biography samples for funeral

Funeral Biography

People always wonder what’s so good about goodbyes. There really is no acceptable answer for that. Saying our emotional farewells and letting go of the people we love is always tough. Goodbyes could mean we never get to be with our loved ones ever again. It also means we never get a second chance to say things we couldn’t vocalize. Hating the idea of never seeing someone ever again rides along with the fear of forgetting those that matter to us. That’s why, as we send them off to their final resting place, we must remember them, how they lived, and keep them in our hearts forever.

A biography is a written record of the life story and details of a person, whether alive or deceased. In a biography, the writer is either a family member, friend, or anyone who knows the person very well. This is different from an autobiography where a person writes about his own life story and experiences. So with this definition, a funeral biography is a record of the life of someone who has passed away. This is read or presented during the person’s funeral as a way of remembering him before the final goodbyes are said. This is also kept as memorabilia long after the deceased has been laid to rest.

Who was he?

Funeral biographies can come in two forms: obituaries and eulogies. Although both detail a person’s life, their weight differs greatly. Obituaries are written newspaper reports about a person’s passing. This shortly discusses the life of a person, how they died, and the location of his memorial. They serve as an announcement to reach all those who knew the departed. They aren’t always as personal as eulogies, but they still get the job done. Eulogies, on the other hand, are more extended, more personal, and written by someone who was close to the one pushing daisies. This is tearfully read in front of the person’s family and friends during the memorial service. 

15+ Best Biography Examples

Shared below are steps on how to write a funeral biography. Tips that you need to remember in writing biographies are also included.

1. Basic Biography Outline Template

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2. Biography Report Template

3. Biography Worksheet Template

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4. Free Basic Biography Outline Template

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5. Free Personal Biography Outline Template

6. Free Sample Biography Outline Template

7. Professional Biography Outline Template

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8. Artist Biography Outline Template

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9. Character Biography Outline Template

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10. Short Biography Outline Template

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11. Biography Essay Outline Format Template

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12. Biography Outline Worksheet Template

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13. Biography Report Outline Template

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14. Biography Outline Template For Elementary Students

15. Biography Book Report Outline Template

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16. Albert Einstein Biography

Remembering   You

Funeral biographies help readers and listeners remember the life of someone who has met the maker. This is a way for everyone, even for just a moment, to relive what it was like when the deceased was still around. This can be written in pamphlets or funeral service programs . But a string of recollected memories doth not a funeral biography makes. When writing a biography, you shouldn’t be too technical; you should bend your rules a little.

Written below are tips and tricks you can use when you need to write about a person who died.

1. Begin with the Basics

If you’re writing for an obituary, you shouldn’t forget about the basics. The birth date, residence, cause of death, and the deceased’s history are all vital parts in any obituary. These answer the questions the bereaved might feel too heavy to acknowledge. Since obituaries are usually written for newspapers, you should also include the location of the memorial service and burial date. This is to make sure all friends and family can come and commemorate the person’s life. God forbid they get haunted for not saying the final goodbyes.

2. A Little of You and Me

Writing eulogies requires a certain vulnerability, but you don’t have to be a professional content writer to makes something genuine. This is the part where you really recall the good times. You can detail what kind of person the deceased was, how he lived his life, and how much he mattered to people. This is where storytelling comes into play. By writing something heartfelt and relatable, you can make the whole church cry. You can use anecdotes, inside jokes, and even quote lines the guy famously said. It’s all about describing the person in a way that everyone can remember him by.

3. Light in the Darkness

As mentioned before, funerals and goodbyes are hard. They take an emotional toll on those who were close to the departed. Losing someone special always brings a negative feeling. So to combat that, you have to remember and recognize the good things. You could recall all the people whose lives were changed because of the deceased. You can write how he would finally be at peace. You can even mention all his awards, honors, and all his achievement certificates . This way, the coming of the angel of death would be easier to accept.

