It has often been said that the two things no one can avoid are death and taxes, which might explain why the Jacob Ruth Funeral Home has been a Chestnut Hill institution for almost 175 years.

The business began in the first half of the 19th century when Titus Shermer built coffins and furniture at his Chestnut Hill shop at Germantown Avenue and Hartwell Lane. In 1851, Shermer sold the business to William E. Fisher, who gradually shifted its focus from coffin making to undertaking. Fisher operated the business until 1869, moving it first to West Southampton Avenue and later to West Gravers Lane.

In 1887, William's son, Jacob H. Fisher, relocated the funeral home to its current location at 8413 Germantown Ave. The Fishers ran the business until 1928, when James D.M. Ruth, Jacob's son-in-law, joined the operation. Ruth served from 1918 to 1954 and was followed by his son, Jacob Fisher Ruth, who worked from 1932 to 1991. Joseph C. Thomas Sr. joined Jacob F. Ruth in 1952 and served until his death in 2012. His son, Joseph C. Thomas II, who has run the funeral home since 1983, continues the legacy today.

"My dad was here for 60 years until three weeks before he died at age 87," says Thomas, 62. "Mr. Ruth bought me a black suit when I was 15. I worked here nights to help my dad out. This job is not for everyone, but I thought I'd get my license, just in case."

The younger Thomas grew up in Wyndmoor, where he lived for 40 years before moving to Chestnut Hill. He attended Seven Dolors Elementary School and Bishop McDevitt High School before studying at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences (now Jefferson University) and completing his funeral services education at Mercer County Community College in New Jersey.

Thomas speaks proudly of his father's background: "My dad went to Temple and to the Eckels Mortuary School in North Philly on the G.I. Bill. He was in the military and landed on Omaha Beach after D-Day in World War II, where he served as a combat medic. He was very proud of his military service."

When asked about the emotional toll of the profession, Thomas reflects on his father's dedication. "My dad loved what he did. In fact, he never liked to go away. I know many people find this depressing, and guys who have worked here don't usually last. I have nephews who worked here during college but didn't take to it. I never found it depressing, though. I like the idea of helping people at times like these."

The funeral home serves people of all faiths, including conducting graveside services for Jewish clients. Most clients come from Chestnut Hill or adjacent communities, though some die elsewhere and return for local services.

"We have dealt with some families for generations," Thomas says. "We have records dating back to 1851. People are surprised when they ask about family members from long ago, and I can find the information in our records, from when we had a hayloft out back and three stables. They used to make caskets here, and we'd take the body to the family's house for viewing. But it's been years since we did that."

Today, most clients choose cremation. "This area has always had a high percentage of cremation, from 50 to 70 percent," Thomas notes. "It's much less common in more traditional areas like South Philadelphia. When I started, we had night viewings, but now it's all in one day."

Thomas runs the business with one full-time employee, Garrett Gallagher, a licensed funeral director. He lives with his wife, Alyssa, and their three children — Charlotte, 13; Ethan, 11; and Madeleine, 5.

He shares one final story about his predecessor: "Jacob Ruth was a real character. He used to read the obituaries and did the crossword puzzle and cryptogram in the Inquirer every day. He died at his desk after finishing a crossword puzzle. Mrs. Ruth thought he was asleep when he didn't come up for lunch. He knew everything about Chestnut Hill. His grandfather would go to the cemetery in a horse and wagon. He would take a nap, and the horse would go home by itself."