History . . . Established 1908

A Tradition That Spans The Generations.

The Snowdon Family Funeral Homes

     Like so many self-made men, J. William Snowdon did not seek recognition when he opened his first funeral home in Pittston in 1908.  The need to support his widowed mother and four siblings was Snowdon's first priority.  From the beginning it was clear , however, that Snowdon not only felt an obligation to his family, but also to his community.  From his sense of duty grew a family tradition that spans over 90 years and three generations.

     Before long, the business expanded.  In 1911, Snowdon's brother and former Scranton mayor, Howard J. Snowdon, Sr., opened a Snowdon Family Funeral Home in the Greenridge Corner section of Scranton.  This development marked the first of many milestones for the family business.

     Over time other members of the Snowdon family became involved in the organization.   William's son, Harold C. Snowdon, Sr. , oversaw the opening and operation of the business's third location on North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, in 1936.  Then, with the growth and progress that comes with years of hard work, the family made the decision to open another location.  In 1955 a property in Kingston was secured.   Various family members contributed to the operation of the new home.

     The funeral director license of the family patriarch hung on the wall of the original funeral home until his death in 1963.  During his career, William Snowdon saw his commitment to his family turn into a family business committed to the community.  His professional life bridged 60 years and thousands of lives.  At the time of his death, an editorial in the local paper stated "no man could have been more fitted and dedicated to hold such a position".

     In the decades following the eldest Snowdon's death much change occurred.  Two additional locations joined the group in 1965.  One, situated on the Dallas Memorial Highway, contributed to the family's already strong presence in the Wyoming Valley.   Harold C. Snowdon, Jr., a member of the third generation and son of Harold Snowdon, Sr., opened the location and continues to supervise it today.  Howard J. Snowdon, Jr., his cousin, opened another suburban location this time in Moscow, Lackawanna County.

     Another important addition to the business centered around family.  Two more Snowdon men chose to follow in the family tradition.  Richard W. Snowdon, son of Harold and grandson of the founder, received his license in 1970.  Seven years later, Raymond J. Snowdon placed his license on the wall of the Scranton location.

     Through the years, Snowdon Family Funeral Homes have experienced little variation in their operation.  Then in 1986 Donald A. Frederick, Jr., of M.S. Frederick and Sons Funeral Homes approached the Snowdon family.  He suggested the two families combine their efforts.  Such a partnership would perpetuate the Frederick family name in the community while it added a new home to the Snowdon operation.  The Frederick and Snowdon families agreed to the proposal and began operating the new location under the name Frederick & Snowdon, Inc.

     The Snowdon family operates five locations throughout northeastern Pennsylvania:   Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, on the Dallas Memorial Highway in Shavertown, Scranton and Moscow.  The Snowdon Family Funeral Homes is the largest providers of funeral needs in the area.  Services include traditional funerals and cremation, pre-planning services and assistance with social security and veterans' benefits.  The funeral homes are members of the local funeral directors association, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

     Although the Snowdon Family is proud of its size, they are more pleased that their operation is one of the few remaining family owned funeral homes in the area.  While other businesses in the area have negotiated settlements with massive corporate funeral firms, Snowdon Funeral Homes remain a family business committed to serve the residents of northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Snowdon Family Funeral Homes Of Pennsylvania
Shavertown . Kingston . Wilkes-Barre . . .  Email:   snowdon1@epix.net
Scranton . Moscow . . .  Email:   snowdon1@epix.net

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