What to do first following a death

Following a death, please call Stark Memorial at (330) 332-5139.  We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you during your difficult time. 

We will ask a few questions on the phone such as:

• The full name of the deceased
• The location of the deceased, such as hospital, nursing home, residence, etc.
• Your name, address and phone number
• The name, address and phone number of the next of kin
• Doctor's name

We will schedule an appointment time that is convenient for you to come in and complete the funeral arrangements.  In order to complete the arrangements, we will ask that you bring in with you the following items if possible. Items needed for the deceased are:

• Clothing
• Date of birth & place of birth (both city & state)
• Deceased's parents name (maiden name of the mother)
• Education Level
• Marital Status
• Social Security Number & Exact Name on the Social Security Card
• If a Veteran - Need DD214 or Discharge Papers to obtain a flag or VA Marker
• Cemtery Information - Section, Lot, Grave (If available)
• Name of Clergy
• Recent Photo
• Obituary information, such as occupation, education (high school, college, etc), special awards, memberships, military service, survivors names and cities,  hobbies or special interests, place and approximate day and time of service and calling hours, memorial contributions, special thank yous, etc. 

Note: Stark Memorial will write the obituary for you but needs the information above for both the death certificate and the obituary.

If you would like a memorial DVD made to be played during the calling hours or just as a memorial gift for the family, please provide us with 27 photos at a convenient time.  It normally takes us at least 24 hours to make the video so please keep that in mind.