Schaffer's Funeral Home in Lehighton celebrates 70 years of business, all of which were spent transitioning to the home that stands today.

In 1944, the property, which was originally a Victorian mansion, was bought by Wendell Schwartz and converted into a funeral home.Preceding Schwartz was William Garrett, who operated the home from 1947 to 1988, and Kenneth Phifer, who claimed ownership from 1988 to 1998.Phifer then sold the home to Corey Schaffer, who celebrates 15 years as current owner.He worked at the home for about a year under Phifer's operation, then bought the home in 1999.The most challenging part about the transition from employee to owner was putting everything on his own shoulders, Schaffer said.Schaffer is a lifelong resident of Lehighton and graduated from Lehighton High School in 1991.From 1991 to 1993, he attended Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, then transferred to Northampton Community College Main Campus to enter the funeral service program.He received his associate degree in applied science in funeral service education from Northampton Community College in 1995.After graduating, Schaffer worked for Philip Jeffries Funeral Home in Weatherly for three years, where he learned a lot of skills that helped him run a successful business of his own."Jeffries was a small-town funeral director, so I learned a lot about one-on-one skills and the importance of being personable," Schaffer said.Over the years, he also learned that every family is different."Every family reacts differently, so it's important to remember that while I'm taking care of them, I need to be as respectful as possible," he said. "It's a delicate time for them."Schaffer currently lives at the funeral home with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children, Riley, Jackson, Grant and Rowan.Though the past 15 years have gone fast, he hopes to continue serving the community for years to come, upholding the name that he has made for himself."I thank the people of Lehighton and the families that have trusted me in the last 15 years," he said.Schaffer's Funeral Home, 300 Alum St., Lehighton, offers traditional and cremation ceremonies, is designed to fit all faiths and offers seating for approximately 80 people.