The Life Celebration by Givnish business began nearly a century ago in the Olney section of Philadelphia after founder J. Thomas Givnish returned home from World War I.

Today, the funeral home lays claim to 14 locations in Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the Freed-Givnish Funeral Home in Glenside and the Craft-Givnish Funeral Home in Abington Township.

“My grandfather served as a Sergeant and a medic tending to the wounded. He found a job at a funeral home, and in 1928 he opened at Fifth Street & Lindley Avenue,” John Givnish III, president, said. “Now, five generations later, we are truly living the American dream.”

Over the years, the Givnishes have watched the profession shift from mourning the loss of a loved one to celebrating a life well spent.

“Our clients call us in their time of need, and the Givnish family prides itself on helping families celebrate the days their loved ones lived,” Givnish III said.

Mr. Givnish said that while some elements of the profession have changed over the years, the Givnish legacy has not.

“Legacy means everything to us. The funeral service is one of the few multigenerational professions left,” he said. “As we knock on the door of the century mark, we feel humbled and grateful to be here. We hope to be in business for another 100 years to come.”

His son, John Givnish, IV., who began supporting funeral services at the age of 16, emphasized the role that generational service has played in the lives of family members.

“The theme of giving back has ran through the generations. We’ve always been involved in our communities through local churches, service organizations, and school boards,” he said. “The annual Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting, the 4th of July parade, the Keswick Theater charity event with Joe Conklin earlier this year, we love doing things like that. We’re members of the Northeast Philadelphia Lions Club and we’re on various service boards throughout the area.”

John “Jack” Givnish V, the smiling toddler between the trio (J. Thomas Givnish is adorned on the wall), is next in line.

“We’re giving him an early funeral directors’ license,” Givnish III joked. “At some point in high school, he’ll be working at the funeral home earning his keep.”

For more information on any of Life Celebration by Givnish’s services, including their bimonthly Lunch & Learn sessions, you can call (800) 448-6474 any time of day.

For more on the Freed-Givnish Life Celebration Home, you can visit their website. You can also read our previous stories about John R. Freed, Jr., supervisor, Paul Nolan, director of operations and support, Shauna Donnelly, office manager, Bob Wustner, Funeral Director in Residence, Maddie Sydlowski, funeral director, and Christina Manero, funeral director.

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