Fleetwood >> Walbert Funeral Home unveils to the community its recently constructed funeral home at an Open House Sept. 21.
“It’s very important to us that we take care of families as we take care of our own. That’s one of the most important things I think the funeral business should be about,” said CFO Russell P. Walbert, F.D.
Already open and holding services, Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC, at 14390 Kutztown Road (Route 222), Fleetwood, will host its public open house on Sept. 21 from noon to 5 p.m.
The funeral home broke ground Nov. 2 and the nine-month construction project began Dec. 18.
“The Kutztown Patriot” toured the new building, including the lobby with its fireplace and chandelier, community lounge for overflow and refreshments, chapel that seats 260 people for services with TVs that display memorial photos and a piano for live music, and the arrangement office that doubles as a private family room.
“We try to have a comfortable setting here (in the private family room) as if we’re in our own living room because this is our home and we want the folks that come into our funeral home to feel comfortable,” said Walbert.
Families will have an opportunity to tour the facility during the Sept. 21 open house, which begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon and a Veterans Dedication Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the flagpole.
“We’re dedicating to a dear friend and mentor Lt. Col. David A. Boeshore, a U.S. Army Mustang Officer, who passed away last year,” he said.
In addition to refreshments and tours, there will be live music on guitar and piano by local musicians, including Walbert’s mother.
“We’re excited to have them here.”
Also, the business aims to connect and give back to the local community.
“One of the main focuses for our funeral home is to ingrain ourselves in the community to take care of the folks who live here,” he said.
Members of local civic organizations, their memberships include Fleetwood Rotary Club, Fleetwood Lions Club and the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce.
His family is also a member of the local community.
“We live here in Richmond Township. All of our children are in the Fleetwood School District.”
Emphasizing their desire to steer away from traditional marketing, Walbert said, “Our focus really is to try and help local organizations and community activities such as youth programs and school athletics. We’re starting scholarships at the school district as well because it is important to us to give back to the community. It’s one of the most important parts of what we do.”
Walbert Funeral Home is a full-service funeral home, offering traditional services, cremation services and memorial services, both at the funeral home and at the family’s church or home.
For more information, visit www.walbertfuneralhome.com.
