Passing the torch to a hometown boy: Hummel Funeral Home celebrates new beginning
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Dignitaries gather along with Mark Hummel, center, to celebrate the opening of the Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home in Frackville on Nov. 6, 2024.
FRACKVILLE – Since 1991, Albert Gricoski has operated a funeral home on Broad Mountain Avenue in the mountain city. Upon retirement 33 years later, the business is a fitting homecoming for another Frackville native.
Mark J. Hummel celebrated the ribbon cutting at the newly refurbished home Wednesday evening with members of the Frackville and Schuylkill County business communities.
“It’s been a great transition,” Hummel said in taking over the business.
Hummel was born and raised in Frackville and is a 1993 North Schuylkill graduate.
According to his website, he’s worked for funeral homes across northern Schuylkill County, including in Shenandoah, Ashland, and Mahanoy City, as well as the Lehigh Valley, Reading, and Pottstown.
He previously owned and operated a funeral home in Reading and is still involved in the Cramp-Hummel Funeral Home there.
State Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) emphasized the “ministry” Hummel provides through his services.
“People trust their loved ones with you in their most vulnerable times,” Barton said. “They trust you to take care of their family.”
Frackville Mayor Kim Phillips said it’s “such a small world,” as Hummel’s mom was a longtime coworker and she knows several of his relatives.
“I want to thank you for investing back in Frackville, that means a lot,” she said.
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