Frequent Questions
At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, New Jersey, we know that planning a funeral or cremation service comes with many questions. Whether you’re planning ahead or arranging services after a loss, our experienced team is here to guide you with compassion and clarity across New Jersey, from Elizabeth to Union County, Hudson County, Essex County, and beyond.
Below are answers to the most common questions families in New Jersey ask about funeral and cremation services.
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What services do funeral directors perform?
The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.
The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director:
- Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
- Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
- Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
- Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
- Obtaining copies of the death certificate
- Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
- Creates and publishes the obituary
- Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
- Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
- Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling
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Why are funerals so expensive?
A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.
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What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.
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What are the choices for funeral services?
The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.
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Can you still have a funeral if you choose cremation?
Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.
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Can I plan in advance if I choose cremation?
Pre-arranging funeral services can be done regardless of the final disposition. Pre-arranging is simply recording your wishes with the funeral home and prefunding if you choose to do so.
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What information should I bring to the arrangement conference?
- Advance Directives - If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his remains and memorialization, you need to bring them with you. These instructions may be found in a will, or there may be a formally witnessed disposition directive, funeral pre-arrangements, or a pre-need contract.
- Military Discharge Papers
- Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
- Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial
- Specific information on the deceased:
- Full legal name
- Address
- Marital status
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city and state)
- Educational history (number of years of schooling)
- Armed Forces service dates and serial number
- Occupation or profession
- Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
- Next of kin and other survivors
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What services does Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, NJ offer?
We offer a full range of funeral and cremation services in Elizabeth, including traditional funerals, memorial services, direct cremation, graveside services, pre-need arrangements, and international shipping and repatriation. As a family-owned funeral home serving Union County, we tailor each service to the unique needs of your family and culture.
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Where is your funeral home located?
Our funeral home is conveniently located at 1055 E Jersey Street in Elizabeth, NJ, just minutes from downtown and accessible to families across Union County, Newark, Hillside, Linden, and surrounding New Jersey communities.
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Do you provide affordable cremation services in Elizabeth, NJ?
Yes. We offer low-cost cremation services in Elizabeth with or without a memorial ceremony. Options include simple direct cremation, cremation with a traditional funeral, and customized memorial events. We serve all faiths and backgrounds with dignity and affordability.
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How much does a funeral cost in Union County, NJ?
Funeral costs vary depending on your preferences and selections. We offer affordable funeral packages in Elizabeth to fit a range of budgets and are transparent about all pricing. We encourage families to contact us for a detailed quote and personalized planning assistance.
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Is Las Rosas Bannworth a family-owned funeral home?
Yes. We are a proud, family-owned funeral home in Elizabeth, NJ, with decades of experience serving our local community with compassion, integrity, and personalized attention.
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Can I pre-plan my funeral or cremation in Elizabeth, NJ?
Absolutely. Pre-planning your funeral or cremation in Union County gives you peace of mind, allows you to document your wishes, and can lock in today’s pricing. We make it easy to start the process online or in person at our Elizabeth location.
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Are your services available in Spanish?
Yes. We proudly offer bilingual funeral services in Elizabeth, NJ, and have Spanish-speaking staff to serve the needs of our Latino and Hispanic communities. Many of our families appreciate being able to plan services in their preferred language.
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What should I do when a death occurs in the Elizabeth area?
Call us immediately at (908) 352-6664. Our funeral directors are available 24/7 to help families in Elizabeth, Newark, and throughout Union County begin the process with care and clarity. We’ll handle transportation and guide you through your next steps.
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Do you offer international repatriation or shipping of remains?
Yes. We are the leading experts in repatriation and shipping services in New Jersey. We specialize in international funeral shipping from Elizabeth, NJ, especially to Latin American countries. We offer the largest global network of funeral home partners and offer the fastest repatriation services in New Jersey with average services concluding within 7-10 days of the initial call. We manage all paperwork, permits, and travel logistics with door-to-door service so your loved one can be returned home respectfully, safely and efficiently.
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What is direct cremation and is it offered in Elizabeth, NJ?
Yes, we offer direct cremation services in Elizabeth, which is a simple, low-cost option that involves cremating your loved one without a viewing or service. Many families choose this option for its affordability and flexibility.
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Can we personalize the service to reflect our loved one’s culture or beliefs?
Absolutely. Whether you're planning a Catholic funeral in Elizabeth, a non-religious ceremony, wish to incorporate Hispanic or Latin traditions into your ceremony, we work closely with your family to create a meaningful and personalized experience.
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How quickly can a funeral be arranged in Union County?
