Cemeteries. I like them or dislike them. Usually for the same reasons. It's only a matter of…read moretiming. I recently lost a long-time friend to ovarian cancer. I stopped by Deer Creek to pay my respects and say my own goodbyes. Deer Creek is much bigger than I expected. It may have been the lack of trees or tall bushes that can break up the long site-lines in a typical cemetery, but the gravestones seemed to go on forever, up and down the small slopes. The grounds were spotted with dashes of color from the flags or flowers placed near the markers. I noticed the well-paved, large roads that take visitors to all corners of the grounds. There are street signs and street names on the intersections. I've not ever noticed that before in a cemetery, but it gives it the feeling of a small town. If I consider, also, the other markers designating areas within those blocks, almost like house numbers, I suppose it is like a mini-town. A well-laid out town. Bittersweet. As I roamed, looking for the one place I needed, I saw the well-groomed grass and nicely maintained grounds. You can move from the older to the more recent without noticing. Deer Creek obviously chooses not to save money by letting things becomes overgrown. Good job. After several minutes, I gave up and stopped by the office to ask for directions. The man working that day found the information on the computer, gave me the location, and pointed me in the general direction. Fewer than 5 minutes. Efficient. It's a nice cemetery. Next time I'm in the area, I may like it. But right now, in this moment, at this time: I dislike it. Cancer sucks.

Paul and his staff are knowledgeable, kind, empathetic, and supportive. We could not have gotten…read morethrough this tremendously difficult times without his wisdom and support We are forever grateful

Paul was extraordinarily caring and professional, very supportive of my nephew after his mother had…read moresuddenly died. He took my nephew through the decision making process in a direct and pressure free manner, helping him when he changed direction without hurry or pressure. Paul is direct and respectful, supportive throughout the entire journey. I truly appreciate his help and would recommend him highly.

Managing a funeral during Covid is not easy and Ralph Schugar staff and Sharon Brody were beyond…read moreour expectations. They were caring, helpful and treated my family with respect and gave us welcome advise when we needed it. From start to finish, they patiently walked us through the process and helped us make the best choice for our family even arranging for a special viewing for the grandchildren to say goodbye to their beloved Papa . My mom did not want to split up my five siblings and wanted us all with her so they arranged for a stretch limo. The cemetery had issues with the actual grave site and they help navigate so that my mother and siblings were satisfied, we had a grave side service and they arranged for chairs for all of the older attendees and a tent. They even assisted with live streaming so that out of town guests could join us. My oldest brother had many many demands and required some extra attention and somehow Rose on the Schugar team was his personal aid and made him feel heard and got him what he needed quickly. We had one day to pull together a service, arrangements and shivas and they helped to get it all done. Thank you for helping us while we were at wits end during one of the worst times in our lives. I highly recommend.

There are times when all of us need to come to grip with reality regarding the inevitable. Ralph…read moreSchugar Funeral Chapel is one of the few ultra Orthodox Jewish funeral home in Pittsburgh. Clearly by far it is the best. They offer funeral packages, graveside packages, or you can make up your own. The chapel is an adequate size for the ceremony. Judaism dictates no open viewing but rather 1 hour visitation before the service. Casket remains closed. Off to the side of the chapel is the mourner's room where family and friends may pay their respects to the deceased' next of kin during that visitation period. They provide you with information on how to find the various cemeteries and give you a small book of prayers, and a listing of the yearly Yahrzeits (Hebrew anniversary of date of passing) for the deceased. Their phone answers 24 hours round the clock so there is always someone available. They provide excellent service and compassion and understanding to the one in need. Another service they offer is a prearrangement which I lean towards. Often times in a period of loss a person is under much duress and as a result has a tendency to overspend. You can arrange an apt with a member of their staff and declare your intentions for your next of kin or for yourself. Around the time of the Jewish High Holidays in the fall they give out complimentary Jewish calendars. I have utilized their services in the past and have been here on a number of occasions. Out of respect for the chapel no photographs please.

My mother passed recently and Ben and all the staff at SWG were impeccable and so kind. They took…read moretheir time with me and my family and made everything perfect. Anything I needed help with they were right there. It's not cheap for a funeral - but their service more than makes up for the price. Thank you for making a painful experience a little easier.

My uncle and I went here today to make arrangements for my stepmother, who passed away yesterday…read more Everyone from the two guys who came to get the body to the funeral director were very helpful, caring, and most importantly, empathetic. I was offered resources for grieving resources if needed. The value for direct cremation was great, it was cheaper than expected. I was able to get a beautiful urn, which has a picture of the beach on it, and then I got to pick out a cross, which was also part of the plan. Kyra was very nice and helpful. I 100% recommended this place.