Planning a funeral is something most of us put off until we absolutely have to face it. It’s heavy. It’s overwhelming. And if you’re looking into Crapo Funeral Home Taunton MA, you’re likely in the middle of a very difficult week—or you’re trying to be responsible and spare your family that future headache.
Honestly, the name "Crapo" might sound a bit old-fashioned to some, but in Taunton, it's a staple. Now officially known as Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, this place has been a fixture on Somerset Avenue for ages. It’s not just a business; it’s basically part of the city’s architecture.
But there’s a lot of noise online about funeral costs and what you actually need versus what you're told you need. Let's get into the reality of what this specific home offers and why people in Bristol County keep going back there.
The Reality of Crapo-Hathaway in Taunton
Located at 350 Somerset Avenue, the building itself has that classic New England feel—stately, quiet, and a bit imposing. You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times if you live near the Weir District.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking that every funeral home is a massive corporate chain. While Crapo is part of the Hathaway Family Funeral Homes network, it still functions with a surprisingly local, family-oriented vibe. William Hathaway III is the president, and they've managed to keep that "small town" touch despite being part of a larger group that covers Fall River, Somerset, and Attleboro.
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What Does it Actually Cost?
Let's talk money because that’s what everyone is Googling but nobody wants to ask out loud. Funerals are expensive. Period. According to recent data from 2026, a traditional full-service burial at Crapo-Hathaway can run around $10,660.
If that number makes your stomach drop, you aren't alone.
But here is the breakdown of how those costs actually shake out:
- Direct Cremation: This is the most "affordable" route, usually starting around $2,495.
- Full Service Cremation: This is for families who want the viewing and the ceremony but don't want the traditional burial. Expect to pay closer to $8,380.
- Affordable Burial: A middle-ground option that usually lands around $5,995.
Prices here are roughly 3% higher than the local average, but 100% of the recent reviews on Consumer’s Checkbook gave them a "superior" rating. You’re essentially paying for the "white glove" treatment.
Why This Specific Location Matters
Taunton is a town of traditions. Whether it's the Christmas City lights or the deep-seated local family histories, people here value longevity. Crapo Funeral Home Taunton MA taps into that. They know the local parishes, they know the cemeteries like Mayflower Hill or Saint Joseph’s, and they know the quirks of Massachusetts probate law.
I’ve found that one of the biggest misconceptions is that you’re stuck with whatever "package" they show you. You aren't.
Under the "Funeral Rule" enforced by the FTC, you have the right to buy only the goods and services you want. You can buy a casket online and have it shipped there. They can’t charge you a "handling fee" for it. Most people are too polite or too grieved to negotiate, but a good director at Crapo-Hathaway will actually help you navigate these choices without making you feel like a cheapskate.
Personalization is the New Standard
Back in the day, every funeral looked the same. Stuffy rooms, organ music, lots of dark wood. That’s changing.
Lately, Crapo has been leaning into what they call "Thinking Beyond the Box." This isn't just marketing fluff. They’ve done everything from displaying a deceased’s beloved motorcycle in the viewing room to setting up specialized flower arrangements that reflect a person’s actual hobbies—like fishing or gardening—rather than just generic lilies.
The Pre-Planning Trap (and How to Avoid It)
You see the ads everywhere: "Lock in today's prices!"
It sounds like a sales pitch, and in some ways, it is. But here is the nuance: inflation hits the death care industry hard. Casket materials, fuel for hearses, and labor costs go up every year. By pre-planning at Crapo-Hathaway, you are technically freezing the "professional services" part of the bill.
But watch out for this: Not all "pre-paid" plans are created equal. You want to make sure your funds are held in a state-regulated trust or an insurance policy. In Massachusetts, there are strict rules about how funeral homes handle this money. If you move to Florida in ten years, you need to know if that plan is "portable."
(Pro tip: Ask them specifically about the portability of their Advance Planning Program.)
Frequently Asked Questions (The Unfiltered Version)
Do I have to be embalmed? Nope. Not in Massachusetts, unless there’s a public viewing or certain other specific conditions. If you’re doing a direct cremation or a quick burial, you can usually skip it and save a few hundred bucks.
Can I host the "after-party" there?
They don't really do the "catered reception" thing inside the funeral home like some modern "celebration of life" centers do. Most Taunton families still head to a local spot like the Lafayette Club or The Segregansett Country Club after the service.
What about veterans?
This is where Crapo-Hathaway actually shines. They are very well-versed in military honors. They handle the paperwork for the flag, the Honor Guard, and the burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. If your loved one served, don't pay for things the VA covers for free.
Actionable Steps for Taunton Residents
If you find yourself needing to call them tonight, or if you're just doing your homework, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Request the GPL immediately: The General Price List is a document they are legally required to give you. Don't look at "packages" first. Look at the line items.
- Verify the Cemetery Rules: Before you buy a fancy casket, call the cemetery. Some Taunton cemeteries require a "grave liner" or "vault" to keep the ground from sinking. That’s an extra cost the funeral home might not lead with.
- Check for "Direct" Options: If money is tight, ask for "Direct Burial" or "Direct Cremation." These are the most basic, no-frills options that bypass the expensive viewing and embalming fees.
- Local Flower Delivery: If you are sending flowers to a service at 350 Somerset Ave, use a local florist like Reynolds Flowers in Middleboro or a Taunton-based shop. They know the delivery entrances and timing better than the big national 1-800 websites.
The staff at Crapo-Hathaway are generally regarded as some of the most professional in Bristol County. They aren't the cheapest, but they aren't the "corporate robots" people fear. Just go in with your eyes open and a copy of your budget in your hand.
When you're ready to start the process, your first move should be to gather the vital statistics of the person you're planning for—things like their social security number, parents' names (including mother's maiden name), and any military discharge papers (DD-214). Having these ready will save you hours of back-and-forth phone calls during an already stressful time.