The Hafer Funeral Service, P.A. has a 100-year legacy in Allegany County. Since 1907, four generations of the Hafer family have worked to maintain the Hafer tradition of sensitivity and trust. Our quality service continues to this day, making Hafer one of the oldest funeral services in Western Maryland.

Started by Jacob Hafer in 1907, as Hafer Furniture and Undertaking, the business was located on Union Street, now known as Main Street, in Frostburg. His son, John J. Hafer, Sr., was the second generation to become involved with the funeral business. In 1936, he expanded the business and opened a main funeral home operation on Baltimore Avenue in Cumberland.

Hafer, Sr. continued to expand the business by adding another location in LaVale, known as the Chapel of the Hills. The year 1958 was the beginning of the third generation of the Hafer legacy. John J. Hafer, Jr. returned from serving with the U.S. Army in Korea, graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and joined his father full time in the family business.

John Hafer, Jr. served the community in the Maryland State Senate for 16 years. During that time, the business was under the direction of the fourth generation, Douglas S. Hafer, who carried on the traditions of the family business at the LaVale location. Assisted by his wife Kristan, his sister Nancy DeVore, and brother, John J. Hafer III, Doug worked to improve upon the high standards of service and dedication, combined with old-fashioned, personalized, and flexible services, until his untimely death in 2006 at the age of 41.

John J. Hafer, Jr. resumed direction of the business after Doug’s death, and with his staff of dedicated associates, continues to provide the services that were instituted during his absence.

The Chapel of the Hills facility allows us to conveniently serve the tri-state area. Within walking proximity of several restaurants and hotels, our location is convenient for out-of-town visitors. We offer traditional and cremation services, as well as memorial and pre-planning services; this provides flexibility to our families. The Chapel of the Hills location provides ample on-site, off-street parking, with easy access and accommodations for the handicapped. Our centralized location offers large viewing rooms, conference rooms, and a comfortable coffee lounge.

We, the Hafer Funeral Service, will work hard to provide your family with quality service at the fairest price.