Ceremony that tells the truth and honors the love
A grounded, human memorial service for people who want something meaningful. Spiritual language is welcome. Religious performance is not required.
About Joe
Hi, I am Joe. I have been serving families in funeral and memorial spaces for years, both through funeral homes and private services. I first stepped into this role while serving as a pastor and then, since 2017, have been doing it from beyond the constrains of any one tradition.
My role is simple: I help you tell the truth about the person you loved, and create a ceremony that feels fitting.
What makes me different
Most families have been to services where the officiant barely knew the person who died. The ceremony becomes generic. The words do not fit. The room can feel like it is being recruited instead of cared for.
You deserve something better.
Your person deserves a service that feels like them.
What I offer
I create memorial services that are:
- Personal. Built from real stories, not templates.
- Grounded. Warm, calm presence. Clear structure. No awkward filler.
- Flexible. Spiritual, faith-adjacent, or non-religious. You choose the language.
- Honest. We can hold complexity, including addiction, mental health, suicide, estrangement, and unfinished stories.
What the service can include
Every service is customized, but common elements are:
- Welcome and opening words
- Music selections and readings
- Story and reflection
- Space for family and friends to share (optional)
- Prayer and scripture (optional, by request)
- A closing blessing or benediction
- Graveside committal or internment words (if needed)
If you have a funeral home and a preferred format, I will work inside those logistics.
How the process works
- A short initial conversation: We confirm date, location, and what kind of ceremony you want.
- A planning meeting: We sit down together and you tell stories. I will listen for what matters most and help you shape the flow of the service.
- I write and coordinate: I craft the ceremony, then coordinate with your funeral director or venue on timing and details.
- The service: On the day, I lead the ceremony so you can be present with your people.
Who is this for?
This is a good fit if you want:
- A service that feels human and personal (and if it fits, funny)
- Spiritual depth without pressure or performance
- A calm guide who can hold grief with steadiness
- A ceremony that can hold complicated loss without shame
Pricing and flexible rates
My standard rate is $500. If you are in financial hardship, tell me. Assuming I’m available, you will receive the same care at a rate you can afford.
FAQ
Do we have to be religious?
No. We can include prayer and scripture if you want it. We can also keep the ceremony spiritual without using religious language.
Can you officiate for cremation, graveside, or celebration of life?
Yes. We will shape the ceremony around your setting and needs.
Can the service include stories about addiction, overdose, suicide, or mental illness?
Yes. If you want honesty, we can do honest. We will do it with dignity and care.
Can I see a sample of your work?
Absolutely. Here are key components of a service I officiated in January of 2026.
Am I a good fit for your family?
Schedule a conversation so we can get to know each other and you can make a final decision.