Classic hearse show supports historic Laurel Hill Cemetery

The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery in East Falls Saturday, featuring more than 30 classic hearses, ambulances and limousines.

Vehicles dating from the 1940s to the 1990s lined the paths of Laurel Hill Cemetery, showing off custom paint jobs and decorations inspired by horror films.

“It’s a promotional charity event for Laurel Hill, and we just try to bring as many professional cars together as we can,” said co-organizer Neil Klein of Allentown.

Klein pointed to a 1963 Sayers and Scovill Cadillac Park Row combination car owned by Mike Barruzza of Bristol, Pennsylvania. “It was an ambulance by day, but then he has panels that you can put on and make it a hearse,” he said.

“Today there’s [hearses from] Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware,” said co-organizer Shawn Koenig of the Mohnton Professional Car Club. Koenig bought his first hearse 15 years ago. “Currently I own three hearses, the combination, flower car, and an ambulance,” said Koenig.

Throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of enthusiasts and curious visitors made their way to the cemetery to check out the hearses and chat with their owners. Later on, punk bands “The Undead” and “Night Gallery” were scheduled to perform at the entrance of the cemetery.