Philadelphia – The family of Clifton Moore, an 89‑year‑old longtime owner of the city’s Mr. C’s BBQ, says the funeral home they hired cremated his remains before the planned viewing. The family contracted with Savin Funeral Home, located on the 800 block of North 12th Street, to embalm the body, hold a viewing, and then proceed with cremation.
Contract and expectations
According to the Moores, the agreement with Savin was for a total of just over $3,800. The original plan called for a viewing at the funeral home, but because Savin could accommodate only about 100 guests, the family moved the service to Bright Hope Baptist Church to allow a larger gathering of relatives and friends.
Chrystal Moore, a daughter, says she learned of the cremation while delivering a photograph for acknowledgment cards ahead of a service scheduled for Aug. 22. “She said, ‘He’s been cremated already.’ I said, ‘How… when we didn’t have the service,’” Chrystal recalled.
Family’s response
The family says the premature cremation prevented children, grandchildren and other relatives from paying their respects. “My children, my grandchildren, our grandchildren, no one can say their last goodbyes,” Chrystal said.
Shawn Moore, another family member, expressed anger at the funeral home’s handling of the matter. “I am angry. Whatever Savin is saying, they are trying to cover their tracks. We just want answers. It wasn’t fair… and we want someone held accountable,” he said.
Funeral home’s position
Troy Dupree, the funeral director at Savin, declined an on‑camera interview but provided a pricing list that showed a charge of $1,850 plus $350 for cremation. The family’s contract, however, lists a price of $2,150 for direct cremation with a chapel memorial service and includes fees for programs the family says they never received.
Dupree did not explain the discrepancies between the pricing list and the contract, nor did he address why the family has not yet received Clifton Moore’s ashes.
What’s next?
The Moores are seeking clarification and accountability from Savin Funeral Home. They have not indicated whether they will pursue legal action, but they intend to continue pressing for answers and for the return of the ashes.
This incident highlights the importance of clear, written agreements with funeral service providers and the need for families to verify that all contractual terms are fulfilled before final disposition of a loved one’s remains.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
