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While global governments strive to decrease taxes, funeral directors aim to diminish the pain associated with death — life’s two constants, according to an old saying. For 92 years, the Baldi and Jacovini families have striven to console and help grieving parties to celebrate departed loved ones’ legacies with such care that readers have chosen their Pennsylvania Burial Co., 1327-35 S. Broad St., as the top funeral home.
“Saying goodbye to a relative or a friend is never pleasant, so we’re all about comfort and accommodation,” Peter Jacovini said. “We take pride in helping people through tough times and feel honored that they come back to us on the unfortunate occasion of other losses because they respect how we try to honor someone’s memory.”
The Haddonfield, N.J., resident and cousin Victor Baldi, a Girard Estate dweller, serve as owners and directors of the business that debuted as Italian Burial Casket Co., 924-26 S. Ninth St., in 1921 and relocated to Passyunk Square after the death of founder Pietro Jacovini in ’36. To avoid consideration as an Italian-exclusive business, their relatives changed the name and have developed relationships with Roman Catholic churches in South Philly and beyond and have accommodated Buddhist services for 25 years.
“We know there are many funeral home options, especially on South Broad Street, so we feel humbled by this distinction,” Baldi said.
Monti-Rago Funeral Home rested in second, while Stolfo Funeral Home was buried in third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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