Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral & Cremation Services in Salem & Danvers, MA
O'Donnell Cremations Funerals Celebrations has served families on Massachusetts' North Shore with dignity, respect, and compassion since 1925. Founded by Henry J. O'Donnell Sr., our family-owned business has passed through four generations, maintaining a legacy of personalized care and expertise in funeral, cremation, and celebration services. Our dedicated team of certified funeral directors, life celebrants, and death care professionals coordinates every detail, from traditional services to innovative green burials, ensuring cultural and religious customs are honored.With state-of-the-art facilities in Salem and Danvers, we offer 24/7 support, advanced planning options, and specialized veterans services, including full military honors. Our commitment to excellence extends to grief counseling, aftercare programs, and community involvement, reflecting our core principle: Because We Care. As industry leaders, we combine over a century of experience with modern technology, including live-streaming tributes and identity protection services, to provide families with meaningful, stress-free arrangements tailored to their needs.
Services
Traditional Funerals
Cremation Services
Celebrations of Life
Veterans Services
Green Burial
International Shipping
Caskets
Urns
Legacy Keepsakes
Advance Planning
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- Fourth-generation family-owned service since 1925 with certified funeral professionals
- Specialized veterans services including full military honors and benefit coordination
- 24/7 availability for immediate assistance and emergency arrangements
- Eco-friendly green burial and organic reduction (terramation) options available
- Advanced planning experts simplifying pre-arrangements with no upfront costs
Services
Cremation Services
Our cremation services provide dignified, personalized options for families choosing non-traditional memorialization. Certified experts guide families through choices including same-day cremation with local facilities, witnessed cremation, and memorial services with cremated remains present. We offer eco-conscious alternatives like green burials and terramation partnerships, ensuring your loved one's final arrangements align with their values. All cremations follow our five-step security protocol for complete peace of mind.
Traditional Funerals
We coordinate comprehensive traditional funeral services with attention to cultural, religious, and family traditions. Our experienced directors assist with visitation planning, eulogy preparation, music selection, and burial participation rituals. Services may include pallbearer arrangements, scripture readings, and processions to national cemeteries, all executed with the solemnity and respect these time-honored ceremonies deserve.
Veterans Services
As Massachusetts Veterans Funeral Experts, we specialize in securing full military honors and federal benefits for service members. Our team completes VA applications, coordinates flag presentations, and arranges burial at national cemeteries. We host annual veterans events and ensure every veteran receives a personalized tribute reflecting their service and sacrifice.
Green Burial
Our green burial options provide environmentally conscious alternatives to traditional interment. We offer biodegradable urns, natural burial grounds, and terramation partnerships through Return Home. These services minimize ecological impact while creating meaningful connections between loved ones and nature, with options for memorial plantings and organic remembrance.
Advance Planning
Our certified pre-planning consultants help individuals document funeral wishes and establish financial protections. This service reduces family decision-making burdens and ensures personal preferences are honored. We specialize in Medicaid-compliant planning and asset allocation strategies to preserve inheritances while covering future arrangements.
People
Thomas O'Donnell
Owner
Fourth-generation funeral director with over 30 years of experience. Graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, specializing in memorial design. Active in local funeral service associations and community organizations.
Anthony O'Donnell
Director
Fourth-generation funeral director and third-generation cremation specialist. Leads facility renovations and technology integration, including live-streaming tributes. Serves on the North Shore Funeral Directors Association board since 2015.
Questions
What types of funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, cremation services, celebrations of life, green burials, and veterans-specific services with customizable options.
Are you available for emergencies after hours?
Yes, our team provides 24/7 assistance for immediate needs and emergency arrangements.
Can I pre-plan my funeral arrangements?
Yes, our certified pre-planning consultants help document wishes and establish financial plans with no upfront costs required.
Do you offer eco-friendly options?
We offer green burials, biodegradable urns, and organic reduction (terramation) partnerships for environmentally conscious choices.
How do you support veterans' families?
We coordinate full military honors, VA benefits applications, and specialized memorial services for veterans and their families.
Reviews (6)
BeeGee Bertone
Jan 14, 2022
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Losing your mom at any age is difficult. I could not have asked for a more compassionate team to help during this time. My mom, Barbara Newman, passed away at home, in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving. O'Donnell Funeral Home responded promptly to take my mom into their care. Anthony and his team provided us with the highest quality of care. As a final tribute, the staff of O'Donnell Funeral Home stood in a solemn line as our family and friends left my mom's gravesite. I will be forever grateful for that heartfelt final moment. Anthony, my mom and your dad were lifelong friends. You are doing
Pattie Russo
Dec 05, 2021
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My experience with ODonnell Funeral Home was very special. Anthony ODonnell was so sensitive, explained everything and really upheld his familys name in providing quality funeral services. The new funeral home is really beautiful and shows that special care was taken with the design.
Ann Weston
Nov 04, 2021
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Anthony and his staff at O'Donnell's Funeral Home were so professional and accommodating. They took care of every detail. Their funeral home is gorgeous! I needed help with a few more details after the funeral. They helped me throughout everything. I highly recommend them!
Shane McCullough
Oct 25, 2021
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At one of the most difficult times in my life I found the people, services and resources at ODonells to be professional with out being aloof, caring without being patronizing and empathetic without being overwhelming. Truly, I can not say enough about Diane, whom I dealt most closely with, and the staff of the ODonells. The respect and reverence they showed towards my Father and to my family goes beyond words.
Donna Cooke
Oct 24, 2021
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I couldn't have asked for a more compassionate, patient and understanding experience. I reached out one day and literally, the very next day my dear sweet husband passed. O'Donnell's entire staff were right there to explain procedures, laws and regulations in the kindest and most basic language, always taking into consideration my frail mindset. Brianna (phenomenal) and the rest of the staff are a wonderful compliment to each other who communicate so effectively to ensure there is no further distress or trauma to me and my family members. My family and I will be back to finalize my burial wishes
Cathy Follmer
Oct 20, 2021
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O'Donnell funeral services did a fabulous job for my mothers services. They left no stone unturned and it was a beautiful remembrance for her. They went the extra mile in taking care of the family. Much gratitude and respect to the O'Donnell Team
