Reilly-Rakowski Funeral Home

04/28/2026

https://www.rrfunerals.com/obituaries/loretta-o-donnell

Loretta was born on March 28th, 1945 and passed away on April 23rd, 2026 at the age of 81

04/27/2026

Memory Monday

Stopping the Clocks at Death: The “Freeze Time”

The clock—an item designed to measure routine—became a symbol of the moment routine broke.

In the first minutes after a death, people often remember the smallest sounds. The hush that settles in a room. The hum of a refrigerator that suddenly feels too loud. The tick of a clock that you have heard a thousand times, now insisting on being heard again. For many families—especially in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—one of the very first gestures was to walk over to that clock and stop it. Sometimes it was done with a deliberate hand, as if making a record. Sometimes it was done almost automatically, as if the house itself needed to change its posture when a life ended inside it.

Even if you have never stopped a clock in your life, you may recognize the feeling behind the ritual. In grief, people routinely describe time as distorted. Minutes feel like hours. Days collapse. The calendar keeps moving while the mind repeats one moment. That’s why the idea of “freezing time” resonates: it matches the internal experience of loss with an external, visible action.

This may not be a tradition in homes anymore but recording the time of death is still done today.

04/24/2026

We take pride in helping families honor veterans with the respect they deserve, from ceremony details to lasting tributes. Let us guide you through every step. Learn more about veteran services on our website: https://rrfunerals.com/resources/veterans/

04/22/2026

Did you know post-mortem photography was once a common part of grieving? In the 19th century, families often gathered for a final photograph together — sometimes the only picture they’d ever have of their loved one. The practice largely disappeared by the 1930s.

But in the last five years, we’ve seen it return in a new form. With cell phones always within reach, more families are taking photos at services — some even taking selfies with a loved one.

We’re curious where you land on this. Meaningful keepsake? Or something that should stay private? Share your thoughts below.

THIS IS HOW WE FEEL ABOUT IT

If your family wishes to have a memento of this nature we think it should be of them and private out of respect for the deceased. From a professional standpoint, it should not be taken as a spontaneous selfie, and it should never be posted on social media. We have found that younger generations do not object to this, while the older generation sees it happening, feels horrified, and thinks we should stop them or do something. Technically, there is no law against this, and we can't tell a grandchild they shouldn't do that. So, we recommend discussing this with the younger generation before the funeral so they know if it is or isn’t ok.

04/20/2026

Memory Mondays

Home Funerals
Does anyone remember a home funeral or hearing your family talk about one?

In the 19th century, before the funeral industry developed into what we know today, families held funerals at home. Once a person died, family bathed them and laid them out in their best clothes so loved ones could say one last goodbye. Because embalming did not enter the mainstream until after the Civil War, time was of the essence; while the body was laid out, the undertaker (traditionally, at that time, undertakers were furniture or cabinet makers) would come and measure the body and deliver a coffin, its extravagance dependent on the family's social stature and economic class. The body would usually lay out for one day (not only for the family to view, but to ensure that the deceased was actually dead), sometimes on a cooling table packed with ice (to help with preservation), before being placed in the coffin with the lid closed.

The coffin was then taken down to the parlor, a formal room where the family hosted guests – and funerals.

Funeral notices were placed in newspapers, and a black funeral wreath was hung on the front door. Typically, the coffin would be surrounded by lilies or another strong-smelling flower; the scent hid any smell of decomposition.

Embalming made it possible to extend the time between death and the funeral. Gradually, undertakers (now calling themselves funeral directors) created their own “parlors” in their places of business, where longer wakes could be held to accommodate family and friends arriving from far away. It appealed to families to move the dead out of their homes into what Frank E. Campbell, one of New York City’s first funeral parlors, called "slumber rooms." Having the funeral outside the home also meant that wakes could be more extensive, allowing more guests to attend wakes and funeral services held in the beautiful, tastefully decorated facilities funeral directors began to build.

This transition of the funeral from the home to the funeral director's place of business also led to the death of the formal 'parlor' in many American homes and the start of the Funeral Parlor. In 1910, the Ladies' Home Journal re-christened the parlor the 'living room,' returning it to the family for their enjoyment. Funerals remained outside the home for the rest of the 20th century.

04/17/2026

Our dedicated team understands the importance of a respectful and meaningful funeral service. We are here to support you every step of the way.

04/16/2026

https://www.rrfunerals.com/obituaries/edward-rostucher

Edward was born on July 19th, 1954 and passed away on April 13th, 2026 at the age of 71

04/16/2026

https://www.rrfunerals.com/obituaries/katarzyna-piasecki

Katarzyna was born on April 1st, 1973 and passed away on April 14th, 2026 at the age of 53

04/15/2026

Funeral superstitions that became traditions and common practice.
The superstitions originated from ancient fears of the dead returning, the need to protect the soul, and respect for the deceased, with many common practices rooted in Victorian or pagan traditions.

Feet First: Removing a body feet-first ensures the deceased does not beckon family members to follow.
Still done today, not because the spirit will beckon a family member.

Watching Over the Body: The "wake" traditionally ensured the spirit did not leave the body, protecting the deceased until burial. We still do this today, except we call them viewings. The gathering is held before a funeral, allowing family and friends to pay respects, share condolences, and see the deceased one last time

What are some other superstitions your family has? Share in the comments below!

04/15/2026

https://www.rrfunerals.com/obituaries/stanley-szczepanski

Stanley was born on February 19th, 1939 and passed away on April 13th, 2026 at the age of 87

04/13/2026

Memory Mondays

The corner of Thompson and Allegheny

"Golden days and timeless memories."

04/10/2026

At Reilly-Rakowski Funeral Home, we believe in honoring every life with dignity, and that begins with choosing the right burial option that reflects your or your loved one's wishes. Our caring team is here to guide you through each option and help you make the best decision for your family.
https://www.rrfunerals.com/