From our elegant building on Salem Common, we are honored to serve our neighbors in their time of need as the premier Salem funeral home. With unmatched patience, compassion, and experience, our Salem-based team of funeral directors and assistants helps families create meaningful, personal tributes that reflect each life and legacy.
Offering a chance to say goodbye and share in the comfort of community before the funeral service itself, visitations may be private or public and take place at O’Donnell Funeral Home. It may include a viewing depending on your preferences.
Funeral Services
Our home-like atmosphere offers a comfortable space for memorializing your loved one with music, projected photo/video, readings, and sharing of memories, along with AV equipment for a high-quality livestream, if desired.
Celebration of Life
At O’Donnell Funeral Home, we recognize there’s not just one way to celebrate those who are lost to us. Our team can support you with Celebration of Life plans, including planning for events that take place at locations other than our funeral home.
Cremation
All cremations at O’Donnell Funeral Home are performed locally and according to our five-step cremation chain of custody so that you can experience peace of mind in the care of your loved one's remains.
Traditional Burial
We provide support for every aspect of a dignified traditional burial, including casket selection, preparing the body, leading the funeral procession, and coordinating any graveside services.
Green Burial
O’Donnell is one of just five funeral service companies in Massachusetts approved by the Green Burial Council to perform this environmentally sensitive practice. We offer alternative embalming/preparation options as well as green-compliant caskets, and are proud to have several green burial experts on the team.
Veteran Services
At O’Donnell, we are deeply experienced with the funeral benefits and rites that veterans are entitled to. It is our honor to help create memorable, meaningful tributes for veterans that honor their sacrifice.
International Shipping
For over 50 years, O’Donnell Funeral Home has guided families through the process of returning loved ones home. As TSA-licensed “Known Shippers,” we work closely with consulates and our partner, Eagles Wings Air, to ensure safe and timely transport anywhere in the world.
Our Funeral Directors are highly experienced in international mortuary logistics, handling all paperwork and regulations with care and attention making a tough and stressful time much easier on the families we serve. We honor all cultural and religious traditions, ensuring the process is as smooth and respectful as possible.
Families rely on O’Donnell Funeral Home for:
Complying with local, state, federal, and international regulations
Securing all transit paperwork to ensure a smooth transition
Caring oversight and expert knowledge from our team of specialists
Premium handling process to ensure priority
Please contact our specially trained staff for more information about our caring and professional shipping services.
Our Salem funeral home was founded by Henry J. O’Donnell Sr. and has since passed through the practiced hands of multiple generations, remaining family-owned and operated for a century. The first funeral home in Salem to operate out of a residential building rather than a storefront, The Henry J. O’Donnell and Sons Funeral Home was ahead of its time and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our families.
Our Salem funeral home was founded by Henry J. O’Donnell Sr. and has since passed through the practiced hands of multiple generations, remaining family-owned and operated for a century. The first funeral home in Salem to operate out of a residential building rather than a storefront, The Henry J. O’Donnell and Sons Inc. Funeral Home was ahead of its time and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our families.
We proudly serve the LGBTQ+ community, Latino community, and all other members of the community without prejudice.
How many guests can O’Donnell Funeral Home accommodate?
As the largest funeral home on the North Shore — we are able to accommodate all of your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a traditional service or a celebration of life, the space effortlessly adapts to your needs — with seating for large groups, flexible arrangements, and thoughtful touches throughout. We serve all communities throughout the North Shore including Beverly, Gloucester, Marblehead, Peabody, and all other surrounding towns.
With the funeral home being so large, does it feel warm and inviting?
Both our Danvers and Salem funeral homes have been recently remodeled, and provide a spacious, warm, and home-like environment. Featuring high ceilings, soft natural lighting, and a neutral color palette, you’ll feel a sense of peace and comfort that invites guests to reflect, share memories, and feel connected. State-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities make it easy to personalize your service with music, photos, or video tributes. From first arrival to final farewell, our space and staff support you with both grace and care, providing a beautiful backdrop for honoring life in all its meaning.
Can O’Donnell assist with memorial services outside of the funeral home?
At O’Donnell Funeral Home, we understand that some of the most meaningful services often take place in a setting that holds special significance like at a family home, a park, a church, or another cherished location. Our expert funeral directors are here to guide you every step of the way, providing support for all the logistical details. From securing permits and coordinating transportation, setting up video tributes, ordering flowers, and welcoming guests, we manage the intricate details so that you can focus on what matters most: celebrating the life and legacy of your loved one.
What are the benefits of working with O’Donnell funeral directors for offsite memorials?
Whether planning an onsite or offsite service, O’Donnell Funeral Home offers you a single, knowledgeable and compassionate point of contact through every step. Other advantages include:
Comprehensive Service: We take care of everything. Our team handles all the logistics — from arranging transportation for the deceased to coordinating vendors — ensuring everything runs smoothly from the first call to the final goodbye.
Local Knowledge: We can help you select the perfect memorial location, whether a serene garden, a local church, or an elevated function hall or restaurant.
Emotional Support: Our compassionate Directors are there to listen, guide, and provide emotional support, creating a space for healing and ensuring that the day reflects both the mourning and celebration of your loved one’s life.
