The business was begun by Harry Wilt in 1874, located in a storefront at 46-48 South Front Street in Steelton. His sons, Lee and Russell Wilt later joined their father in the company. In 1930, Lee Wilt had bought out his brother Russell, and purchased the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. Superintendent’s Residence at 112 N. Harrisburg Street in Steelton, which is the current location of the funeral home. Lee Wilt was joined by his son-in-law, Allen Sharon. The business was renamed Wilt & Sharon Funeral Home. After Lee Wilt’s death in 1959, the business was renamed Sharon Funeral Home. Allen Sharon was joined in business by his son-in-law, James F. Stone. Allen also died in 1959 and the business was later changed to James F. Stone Funeral Home. James added his son, J. Michael Stone to the firm and Michael later took command of the funeral home upon Jim’s retirement. Michael oversaw the operations for 13 years before deciding to sell the business to John Thomas Hall in January 2005.

I first was licensed in New Jersey in 1978, and was employed by only two family operated firms, McCracken Funeral Home and Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, for over 25 years. In my career, I have had extensive involvement in the funerals of all different religions. My previous employer was located in a very ethnically and religiously diverse area. To that end, I have had exposure and familiarity with the customs and rites of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic religions, as well as the rites of the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese peoples. My profession has also allowed me to be of service to the various Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Rite Churches. This has included the funeral services of Ministers, Priests, Bishops and the families of several former New Jersey governors.

I have directed and assisted with the funerals of business leaders, stock brokers, police and firemen and members of the military, both active and retired. I am well versed in the services for our country’s proud veterans. Unfortunately, the opportunity arose to conduct the funerals of several World Trade Center victims.

Since 2005 I have made numerous improvements to both the interior and exterior of the property. I have striven to keep the interior in its original Victorian style while keeping it as warm and friendly as home. Going forward it is my desire to continue the proud history of service, dignity, and respect while always keeping an open mind to changes and personalization in funeral service.

Our Funeral Home is located conveniently near downtown Harrisburg, PA