In response to the government’s request to observer social distancing and to avoid gathering of people in groups greater than 10 people we have implemented several new policies at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
“We will continue to provide the full services families have come to expect from us, with some modifications,” said funeral home president, Mike Cahill. “We are following recommendations from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. These include allowing traditional viewing periods for family only and in limited numbers.”
He explained that with the assistance of Blair Technology Solutions, and Protocol 80, cameras have been installed at both funeral home locations to enable “broadcasting live (in real time) on our website, the funerals which are held at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.”
Cahill said the cameras will allow the deceased’s extended family and all other friends in the community to view the funeral without having to go out in public or leave their home in the event the public is forced to shelter in place. “Additionally, the most susceptible people in our community will not have to be out and exposed,” Cahill said. “This will still allow family and friends of a loved one in our care to still feel like they are in attendance of the service.”
The location at 372 East Main St. was originally opened in 1937 by Gordon Healy. The Healy Funeral Home was McKean County’s first residential funeral home.
“We are now the first funeral home in McKean County to live stream our services,” Cahill said. “Going forward we plan to continue to stream all services, so no matter where in the world you might be, you can still drop in remotely and pay your respects and observe the funeral ceremony live. In the future we hope to have the ability to record the service for watching at a later time.”
He explained the camera at the East Main Street funeral home will be operational for the next two days, showing a slideshow of historical pictures playing on a television.
To view the camera go to www.hollenbeckcahill.com and click on the Live Stream Funeral Tab at the top of the page.
