How much does burial cost compared to cremation?

Cremation usually costs less than burial because there are extra costs, such as the casket, burial vault, cemetery plot, and fees for opening and closing the grave. In the Jersey Shore area, a full burial with a traditional funeral service usually costs between $8,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the choices made. Most of the time, cremation services cost between $3,000 and $10,000. But price shouldn't be the only thing on your mind; the most important thing is to choose the option that honors your loved one the best. We have burial packages at different price points, and we work with families to plan services that are meaningful and fit their budgets.

Do we have to purchase a casket from the funeral home?

No. You have the right to buy a casket from any source, according to Federal Trade Commission rules. Funeral homes can't refuse to use a casket you bought somewhere else or charge you extra for handling it. But a lot of families find it easier to choose a casket at our funeral home, where they can see the options in person and get help. We have caskets at different prices and are open about how much they cost. We'll use the casket you buy somewhere else without charging you extra.

What if we don't own a cemetery plot?

If your family doesn't own a cemetery plot, we can help you find one in the Jersey Shore area and make arrangements to buy it. Prices for cemetery plots depend on where they are, what kind of cemetery they are, and what section they are in. Some cemeteries let you pay in installments. We call cemeteries for you to check availability, set up site visits if you want, and make sure the paperwork is done right.

Can family members participate in the burial?

Yes, it can be important for families to get involved. Some common ways are to be a pallbearer, put flowers on the casket, drop dirt into the grave, or stay to watch the casket lower. Some families like to leave before this point, while others feel better staying until the grave is full. We will work with the cemetery to make sure your wishes are met, no matter what approach you choose.

Burial Services

Dignified Burial Services

For several generations, burial has been the most respected way to bury a loved one. Burying the dead in the ground connects us to people who lived before us and gives family members a special place to remember and think about them. Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, Ltd. offers caring and respectful burial services to families in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, and Lycoming County.

Our kind and caring staff will help your family decide between a traditional funeral with burial in a cemetery, a simple graveside service, or a more elaborate memorial with all the sad parts of a formal goodbye. For many years, we have helped families in Jersey Shore, Antes Fort, Avis, Oval, Linden, Salladasburg, McElhattan, and Dunnstown. We honor each family by helping them honor their loved one with comfort and closure

Our Burial Service Options

Traditional Funeral with Burial

The most comprehensive option includes visitation, a formal funeral ceremony, and graveside committal. This format provides multiple opportunities for family and friends to pay respects and has served families for generations.

Typically includes:

Transfer of your loved one into our care
Professional preparation including embalming for viewing
Visitation period at our funeral home
Funeral ceremony at our chapel, church, or location of your choosing
Funeral procession to the cemetery
Graveside committal service
Complete cemetery coordination

Graveside Service

A graveside service is a simple way for families to combine the funeral and burial into one service at the cemetery. This choice could be a small get-together with close family or a big ceremony that everyone in the community can attend. The fact that this is the place where your loved one will rest makes the outdoor setting very special.

Green Burial

We offer green burial options that have less of an effect on the environment for families who care about the environment. Green burial doesn't use concrete burial vaults, embalming chemicals, or caskets or shrouds that can't be broken down. We work with natural burial grounds that help protect habitats and the environment.

Casket Selection

We offer a wide range of caskets in various materials, styles, and price points:

Solid Hardwoods – Cherry, mahogany, walnut, oak, and maple offer timeless elegance and natural beauty.
Metal Caskets – Steel, stainless steel, copper, and bronze provide durability in various gauges and finishes.
Green Burial Caskets – Biodegradable materials including willow, bamboo, and sustainably harvested woods.

Our staff guides you through available options, helping you select a casket that honors your loved one while fitting your budget.

Veterans Burial Benefits

Veterans who served honorably are eligible for a number of burial benefits. Our staff helps families understand VA programs like burial allowances, government-provided headstones, presidential memorial certificates, and burial flags. We also organize military funeral honors, such as folding and displaying the American flag, playing Taps, and, when possible, rifle salutes and honor guards.

FAQ

How much does burial cost compared to cremation?
Cremation usually costs less than burial because there are extra costs, such as the casket, burial vault, cemetery plot, and fees for opening and closing the grave. In the Jersey Shore area, a full burial with a traditional funeral service usually costs between $8,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the choices made. Most of the time, cremation services cost between $3,000 and $10,000. But price shouldn't be the only thing on your mind; the most important thing is to choose the option that honors your loved one the best. We have burial packages at different price points, and we work with families to plan services that are meaningful and fit their budgets.
Do we have to purchase a casket from the funeral home?
No. You have the right to buy a casket from any source, according to Federal Trade Commission rules. Funeral homes can't refuse to use a casket you bought somewhere else or charge you extra for handling it. But a lot of families find it easier to choose a casket at our funeral home, where they can see the options in person and get help. We have caskets at different prices and are open about how much they cost. We'll use the casket you buy somewhere else without charging you extra.
What if we don't own a cemetery plot?
If your family doesn't own a cemetery plot, we can help you find one in the Jersey Shore area and make arrangements to buy it. Prices for cemetery plots depend on where they are, what kind of cemetery they are, and what section they are in. Some cemeteries let you pay in installments. We call cemeteries for you to check availability, set up site visits if you want, and make sure the paperwork is done right.
Can family members participate in the burial?
Yes, it can be important for families to get involved. Some common ways are to be a pallbearer, put flowers on the casket, drop dirt into the grave, or stay to watch the casket lower. Some families like to leave before this point, while others feel better staying until the grave is full. We will work with the cemetery to make sure your wishes are met, no matter what approach you choose.