The saying goes that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. While taxes might feel bizarre enough, the ways we say goodbye to our loved ones can sometimes be even stranger. Funeral parlors, though not the cheeriest places, play a vital role in helping us honor and remember those we’ve lost. Here are ten of the most unusual funeral homes you’ll ever come across.
10. For Pets
Why should humans have all the memorial services? Samsara Eternity crematory in Soignies, Belgium, believes our furry friends deserve a dignified send-off too. Here, you can arrange a memorial service for your pet, complete with decorative fabrics and soft lighting. If cremation isn’t your preference, burial in a nearby pet cemetery is an option. For those who can’t bear to part, trained taxidermists can preserve your pet to keep them by your side forever. This service, arranged by Animatrans, was founded in 1995 by Patrick Pendville, who aimed to provide a more respectful alternative to standard pet disposal.
9. Irish Pub
At McBride’s Irish Pub in Providence, Rhode Island, “last call” has a different meaning. Adjacent to Monahan Funeral Home, this pub hosts a nightly “tears and cheers” ceremony at 10 PM. The name of the deceased is read aloud, and patrons raise a glass in their honor. The pub, once a garage for Monahan’s hearses, is owned by the same family. Owner Mark Russell notes that many families choose Monahan because McBride’s is part of the package. Anyone can request a bell ringing for a loved one and have their name added to the pub’s memorial book, making for a unique, communal remembrance.
8. Drive-Through
Oliver & Eggleston Funeral Establishment in Farmville, Virginia, offers a drive-through option for those who can’t attend a traditional service. Funeral home president Carl Eggleston cites convenience as the primary reason, catering to elderly or otherwise unable mourners. The setup mirrors an interior service, with a large picture window allowing viewing of the casket from vehicles. The casket is illuminated, and the viewing time is adjusted to the family’s wishes. Drive-through funeral parlors aren’t unique to Virginia; they also exist in California, Chicago and Louisiana, reflecting America’s love for drive-through convenience.
7. Wine Cellar
Hodges Funeral Home in Naples, Florida, is changing perceptions of mourning with its wine cellar. This classy, wood-paneled room, reminiscent of a fancy hotel bar, encourages “celebrations of life” with wine. Funeral director Seth Minso notes the growing demand for such services. Hodges aims to ditch the traditional Victorian funeral home vibe for a high-end restaurant feel, complete with flat-screen TVs and lounge areas with comfy couches. It’s all about creating a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere to honor loved ones.
6. Very Modern
In Pinoso, Spain, The Funeral Home and Garden breaks away from traditional funeral architecture. Its chic, mid-century modern design features a low, square profile and generous courtyards. The black exterior boasts numerous windows that flood the interior with natural light. Inside, the design is strikingly modern, bright white, and thoughtfully furnished. The chapel maintains a minimalist look. The entire place feels more like an art museum than a place for the dead, challenging conventional perceptions of funeral homes.
5. Most Haunted
Cleveland’s House of Wills is a strong contender for the title of “most haunted” funeral parlor. Dating back to 1900 and named after founder John Walter Wills, it was a long-standing African-American business until its closure in 2005. Rumored to have been a speakeasy during Prohibition and a Freemason meeting hall, the building is steeped in eerie history. Current owner Eric Freeman admits to witnessing unexplainable events. The Cleveland Paranormal Society hosts ghost tours, and the parlor was featured on “Ghost Brothers,” solidifying its haunted reputation.
4. For the Rich and Famous
Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan provides send-offs for the rich and famous, having hosted memorials for John Lennon, Jackie Onassis, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Dying like a star comes at a price; Campbell offers a $90,000 casket, with some bills totaling $150,000. This Upper East Side parlor deals with unique challenges, including managing uninvited fans and maintaining utmost secrecy. With strict guest lists and high security, it’s designed to provide dignified services for high-profile clients.
3. Oldest
Bucktrout of Williamsburg, Virginia, established in 1759, is the oldest funeral home in the United States. Initially, Benjamin Bucktrout and Anthony Hay made wooden caskets and provided burials on their farm, gradually evolving into a formal funeral parlor. Over the years, Bucktrout changed hands and was the first to own and operate a crematory. In 2011, the Altmeyer family purchased the historic location, restoring and renovating it to preserve its legacy.
2. Museum
Marietta, Ohio, is home to Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home/Mortuary Museum, the creation of owner and funeral director William “Bill” Peoples. The museum, housed in the former garage, began in the early 2000s as a display for Peoples’ vintage hearse collection. It has since expanded to include burial garments, caskets, and antique tools. The highlight is a fully-restored 1927 Henney hearse, known as “Miss Henney,” which has appeared in movies like Radio Days and Get Low. The museum attracts visitors from across the country and is set for future expansion.
1. “Standing” Funerals
Marin Funeral Home in Puerto Rico is famous for its “standing funerals.” Instead of traditional casket displays, they pose bodies in lifelike situations, such as standing, sitting, or engaging in activities. In 2008, Angel Luis “Pedrito” Pantojas Medina stood for three days at his wake. The funeral home has created scenes like playing cards or driving an ambulance (for a former EMT). Elaborate costumes are often included, such as dressing the deceased as Che Guevara or in their wedding dress. While controversial, this practice offers a unique way to honor the deceased’s life.
From pet memorials to standing wakes, funeral parlors are constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs and desires of those saying their final goodbyes. These unique establishments reflect the changing ways we honor and remember our loved ones.
What do you think of these unusual funeral parlors? Leave your comment below!
