What to do when death occurs

• Call Inglesby & Sons (856)662-1271. We will set up a time to meet to make the arrangements. In the interim, we will go to the place where the death has occurred and transport the person to the funeral home. Some information we will require to complete the Vital Statistic requirements:
  • Date of Birth
  • Birthplace
  • Father's name
  • Mother's name
  • Social Security Number
  • if applicable, the Veterans Discharge or Claim Number
  In addition we will need to know the highest level of education and the marital status at the time of death
  
  In an attempt to try to help with all the details that need to be addressed, we've compiled the following, by no means exhaustive, list:

• If there is to be a viewing, what clothes, including everything you normally wear, and a recent picture of your loved one.

• Contact your clergy, or let us take care of this request.

• Make a list of immediate family, close friends, and all other people important in your loved ones life.

• Gather obituary information. This should include: age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, military service, education, memberships, hobbies, and any outstanding work. You will want to include a list of survivors in the immediate family. At this time, you may wish to designate an appropriate agency to receive donations in memoriam. The Funeral Director will usually write the article, giving the time and place of the services. This will be submitted to the newspapers you request. (Most newspapers will accept a picture and will return this intact.)

• The Funeral Home will assist you in determining the number of death certificates you will require. These will be ordered and delivered to you as soon as possible.

• Consider the use of a florist. The Funeral Home can help you with this decision.

• Determine whether you will require a restaurant for a luncheon. We have some listed on this website, that may be of help.

• Perhaps arrange for a close friend or family to take turns answering the door or telephone. Ask them to make a careful record of who came or called, or brought things to the house.

• Coordinate food supplies for the next several days.

• Consider special needs of the household, overnight guests, etc..

• Arrange child care, if necessary.

• Arrange hospitality for visiting relatives and friends.

• Select pallbearers and notify the funeral home. (Avoid anyone with heart or back difficulties , or make them honorary pallbearers).

• Plan for disposition of flowers after funeral (church, hospital or rest home)

• Prepare list of distant persons to be notified by letter and/or printed notice, and decide which to send to each.

• Prepare list of persons to receive acknowledgments of flowers, calls, etc. Send appropriate acknowledgments (can be written note, printed acknowledgments, or some of each). Include "thank you's" to those who have given their time as well.

• Notify insurance companies.

• Locate the will and notify lawyer and executor.

• Check carefully all life and casualty insurance and death benefits , including Social Security, credit union , trade union, fraternal, and military. Check also on income for survivors from these sources.

• Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some may carry insurance clauses that will cancel them. If there is to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask for more time before the payments are due.

• If deceased was living alone, notify utilities and landlord and tell post office where to send mail.

• Funeral Director will prepare Social Security Form SSA 721. Check with Social Security to see that number is retired.