4. Art and Emotion

Funeral speeches can make anyone emotional. Why don’t you use these emotions to make something creative? Art created from the heart holds so much more than just physical value. Like how Walt Whitman wrote, “O Captain! My Captain” for Abe Lincoln, or how lead singer from FM Static wrote the song “Tonight” for his girlfriend, use your emotions to make something beautiful for your dearly beloved. This way, your creation would mean so much more than just an arrangement of words for the one who passed away. 

5. Words Only for You

Your funeral eulogy should also contain a special message for the departed. You can use cliched stuff like “you’re forever in our hearts” and whatever. Or you could be more in-depth. You can express how much the deceased impacted the people around him and how he changed the world in his little way. This part is where you can go all out. Pour your heart out on this one and let the departed know how you feel. You never know, there might be someone in the crowd who share your sentiments.

6. Picture Perfect Memories

A picture paints a thousand words. The encapsulated moments we never want to forget. That’s why you should include it in your biography and obituary cards . Seeing pictures of the lost one gives people a chance to see him in his happier days. They get to bring back the memories they shared with the departed. Everyone gets the opportunity to see his smile one last time before his burial. It could be a collection of photos from his childhood to his final moments, or photos of him with the people he loves most. 

Losing loved ones and coping with grief takes a lot of getting used to. But that doesn’t mean you also get used to not remembering them. That’s what writing obituaries are for; to remember our dearly departed. Besides, you don’t have to reread their biographies; you’ll always have them in your heart.

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Funeral Program Biography Sample

In moments of grief, crafting a funeral program biography becomes a profound act of remembrance. It’s a way to honor the life and legacy of a departed loved one, capturing their essence in words that resonate with those who gather to pay their respects. At QuickFuneral.com, we understand the importance of providing families with resources and guidance during these sensitive times. 

Understanding the Purpose of a Funeral Program Biography

A funeral program biography serves as a narrative tribute to the deceased, offering insights into their life story, achievements, and cherished memories. It provides mourners with a glimpse into the individual behind the name, allowing them to connect more deeply with the person being honored. Whether it’s a brief summary or a detailed account, the biography serves to celebrate the life lived and the impact left behind.

Key Elements of a Funeral Program Biography

• Personal Background: Begin by providing essential details about the deceased, including their full name, date of birth, and date of passing. This sets the foundation for the biography and helps establish a connection with the reader.
• Early Life and Childhood: Share significant milestones and experiences from the individual’s formative years. This could include details about their family, upbringing, education, hobbies, and early interests. Painting a picture of their upbringing allows mourners to appreciate the person within the context of their roots.
• Career and Achievements: Highlight the professional journey of the deceased, including their career accomplishments, contributions to their field, and any notable achievements or awards. This section offers insights into their passions, talents, and the impact they made in their respective endeavors.
• Personal Interests and Hobbies: Share insights into the individual’s personal interests, hobbies, and passions outside of work. Whether it’s a love for gardening, music, sports, or volunteering, these details humanize the individual and showcase the diverse facets of their personality.
• Relationships and Family: Acknowledge the important relationships in the deceased’s life, including their spouse, children, siblings, and extended family members. Share anecdotes and memories that capture the essence of these relationships, emphasizing the love and connection that defined their life.
• Legacy and Impact: Reflect on the lasting legacy and impact of the deceased, both within their immediate circle and in the wider community. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, mentorship, philanthropy, or creative expression, highlight how their presence enriched the lives of others and left an indelible mark on the world.

Funeral Program Biography Samples

Sample 1: (for a beloved grandfather).

(February 10, 1940 – March 5, 2024)

John Smith, affectionately known as “Grandpa John,” was born on February 10, 1940, in the quaint town of Willow Creek. Raised in a close-knit family, he cherished his childhood memories of exploring the countryside and spending summers at the family farm.

