When a loved one dies during a time of a pandemic, how do families and funeral homes adapt?  The answer is that funeral homes here in the Valley are mirroring what funeral homes across the country have had to do:  adapt their business the best way possible with families grieving a little differently.

Like companies across the U.S., funeral homes and mortuaries are limiting contact with customers to avoid spreading the virus and comply with Ohio's newest mandates. 

That can mean video-streaming memorial services to limit the options they have and restricting the number of family members who may gather, inside, at chapels, and even at outdoor graveside ceremonies.

At F D Mason Memorial Funeral Home in Youngstown, Marquise Mims says they are limiting people for calling hours to no more than ten individuals.  He says they have also postponed some services and adds that when someone passes, the funeral home will meet with family by appointment only while maintaining social distancing rules.

Mims also says that each person entering the home for services must bring their own face mask.  They have not begun any online services yet.

At Clemente Funeral Homes, they are holding calling hours, but doing so in shifts.  "The other day, we just had shifts of immediate family members go through.  Once one small group came out, another group could go in," said Cindy Clemente. 

Gravesite burials have changed too for funeral homes and cemeteries have limited funeral processions, and burials are being limited to just immediate family.  "In one family, just the daughters went to the gravesite and did a small private service, Clemente said, "while the other family members stayed in the cars."  

At L E Black Philips and Holden Funeral Home in Youngstown, they have been discussing streaming services but have not added that to their services.  They are, however, limiting calling hours to immediate family and encouraging private services both in house and at the gravesite.

"We try to keep the chairs separated even with immediate family at our calling hours," said Anthony Quahliero, Funeral Director at Kirila Funeral Home in Struthers.  "We are even considering not having people sign the register book when they come into the funeral home and instead do nice cards that families can receive, so they know who was there to honor their loved one."

Quahliero says they continue to use 'universal precautions' using PPE's, very similar to what you see in medical settings.  He adds that "most of the families have been truly understanding."

For more information on the funeral homes mentioned here:

Clemente Funeral Homes - go to clementefuneralhomes.com

Kirila Funeral Home - 330-750-1321 or email Director@kirilafh.com

L E Black Philips and Holden Funeral Home - 330-744-7770

F D Mason Memorial Funeral Home - 330-743-4098.