What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away in Philadelphia:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing someone you love is one of the most overwhelming experiences a family can face. In those first hours and days, it can feel impossible to think clearly — let alone make decisions about what comes next.
At
Pennsylvania Burial Company / Baldi Funeral Home, we have walked alongside Philadelphia families through these moments for over 100 years. This guide is designed to give you a clear, compassionate roadmap so you know exactly what to do — and when — after the passing of a loved one in Philadelphia.
The First Hours:
Immediate Steps
If the Death Occurs at Home
If your loved one was under hospice care, contact the hospice agency first. A hospice nurse will come to the home to make a pronouncement and can help coordinate next steps. If the death was unexpected or unattended, call 911. In Philadelphia, the medical examiner's office may become involved to determine the cause of death before the body can be released.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Facility
The hospital or nursing home staff will handle the initial medical and legal procedures, including pronouncing the death and beginning paperwork. They will ask you to name a funeral home. You do not need to decide immediately — take the time you need. The facility will keep your loved one safe until a funeral director arrives.
Call a Funeral Home You Trust
This is often the most important call you will make. A compassionate funeral director will guide you through everything that follows — from transporting your loved one to helping you plan a service that reflects their life.
At Baldi Funeral Home, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve families throughout South Philadelphia, Center City, Southwest Philadelphia, Lower North Philadelphia, and the tri-state area. When you call us, you speak with someone who cares — not an answering service.
The First 24 to 48 Hours:
Key Decisions
Choose Between Burial and Cremation
One of the first decisions your family will face is whether to choose traditional burial, cremation, or another option such as green burial. There is no right or wrong answer — only what feels right for your family and honors your loved one's wishes.
If your loved one left instructions through a pre-arrangement, these decisions may already be made. If not, your funeral director will walk you through every option with patience and without pressure.
Gather Important Documents
Your funeral director will need several documents to proceed. Having these ready can help things move more smoothly:
- The deceased's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if your loved one was a veteran
- Cemetery deed or plot information (if a burial plot was previously purchased)
- Insurance policies or pre-paid funeral arrangements
- A recent photograph for the obituary
Notify Immediate Family and Close Friends
Before posting anything publicly or on social media, make personal calls to immediate family members and close friends. Designate one family member to be the point of contact for sharing information so that the message stays consistent and respectful.
Planning the Service
Meet with Your Funeral Director
During the arrangement conference, your funeral director will help you plan every detail of the service. At Pennsylvania Burial Company, our four chapels can accommodate services of various sizes, with parking for over 75 vehicles — something many Philadelphia families appreciate, especially in South Philly where parking can be a challenge.
You will discuss:
- Viewing, visitation, and wake arrangements
- Religious or cultural customs your family observes
- Music, readings, photo displays, and video tributes to personalize the memorial
- Casket, urn, or other merchandise selections
- Flowers, prayer cards, and keepsake jewelry
- Obituary writing and publication
Honoring Cultural and Religious Traditions
Philadelphia is a city of many cultures and faiths, and funeral traditions vary widely. At Baldi Funeral Home, we are experienced in serving families from a wide range of backgrounds, including Buddhist funeral services, Vietnamese funeral customs, Cantonese traditions, Catholic, Protestant, and non-denominational services.
Our staff speaks Vietnamese and Cantonese, so your family can communicate in the language most comfortable for them during this difficult time.
Legal and Administrative Steps
Death Certificates
In Pennsylvania, the funeral director files the death certificate with the local registrar. You will want to request multiple certified copies — typically 10 to 15 — as you will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, pension providers, and property transfers. Your funeral director can order these on your behalf.
Notify the Social Security Administration
The funeral home typically notifies Social Security of the death. If the deceased was receiving benefits, those payments will stop. A surviving spouse may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255 and ongoing survivor benefits.
Contact Insurance and Financial Institutions
Notify life insurance companies, banks, credit card companies, and any pension or retirement account providers. Each will have their own process, and most will require a certified death certificate.
Veteran Benefits
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be entitled to burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a burial allowance, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Pennsylvania Burial Company maintains a Veteran Memorial Wall in honor of those who served.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
In the rush of arrangements and paperwork, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Grief takes a physical toll. Eat when you can, rest when you can, and accept help when it is offered.
If you are struggling, know that support is available. Pennsylvania Burial Company offers a one-year grief support program with weekly messages of comfort and encouragement — because our commitment to your family does not end after the service.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
The days after losing someone can feel like a fog. But you do not have to figure everything out by yourself. That is what we are here for.
Four generations of the Jacovini and Baldi families have dedicated their lives to helping Philadelphia families through their most difficult moments — with dignity, compassion, and care.
Call us anytime at (215) 334-1717, or visit us at
1327-31 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. We are here when you need us — day or night.
Pennsylvania Burial Company/Baldi Funeral Home
1327-31 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-334-1717
