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Cremation is a form of disposition that is chosen by an individual or a family. Disposition refers to the action taken for a loved one that has passed away. Other forms of disposition that people selected are earthen burial, body donation, and transfer from state/country. Regardless of the method of disposition chosen, it is only in reference to one part of the funeralization process. Disposition does not determine the types of rites or services that are chosen.  

Direct Cremation refers to a service that some families select for either themselves or for their loved ones. This type of service is when an individual or family wants the funeral home to arrange, obtain, prepare, and file the necessary paperwork related to cremation and take the necessary steps in having the cremation take place at a crematory and return the ashes back to the family. This process includes transporting loved ones into our care, coordinating with doctors’ offices to complete the medical portion of the death certificate, coordinating with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as every decedent is viewed by the medical examiner, the crematory to handle the process of cremation, and municipal offices in filing the permits and death certificate. Once those steps are completed, we return the ashes to the family with the requested number of certified copies. This is a specialty service and does not include any sort of funeral services for the deceased. 

Our specialty package for Direct Cremation, which includes the following: Transportation of Remains to Funeral Home, Local Transport to Crematory, Cash Advance Items (Cremation Permit, Medical Examiner Fee, Crematory Fee, Six Certified Copies of the Death Certificate), Cremation Container, and Basic Services of Funeral Director and Staff is $3,210. 

After selecting cremation as the disposition, there are a variety of options you can choose from for the funeral services. These options include (but are not limited to) the traditional format of visiting hours in the funeral home followed by a funeral mass/service the next day, same day memorial services hosted at the funeral home that includes receiving friends and family followed by a formal and seated service, graveside services, and we even assist with scattering ashes at sea. 

The funeral profession is one of the longest standing professions in the history of civilization. Over the course of history, those once known as undertakers have transitioned to funeral directors. As a 5th generation family-owned funeral home, we have witnessed and adapted to the changes our community has needed us to make. Our role in the grieving process is to provide the environment, resources, and guidance for families to bring meaning to the services that are requested and comfort to those in mourning. One of the biggest changes that we have seen in recent years has been the shift from formalized religious services to families longing for services that are tailored to their loved ones. To adapt, we have been providing Humanistic Funeral Services to many of our families over the years. Instead of utilizing the formalization of traditional religious rites, we have tailored services for individuals to have services that focus more on the individual and celebrating their life journey. As a funeral home, we have the education, experience, resources, and facility for families to both grieve the loss of their loved one while also celebrating their life in a meaningful way. 

Myself, along with my colleagues, Francis J. Murphy, Robert Clocher, and Christopher M.J. Ellis are here at Murphy Funeral Home are proud and honored to assist members of the community. I encourage anyone who has any questions about cremation, Humanistic Funeral Services, or other funeral related questions to call us at 978-744-0497 or email us at Administrator@MurphyFuneralHome.com.  We are here for anything you or your family may need. 

These prices are effective as of May 1, 2024, but are subject to change without notice.

Your father would be entitled to receive a flag as an acknowledgement for his service, a government issued marker, and an Honor Guard Ceremony in which members of the military come to play taps, fold, and present the flag to the family. Regarding government issued headstones, there are some cemeteries that have an installation fee to put the marker in place.

Key responsibilities of a funeral director include:

• Arranging for the deceased's removal and transfer from the place of death to the funeral home.
• Providing professional care for the deceased, such as embalming, casketing, and cosmetology.
• Meeting with the family to plan the funeral service.
• Completing necessary paperwork, including certificates and permits.
• Acquiring copies of the death certificate.
• Coordinating with cemeteries, crematories, or other final disposition locations.
• Writing and publishing the obituary.
• Organizing aspects of the service like clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and specialized fraternal or military tributes.
• Overseeing the funeral service and procession.
• Aiding the family with death-related claims and resources, such as Social Security, VA benefits, and grief support.

We would first need to verify his honorable discharge from the Military and obtain his discharge documents (what is called a DD-214 discharge form). Sometimes, the family has this documentation in a safe place. In other instances, we can contact the local Veterans Agent on your behalf, and they have the resources to find such documentation if they cannot be found. There are differences between active service and reserve service in the Military. Most reserve Veterans are not entitled to receive any burial benefits if they have not completed some form of active service in the Military.

No. Honors do not need to take place at a cemetery. They can take place outside of a church, inside a funeral home, or another facility of your choosing. With coordination from us here at the funeral home, Military Honors can take place just about anywhere. 

Yes! Military Honors can be rendered if the Veteran is placed in an urn. The flag would be folded and placed beside the urn instead of being draped over a casket. During the rendering of honors, the Military would take the flag from a stand beside the urn, unfold and then refold the flag to present to the family. 

If a family does not have cemetery space, there are burial options for a Veteran that are no cost to the family. Any honorably discharged Veteran has the option of being interred in a National or Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery such at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne Massachusetts, Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery located in either Winchendon or Springfield Massachusetts, and even Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virgina.  

Myself, along with my colleagues, Francis J. Murphy Jr. and Robert Smith-Clocher, here at Murphy Funeral Home are proud and honored to assist those who have served their country. If you or your loved ones have any questions regarding Veteran benefits or planning Veteran services, please call us at Murphy Funeral Home at 978-744-0497.