Let's celebrate life

How will you honor your loved one’s legacy? At Theo. C. Auman in Reading, we are experts at creating unique and memorable tributes that celebrate a person’s passions and personality.

For instance, if he was an avid reader, we can create a library of favorites and guests can choose to take home one of his books along with a memorial bookmark to keep their place. We can use books to create table centerpieces and weave his favorite quotes into a tribute video that your family can cherish forever.

If she was a competitive runner, we can display her shoes, trophies and medals. At her service we can display a big photo of her crossing the finish line, arms up in victory. We'll set aside a section of chairs just for members of her running club, who could act as pallbearers if you wish.

We'll find inspiration almost anywhere. Just leave the details—no matter how big or small—to our imaginative team.

We offer many planning ideas and resources.

Reading cremation services

There are many options for cremation in Reading—and they're not all equal. We specialize in cremation services that honor loved ones in personalized ways, and families love our all-inclusive pricing. With expertise in scattering ashes and a friendly team who pays attention to every detail, we provide service that is second to none.

More and more people are choosing cremation over traditional burial, but most aren’t familiar with the many options:

• a cremation without a funeral or memorial service of any kind.
• a funeral with your loved one present, followed by cremation.
• a cremation followed by a scattering, cemetery memorialization or celebration of life—or all three.

For those who wish for something more momentous, Neptune Memorial Reef is an underwater cremation garden off the coast of Florida. A Celestis Memorial Spaceflight takes ashes into space for a little while or forever.

Learn about our cremation services.

We Honor Veterans

The caring team at Theo. C. Auman understands the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level One Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, our staff is knowledgeable in veterans burial benefits. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through creating a veteran's memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Watch our video to learn how we can help plan a veteran's burial.

Prepaid funerals and cremations

In addition to assisting with an immediate need, we specialize in working with families to make final arrangements in advance. We recognize that funeral arrangements and associated expenses can be overwhelming. When you plan ahead, you provide a sense of relief and comfort to your loved ones while ensuring your wishes are met. We offer in-person and virtual consultations, as well as a free Personal Planning Guide to help you get started.

Find out everything you need to know about planning ahead.

Grief support services

Our care for you and your family doesn't end after your loved one's service is over. Theo. C. Auman offers online grief resources accessible from anywhere. Families who choose us for their loved one's service also have access to our 24-hour Compassion Helpline^®.

For up to 13 months after planning a Dignity Memorial^® service, a family gets unlimited complimentary phone access to professionals trained in grief counseling any time day or night, for any reason. Any guest who attends a visitation, funeral service or burial gets the same access for up to three months.

We're here for you

We invite you to visit us and take a tour of the funeral home. If you need immediate assistance, reach out now. We're here for you day and night, no matter what time you call.

History

T.C. Auman began his career as a funeral professional at age 16, when he began an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker and funeral director in New Holland, Pennsylvania. In 1890, T.C. and his brother, William, formed a funeral home they called Auman Brothers, at 16 N. Third St. in Reading.

Growing with Reading

By 1896, services were in such high demand that T.C. had to expand. He established a casket factory and funeral home at 320 Court St. According to business records, T.C. conducted more than 400 funerals in 1900, a testament to the trust he’d earned with his community.

In 1905, T.C. moved the funeral home to its present location at 247 Penn St., where we continue to uphold our founder's reputation.

A family business

When T.C. died in 1936, the business passed to his son, T.C. Auman Jr., who ran the business with Earl K. Angstadt until 1975. In 1975, Theo C. Auman III assumed full responsibility for his grandfather's business. Today, Theo C. Auman Inc. is a member of the Dignity Memorial family, North America's largest network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.