Shepherd Funeral Homes
216 Main St, Kingston, MA, 02364
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
“Do you offer payment plans?”
Many funeral homes allow you to spread the cost over time. Ask about down payments, terms, and financing options.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in Massachusetts
$3,119 – $9,810
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $3,119–$9,810. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
What Families Say
“I can not express the gratitude my Family has for these wonderful people. We recently lost my dad (John M. Sjostedt Jr- 12-10-25). Losing such a Wonderful man was one of the hardest things we will ever have to endure. Shepherd's made everything so much easier for us. They took the time and patience to explain and walk us through every detail.... right down to the expected weather. They took care of our dad with the dignity, respect and care that we could only dream of. Thank you is not enough, the level of appreciation we have for Shepherd's is unmatched. Please Please know we are forever grateful The Sjostedt Family ❤️”
— Sheila Holmes
“If you want your loved ones taken care of after they pass away then stay away from this funeral home! My MIL passed away on a Sunday. We met with Bill from the Kingston location Monday morning. We went over all the costs and details. For a one day 4 hour wake and a meet at the cemetery funeral it was over $9000 without including casket, vault, or anything like that. When we were there Monday morning Bill said my MIL was already embalmed. We had the services on Saturday so 6 days from the date she passed. On the morning of the wake Bill calls me and tells me that my MIL does not look good and she has significant blisters on her face and we should do a closed casket (not my MIL wishes)! Now an embalmed body properly done should not show signs of blistering by day 6. Bill stated he would talk to the owner about getting the embalming fee reimbursed. So the following Tuesday I sent an email to the owners and never got a response. I waited a week and contacted Bill. He stated that the office would give me a call. 5 more days go by with no call. Finally I threaten them with contacting the state and after 2 more phone calls to the answering service someone calls me back and states a refund will be going out in the mail. A whole $690 back from over $9000 given to them for this egregious mishap. $90 of that was because we paid for a hair stylist to come in and do her hair. Also the day of the wake the doorman kept asking the 18-22 year old females "what's the password" before he would open the door for them. Like way to be creepy! Needless to say, we got some money back for their mistake but it doesn't negate the fact that family feels like they never had a real chance to say goodbye. Also never a response from ownership of the funeral home or an apology in any way! I would stay far away from this place!”
— Ryan O'Rourke
“Highly recommend Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston. Janice Frates is empathetic, thoughtful, kind and professional. The other staff are wonderful as well. You're in good hands when you choose Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston.”
— Kimberly Derosier
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
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