The Shoestring

“There’s a Lot of Money in Death”: Funeral Home Consolidation Hits Western Mass

Jonathan Gerhardson

In western Massachusetts, funeral home consolidation is making things tougher and more expensive for grieving families. The larger companies are buying local funeral homes, often retaining the original business names, and increasing prices for services and burials — but not being transparent about what’s going on. 

“This is a strong example of explanatory journalism that clearly breaks down a complex and often overlooked industry,” a judge wrote. “The story goes beyond individual experience to show how funeral home consolidation works, why it is happening, and what it means for consumers.”

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There’s a Lot of Money in Death: Funeral Home Consolidation Hits Western Mass Oct. 28, 2025