The property at 328 Beaver St. has recently been sold, after nearly 70-years of Cole ownership. It will go through a major renovation in the coming months. As we approach that 100th anniversary of Bill Gray’s 1935 remodel, the building is old and failing and would need major attention to keep it alive. The funeral business is quite different today, as is the Sewickley Borough in general, in the 21st Century vs. the ways of the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s (the years we grew up in the building): actual caskets, 3-4 day visitations, multiple limosines en-route to the cemetery on funerals, and flowers, flowers and more flowers. All of those traditions will carry on as the “Distinctive Service” of R.D. Cole Funeral Home continues as: Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Ltd.

The Cole Funeral Home business was purchased by John P. Schwartzmiller F.D. Although ownership of the funeral home business has changed, Jim Hughes remains on as supervisor while John, his family, and staff, oversee the day-to-day operations. John along with his family, wife Rachel Schwartzmiller, daughter Alexis Schwartzmiller-Coyle F.D., son Ben Schwartzmiller, and their staff Joshua Diulus F.D., Colleen Kelley Whalen, and James Crable, have and will continue the long-standing tradition of the Cole family’s funeral service to Sewickley and the surrounding communities. The Schwartzmiller’s come from a family of tradition also, with a long-standing history and reputation of well-respected funeral service dating back to 1886, with Alexis and Ben being the 5th generation to continue that legacy. Many families have worked with John, Alexis, or Josh while arranging funeral services for their loved one. They truly enjoy helping and personally getting to know the families they serve while supporting them during one of their most difficult times.

At the end of September, operations at 328 Beaver Street will transition, as the building as we know it will be transformed into a new development by the new property owner and Sewickley resident, Bob Lewis (Orbital Engineering). The funeral home business, Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Ltd., will continue at their new location, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003. All funerals that were pre-planned and funded at the original Sewickley location, and Coraopolis location, will be honored in the same manner as they were arranged. The phone number 412-741-4334 will remain the same. John, his family, and staff will seamlessly continue to serve the many families, past, present and future from this location. The physical location may be changing, but the compassion and “Distinctive Service” you have come to expect from Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Ltd. will continue.