We can often arrange a funeral or cremation service within 24 to 72 hours of a loved one’s passing, depending on availability and any cultural or religious customs. Our team works quickly and respectfully to meet your timeline.
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Do you serve all faiths and backgrounds in Elizabeth and Newark?
Yes. We proudly serve families from all religious and cultural backgrounds across Elizabeth, Newark, Hillside, and the surrounding area. Whether you're planning a Christian, Catholic, Jewish, or secular service, we honor every tradition.
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Do you offer affordable funeral packages for families in Elizabeth, NJ?
Yes. We provide budget-friendly funeral options in Union County, including direct cremation, immediate burial, and traditional services with payment options. We believe every family deserves a respectful farewell, regardless of budget.
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How do I get started with funeral planning in Elizabeth?
Simply call us at (908) 352-6664 or visit our funeral home at 1055 E Jersey Street in Elizabeth, NJ. You can also start your arrangements online. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
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What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral service?
A funeral service typically includes the presence of the deceased, either in an open or closed casket, and is held shortly after the passing. A memorial service, however, does not include the body and may take place days, weeks, or even months later. At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, NJ, we offer both types of services to help families in Union County choose the tribute that best reflects their loved one’s wishes, beliefs, and schedule.
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What are the options for laying my loved one to rest?
Families in Elizabeth, Newark, and throughout Union County, NJ have several options for final disposition. These include traditional burial in a cemetery, entombment in a mausoleum, cremation with burial or niche placement, or keeping the urn at home. Some families choose to scatter ashes in a meaningful place. At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home, we walk you through all options and work with local cemeteries in North Jersey to ensure your choices align with your family's traditions and budget.
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What are my payment options for services at Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home?
At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, NJ, we understand that funeral costs can be unexpected. We offer flexible payment options to support the families we serve:
• Cash, Check, or Major Credit Cards: (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx)
• Life Insurance Assignments: We can help file a claim and use the proceeds to cover funeral expenses.
• Prepaid Funeral Plans: If arrangements have already been made, those funds will be securely applied.
• Third-Party Financing: We can connect you with financing providers offering payment plans.
• Medicaid Spend-Down Assistance: For qualifying individuals, we help set up prepaid plans that meet New Jersey Medicaid guidelines.
We serve families in Elizabeth, Union Township, and surrounding areas with compassion and transparency. To discuss your options, call us at (908) 352-6664.
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What will I need to have ready for a funeral arrangement appointment?
When meeting with our team at Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home, we’ll help you every step of the way. To make your funeral arrangement appointment as smooth as possible, please bring:
Vital Information for the Deceased:
• Full legal name
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security number
• Marital status
• Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
• Education, occupation, and military service (if applicable)
Clothing and Personal Items:
• One full set of clothing
• Any personal keepsakes for the casket (optional)
Cemetery or Cremation Information:
• Deed or contact info for the cemetery (if available)
• Final wishes: burial, cremation, mausoleum, etc.
Photos and Personalization Materials:
• Recent photo for obituary or printed materials
• Additional photos for a video tribute or memory board
• Preferred music, readings, or special elements
Payment Details:
• Method of payment
• Life insurance information (if using a policy)
• Prepaid plan documents, if applicable
If you're missing any information, don’t worry—we’ll help fill in the gaps. We proudly assist families across Elizabeth and Union County with care and attention to detail.
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What will I need to have ready for a pre-planning appointment?
Pre-planning with Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, NJ allows you to document your wishes and ease the burden on your family. Here’s what to consider bringing:
Personal Information:
• Full legal name, date/place of birth, SSN
• Parents' names and marital status
• Military history, education, and career background
Service Preferences:
• Burial or cremation?
• Desired location: local cemetery, mausoleum, cremation niche
• Type of service: religious, secular, or cultural
• Preferred readings, music, clergy, or family participants
Merchandise Selections:
• Casket or urn style
• Clothing preferences
• Headstone or memorial marker ideas
Payment and Funding Options:
• Will you prepay or use insurance or a trust?
• Our team can help you lock in today’s prices and explain available New Jersey-approved pre-need plans.
We help families from Elizabeth, Newark, and the surrounding areas plan ahead with confidence. To schedule a pre-planning meeting, call us at (908) 352 6664 or visit us at 1055 E Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201.
Still Have Questions? Let Us Help.
Whether you're in Elizabeth, Newark, anywhere in Union County or New Jersey, Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home is here to serve your family with compassion and dignity. Contact us anytime to speak with a caring funeral director or begin your arrangements online.