Funeral homes personalize services

PITTSFIELD, Mass., March 15 (UPI) -- Funeral directors in Massachusetts said increasing demand for personalized memorial services from the baby boomer generation is causing the business to evolve.

Terry Probst, manager of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home in Pittsfield, said a recent custom service featured pictures of Frank Zappa, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and Jimi Hendrix flanking the urn while a video tribute to the deceased played to the tune of several Beatles songs, the Boston Globe reported Monday.

"My rule is this: I'll do anything as long as it's legal," Probst said. "I want to set us apart from everyone around us."

Marc Gaudreau, an owner of the Beers & Story funeral homes in Massachusetts, said his businesses create custom funerals following "life interviews" with the families of the deceased.

"I like to say there's really no tradition anymore," Gaudreau said. "You've always got to think about how you can get better."

Emilee High, spokeswoman for the National Funeral Directors Association, said personalized services are growing in popularity nationwide.

"Baby boomers have had an impact on every aspect of society -- and funeral service is no exception," High said. "Families are seeking experiences that are different from those they perceive as part of a traditional funeral or memorial service."