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What Are the Responsibilities of a Funeral Director? February 19, 2020

MARGARET A. “MICKEY” RADEL PRESIDENT/FUNERAL DIRECTOR

The responsibilities of a funeral director are far-reaching and complex. Just like any other business, there are the business aspects of operating a funeral home. Most have employees, overhead, taxes to pay and profit and loss statements to be concerned about. On a community basis, funeral directors often play a significant role in their cities and towns. Their biggest responsibility, however, is to their clients and families of which they serve. There is a lot to consider when one thinks about the responsibilities of a funeral director.

They are Operating a Businesses

Funeral directors have made the choice to make a career of serving others. Many, like Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes & Crematory, have a long history of serving their communities, one that has spanned generations. They are concerned about supervising funeral home employees, employee benefits packages, facility maintenance and staying up-to-date with current trends in their industry. They have utility bills, insurance and rent or mortgage payments to make.

They Serve as Consultants

One of the most significant aspects of being a funeral director is the responsibility of serving as a consultant through a difficult period for families. There are a multitude of decisions to be made when planning a funeral and a funeral director serves as a guide in helping families plan respectful and affordable final services. From helping craft an appropriate obituary to making families aware of their options, responsibilities are far-reaching.

They Console Families

Choosing a career as a funeral director places a person in a unique position of being a counselor to grieving families. This can be both a challenging, yet rewarding position in helping families through this most difficult of times. It takes a compassionate person who is willing to listen. Exceptional funeral directors will know when they are needed and when they should serve in the background.

Supervise Final Services as Planned

In the strictest sense of the term, a funeral “director” serves as the director for the complete final services as desired by the family. In times of grief, even small issues become critical, and a funeral director must be prepared to respond accordingly. Today’s funerals range from the traditional to “Celebrations of Life” and a funeral director should be prepared to accommodate each.

Maintain State Required Records

A funeral director has legal responsibilities and maintains required records. In addition, they may serve to help families in the acquisition of life insurance or Veteran’s benefits. An experienced funeral director can be invaluable in helping a grieving family navigate a variety of circumstances.

At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes & Crematory, our responsibilities are blended with our commitment to serve the families of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We would appreciate the opportunity to serve you. When preplanning or for an immediate need, please feel free to contact us.

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