The Green Cremation

At The Green Cremation, we're offering an innovative, environmentally friendly process that's more than just a sustainable choice. Get in touch to learn more about #watercremation or visit https://lnkd.in/eVNnRwac.

As a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over two decades, I’ve witnessed an extraordinary evolution in our industry. While much has changed, the heart of what we do—guiding families through one of life’s most vulnerable moments—remains steadfast. In 2025, the term "funeral director" feels antiquated to me. Our work now goes far beyond directing; it’s about meeting families where they are, listening without bias, and crafting experiences that honor not just a life lived, but the values, beliefs, and uniqueness of the individual. I often imagine our profession as a Venn diagram: on one side, the comfort of tradition, and on the other, the drive for innovation. Somewhere in the overlap lies the future of our work. The familiarity of a trusted person to walk families through the end-of-life process is irreplaceable, but so is the necessity to adapt. Memorialization has shifted from predetermined religious or cultural rituals to highly personalized experiences. Whether it’s a quiet graveside service, a celebration of life, or something entirely new, the focus is on what feels meaningful to the family. The biggest evolution I see is in methods of disposition. For decades, burial and flame cremation were the only options. Today, alternatives like aquamation (water cremation) and natural organic reduction (NOR) are becoming essential offerings for forward-thinking funeral homes. Families deserve transparent, candid conversations about these options. The era of resisting change is behind us—the train has left the station. Humility and selflessness are key to navigating this evolving space. When a family entrusts us with their loved one, our role is not to project personal beliefs but to support them in their journey. At the same time, we need to invest in our own well-being—through faith, self-care, or community—to sustain the empathy and care this work demands. It’s an invigorating time to be part of the death care space, to honor the traditions that ground us while embracing the innovations that will carry us into the future. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and serve with an open heart and open mind.

What you may not know about The Green Cremation and #watercremation...

Sending gratitude and thanks to our community, and wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year! (Photo credit: Cole Keister via Unsplash) 

Why I chose a footprint over a rooftop... Growth. It’s different for all of us. For a business owner, maybe it’s hiring more employees. Expanding into new markets or locations. Creating partnerships with other companies to enhance offerings. Establishing a franchising model. Merging with another business – or even selling. For a funeral home owner, the most common ways to grow are to open new “rooftops” (aka, expand into more locations) – or sell. These pathways weren’t part of my growth story. As I enter my 5th year of owning and running the John F. Tierney Funeral Home – a family-owned business that’s been in the Manchester community for nearly 70 years – I’m extremely proud of the legacy my family has created. And “legacy” is a huge part of why I opened The Green Cremation this past year. Because to me, buying more locations – or rooftops – wasn’t how I wanted to grow. And it wasn’t what I wanted to leave my family. Like my grandfather and father, my growth is rooted in legacy. One with a smaller footprint. Reflecting on the past – and what lies ahead The end of a calendar year often brings reflection – and feelings. What went well this year? What didn’t? How do I feel about what I’ve done? What can I do better? All of this is growth. My personal growth journey has taught me the importance of leaning on others. And the value of community. The notion of “others” is integral to our everyday thinking at both the John F. Tierney Funeral Home and The Green Cremation. Because the people we serve are core to our business. It’s who we commit to helping – during their most difficult times in life. And it’s what we love doing. So here’s the question I’m asking myself this year: How do we continue supporting our community – while growing? - We embrace and use technology to better serve families and streamline processes. - We innovate by providing more sustainable options, like water cremation. - We honor and uphold the traditions that made us. The John F. Tierney Funeral home and The Green Cremation will continue to focus on service, kindness, compassion and personal attention – while growing in ways that both support our community and the world around us.

Learn the difference between #watercremation ashes and flame cremation ashes. 

Curious about The Green Cremation? Maybe you're pre-planning for an upcoming death or you're simply interested in learning more. Whatever stage you're in, we're here to help. Give us a call today: 860-649-1222. #watercremation #aquamation

Alkaline hydrolysis is gaining more traction. Here are five things you can expect to see in the future. #watercremation #aquamation

We're committed to honoring your loved one and family – with grace and dignity. 

The funeral industry is changing rapidly. Private equity firms and large consolidators are buying up independent funeral homes at an unprecedented rate, reshaping the landscape of our profession. Many local, funeral homes are being bought out as we speak, changing the very fabric of the communities they’ve served for generations. At John F. Tierney Funeral Home and The Green Cremation, we see this wave as an opportunity—not a threat. As a family-owned and operated business, we’re navigating this wave while staying true to our core values. Working directly with the team at Tribute Tech has been an educational and eye-opening experience, showing us the potential of technology to enhance the service we provide. Our goal is clear: embrace technological advancements that improve family care, while staying true to the values that built our business. Our priorities remain firm: Leverage technology to better serve families, streamline processes, and provide more options. Innovate services, like Aquamation, to offer environmentally friendly choices. Honor traditions of kindness, compassion, and personal attention—holding umbrellas, opening doors, and ensuring every family feels cared for. For us, success means families finding a little more peace when they lay their heads down at night. If we’ve done our job right, that’s the greatest reward, and it’s what keeps us going every day. This profession is both a great responsibility and an honor. Today, it evokes those timeless virtues while also creating excitement for the future. We’re invigorated—not just to do our jobs, but to do them better than ever. With a strong hold on tradition, respect for true relationships, and a commitment to gentle, sustainable options like Aquamation, we’re excited for what’s ahead. The future of John F. Tierney Funeral Home and The Green Cremation is bright, and we’re dedicated to serving our community with diligence and care—always innovating, always honoring. Onwards, Tom