assistance since 1973 are also eligible. The program is administered through county Human Services offices.
What veterans’ benefits are available in Pennsylvania?
The VA benefits provided (at no cost to the family) include a fixed amount toward funeral expenses; a grave site; opening and closing of the grave; perpetual grave site care; a government headstone or marker; a United States burial flag that can be draped over the casket or accompany the urn (and is given to the next of kin after the service); and an engraved presidential memorial certificate signed by the current President, expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service.
Bonus fact 1: The Philadelphia Zoo was the first public zoo in the United States and was founded by Benjamin Franklin.
Bonus fact 2: The polio vaccine was created in Pittsburgh in 1955. Children in the city were the first to be given the new vaccine.
Bonus fact 3: Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is the oldest-known site of human habitation in North America dating back 16,000 years.
Bonus fact 4: The world’s first commercial radio station, KDKA, began broadcasting in Pittsburgh on Nov. 2, 1920. The first programming was announcing the presidential election results.
Bonus fact 5: The Warner Brothers got their start leasing the Cascade Theater in New Castle from 1906-1907. They borrowed chairs from the nearby funeral home, but had to return them (and thus were not able to show films) when someone died.
*State population based on estimates provided by the 2014 U.S. Census. *Cremation rate provided by the most recent study by CANA in 2020.
Cremation is steadily growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. Not only is it eco-friendly and less costly than traditional burial, but cremation is also highly customizable to meet your needs. Family members may live in different locations, and it can be challenging to make funeral arrangements. Cremation offers flexibility in planning. You can
Often, when we lose a loved one, an important part of the healing process is reflecting on the life they lived. A memorial gathering is an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to your loved one’s many accomplishments and unique personality. A eulogy is a lovely way to share fond memories about your loved one
Your parents are getting older. You know that, and you’ve come to terms with it (or at least you’re trying). And once they can no longer take care of themselves, your relationship with them drastically changes, and you are obligated to step in to take care of their affairs. Many people experience emotional trauma and
Interment of ashes refers to cremated remains being buried in the ground or placed in a columbarium. A columbarium is a building specially designed to hold ashes. Interment is ideal for people who do not wish for their ashes to be scattered or displayed in the home. There are also religious reasons for ashes to