Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
Shapiro Funeral Services was founded in January of 1992. Our specialty is in providing excellent graveside services at affordable prices. Since our founding, we have centered our operations around a converted residence on Miles Road in Orange Village. The facility has served us well over the years.
Though the facility does not include a chapel for public gatherings, it does feature space for small, private good-byes, a modern preparation facility, a full hospital-type refrigeration unit, meeting space for families to come in and make arrangements and select the items of affordable merchandise they require.
We will never pressure anyone to spend more, or to purchase things they really do not need. Our philosophy is to treat you the way you want to be treated: With Dignity and Respect. That's the way we were raised. That's the way we raied our children. That's the only way we will have it.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
April Harrigal
Funeral Director
April B. Harrigal, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Pre-Need Counselor
A native of Ohio, April was born and raised in the South-Eastern part of the state in rural Cadiz, Ohio. She studied Psychology at the University of Akron, and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. After graduation, April relocated to the Cleveland area to begin her career in funeral service. Thirty years later, April continues to humbly minister to the families of our community.
Widowed at a young age, April’s husband George, was also a funeral director for 30 years. Together, they have 3 children, whom are now young adults; David, Samantha and Brian.
April is a 35-year member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, The National Funeral Directors Association, the Embalmers Association of Cleveland, where she currently sits on the board as 1st Vice President, and is also an active member of The Independence Kiwanis.
April is very passionate about our military veterans. Her father was an Army Veteran, serving in WWII. He participated in the Allied Invasion of Europe, swarming Utah Beach, with the men of the 4th Division, on D Day, Tuesday, 6 June 1944. Among many decorations, he received a Purple Heart for the 'wound' he received that day, feeling fortunate to only have lost his left arm in battle.
April is also an avid blood donor with The American Red Cross, and in her free time, enjoys reading, especially WWII History, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her children.
Jason Jardine
Funeral Director
My name is Jason Jardine. I have lived in Strongsville my whole life except for some of my college years. I have been licensed Director for 20 years and worked with my father at our family funeral home 'Jardine' for 23 years. It is an honor to continue my career as a funeral director at Shapiro; another Family owned and operated businessand dedicated to its surrounding communities.
I truly enjoy honoring the Veterans in our area; The stories and experiences they share with everyone in our office and I are priceless.
Crystal Jardine
Co-Owner
My name is Crystal Jardine and I am a licensed funeral director as of April 2012. I have lived in Strongsville since I was 5 and am a graduate of Strongsville High School. I obtained my bachelors degree in Business from Baldwin Wallace College and earned my MBA in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management.
I am dedicated to serving our community in the best ways possible. We strive to make sure families are as comfortable as they can be and receive the care they need though the difficult time they are experiencing.
At Yurch, we honor Veterans every chance we can. My grandfather, Michael Phillips, was in the US Army during World War II. He was awarded a Silver Star for his heroic effort while under heavy German counterattacks in Mt. Rutundo, Italy on November 10th, 1943. Also, my dad served in the US Navy and I have an uncle who served in Vietnam.
It's an honor to help families through such a difficult time.
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.