Frequent Questions

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

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.

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.

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.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

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.

• 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

We offer complete funeral and cremation services, including traditional funerals, memorial services, direct cremation, graveside services, and pre-planning. Our team also assists with out-of-town arrangements and international shipping or repatriation when needed.

We are located at 22 Craig Place, North Plainfield, NJ 07060, near the heart of town. We are easily accessible to families in Plainfield, South Plainfield, Watchung, Warren, Scotch Plains and the greater Central New Jersey area.

Yes. We provide cremation services in North Plainfield, with flexible options including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, or cremation following a traditional viewing and funeral. Our cremation services are handled with the same level of care and professionalism as our traditional offerings.

Yes. We are the leading experts in repatriation and shipping services in New Jersey. We specialize in international funeral shipping from North Plainfield, 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.

Funeral costs can vary depending on the type of service selected. At Scarpa-Las Rosas, we provide affordable funeral packages in North Plainfield and offer transparent pricing to help families make informed choices without added stress.

Yes. We are proud to be a family-owned and operated funeral home in North Plainfield, offering personal, hands-on care that honors each family’s unique needs and traditions. The legacy of Scarpa Las Rosas Funeral Home dates back 100 years.

Absolutely. Pre-planning your funeral in Central New Jersey ensures that your wishes are known and reduces the burden on your family. You can meet with us in person or begin the process online through our website.

Yes. We welcome and respect all religious and cultural traditions. Whether you’re planning a Catholic funeral, a non-religious service, or a culturally specific tribute, our team is experienced in honoring a wide range of customs.

Call us right away at (908) 756-2693. We are available 24/7 to help guide you through the next steps, arrange for transportation, and begin planning. We serve families throughout Somerset County and beyond.

Yes. Direct cremation is a simple and affordable option that involves cremating the body without a viewing or ceremony. This option is available to families across North Plainfield, Plainfield, Watchung, Green Brook, South Plainfield, and neighboring towns.

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.

Services are typically scheduled within 1–3 days, depending on your family’s preferences, clergy availability, and any religious or cultural requirements. We’ll help guide you through scheduling with care and flexibility.

Yes. We are proud to serve our Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking community in North Plainfield and have bilingual staff available to ensure your needs and wishes are fully understood and respected.

Yes. We assist with coordinating veteran funeral benefits, military honors, and proper flag presentation to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Pre-planning ensures your wishes are followed, locks in current pricing, and provides peace of mind for your family. It's a thoughtful way to reduce future stress and financial burden.

You can reach us anytime at (908) 756-2693, visit our funeral home at 22 Craig Place in North Plainfield, or begin the process online. Our experienced staff is ready to assist you at every step.

A funeral service typically includes the presence of the deceased, either in an open or closed casket, and often takes place shortly after the passing. A memorial service, on the other hand, does not include the body and can be held weeks or even months later. At Scarpa-Las Rosas Funeral Home in North Plainfield, we offer both options, helping families in Somerset County choose the type of tribute that best honors their loved one’s memory and meets their cultural, spiritual, or scheduling needs.

Families in North Plainfield and the surrounding Somerset County area have several meaningful options for final placement. These include traditional burial in a cemetery, entombment in a mausoleum, cremation with burial of the urn, or placement in a cremation niche. Some families choose to keep the urn at home or scatter the ashes in a special location. At Scarpa-Las Rosas Funeral Home, we help guide you through all your options, including working with local cemeteries in Central New Jersey to make arrangements that align with your wishes, beliefs, and budget.

At Scarpa-Las Rosas Funeral Home in North Plainfield, NJ, we understand that funeral expenses can be unexpected, and we’re committed to working with families to ease the financial burden. We offer several flexible payment options to accommodate your needs:

• Cash, Check, or Credit Card: (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)

• Life Insurance Assignments: We can assist with using an existing policy to cover funeral expenses, often eliminating the need for out-of-pocket payment upfront.

• Prepaid Funeral Plans: Families who have pre-arranged and prepaid for services will have those funds securely applied toward the cost of services.

• Third-Party Financing: Upon request, we can help connect you with funeral financing providers who offer low- or no-interest payment plans for qualified applicants.

• Medicaid Spend-Down Assistance: For qualifying individuals, we can help structure prepaid funeral arrangements in compliance with New Jersey Medicaid guidelines.

We’re here to help families in North Plainfield, Plainfield, and surrounding communities in Somerset County plan with confidence and peace of mind. If you have questions about costs or financial arrangements, please contact us directly at (908) 756-2693. Our caring staff is always ready to help you explore your options.

When you meet with our team at Scarpa-Las Rosas Funeral Home in North Plainfield, we’ll guide you through every step of the planning process. To help make the arrangement conference go as smoothly as possible, we recommend bringing the following:

Personal Information for the Deceased (for Vital Records & Obituary):

• Full legal name

• Date and place of birth

• Social Security number

• Marital status

• Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)

• Education and occupation

• Military service history (if applicable)

Clothing and Personal Items:

• A complete set of clothing for the service

• Personal items to include in the casket (if desired)

Cemetery, Repatriation or Final Disposition Details:

• Deed or contact information for the cemetery (if applicable)

• Preferences for burial, cremation, or other final placement

Photos and Personalization Materials:

• A recent photo (for obituary or service program)

• Additional photos for a video tribute or memory board

• Special music, readings, or religious selections (optional)

Payment Information:

• Preferred method of payment

• Life insurance policy details (if using assignment)

• Any prepaid funeral documents

If you’re unsure about any of the above, don’t worry—our staff is here to help. We serve families throughout North Plainfield, Plainfield, and Somerset County, and we’re happy to walk you through everything, even if not all information is immediately available.

To schedule an arrangement appointment, call us anytime at (908) 756 2693 or visit us at 22 Craig Place, North Plainfield, NJ 07060.

Pre-planning your funeral or cremation at Scarpa-Las Rosas Funeral Home in North Plainfield, NJ is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family. To make the most of your pre-arrangement conference, here’s what we recommend bringing or thinking through in advance:

Personal & Vital Information:

• Full legal name

• Date and place of birth

• Social Security number

• Marital status

• Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)

• Military service details (if applicable)

• Education and occupation history

This information is used for completing legal documents and can also be used for a future obituary.

Your Funeral Preferences:

• Burial or cremation?

• Preferred cemetery or final resting place?

• Type of service: religious, non-religious, military, or other?

• Viewing or visitation preferences?

• Special music, readings, or rituals you’d like included?

• Pallbearers, officiants, or others you’d like involved?

Merchandise Selections:

• Casket or cremation urn preferences

• Headstone or marker ideas

• Clothing preferences (if desired)

Payment and Funding Options:

• Would you like to prepay? (Locking in today’s rates can protect against inflation.)

• Would you be using a funeral trust, insurance, or another method?

• We can walk you through affordable pre-planning options during your appointment.

Our compassionate staff is here to guide you and answer questions at your pace. We help families across North Plainfield, Plainfield, and Somerset County plan with peace of mind and clarity.

To schedule your confidential pre-planning appointment, call us at (908) 756 2693 or visit us at 22 Craig Place, North Plainfield, NJ.