A man of unwavering integrity and dedication, John embarked on a fulfilling career in education, shaping the minds of countless students as a beloved high school teacher for over three decades. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as he devoted his free time to tutoring struggling students and mentoring aspiring educators.

Outside of his professional endeavors, John found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was tending to his garden, strumming his beloved guitar, or embarking on scenic hikes with his grandchildren. His laughter was infectious, and his kindness knew no bounds, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John’s greatest source of pride and joy was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary, their three children, and six grandchildren. He was a pillar of strength and wisdom, offering guidance and support through life’s triumphs and challenges.

As we gather to honor John’s life and legacy, let us celebrate the profound impact he made on our lives and the countless memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Sample 2: (For a Compassionate Community Leader)

Emily Rodriguez

(June 20, 1965 – April 15, 2023)

Emily Rodriguez, a beacon of compassion and resilience, was born on June 20, 1965, in the vibrant city of San Francisco. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for service and advocacy, channeling her energies towards creating positive change in her community.

Throughout her esteemed career in social work, Emily dedicated herself to uplifting marginalized voices and advocating for social justice. Her tireless efforts to combat homelessness, support survivors of domestic violence, and empower at-risk youth earned her widespread admiration and respect.

Beyond her professional achievements, Emily was a devoted mother, sister, and friend, whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who crossed her path. Whether it was organizing community events, volunteering at local shelters, or lending a listening ear to those in need, she embodied the spirit of selflessness and empathy.

Emily’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire us to be agents of positive change in our communities and to honor her memory by continuing the work she held dear

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Funeral Programs : Helping Videos

Frequently asked questions on funeral program biography sample.

Crafting a funeral program biography is a meaningful way to honor the life and legacy of a departed loved one, providing comfort and solace to those who mourn their loss. By incorporating personal anecdotes, achievements, and cherished memories, we can create a tribute that celebrates the unique journey of each individual and leaves a lasting legacy of love and remembrance.

What is a funeral program biography?

A funeral program biography is a narrative tribute to the deceased, highlighting their life story, achievements, and cherished memories. It provides mourners with insights into the individual behind the name, offering a glimpse into their personality, passions, and impact.

Why include a biography in a funeral program?

Including a biography in a funeral program allows mourners to connect more deeply with the deceased, celebrating their life and legacy. It provides a sense of closure and offers comfort to those grieving, as they reflect on the meaningful moments shared with the departed loved one.

What should I include in a funeral program biography?

A funeral program biography should include essential details such as the full name, date of birth, and date of passing of the deceased. It should also encompass significant aspects of their life, including their upbringing, career, achievements, personal interests, relationships, and legacy.

How long should a funeral program biography be?

The length of a funeral program biography can vary depending on the preferences of the family and the space available in the program. It can range from a brief summary to a more detailed account, capturing the essence of the individual’s life and impact.

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Lesson of The Day

Writing a Short Biography With Obituaries

In this lesson, we invite students to learn about obituary writing in The New York Times, and then write about someone who led an interesting life, using the format of an obituary.

By Erica Ackerberg

Lesson Overview

Featured Section: Obituaries

When the reporter Margalit Fox retired, she reflected on her career as an obituary writer at The New York Times: “Writing daily obits only reinforced what I had long suspected: It is the best beat in journalism. The reason is simple: In following their subjects from cradle to grave, obits are the most narrative genre in any daily paper. For a writer, there is little better than being paid to tell stories.”

Since 1851, hundreds of thousands of obituaries have appeared in The Times. In the most basic sense, an obituary is an announcement of someone’s death. But each one is also a life story: It highlights the impact a person had on the world and what made him or her special. Those you’ll see in the pages of The Times are usually of famous people, such as Hank Aaron or Betty White , but you’ll also find obituaries of lesser known, but otherwise newsworthy, people, like Betty King, who worked backstage at Carnegie Hall, and André Cassagnes , the inventor of the Etch A Sketch.

In this lesson, you will read some of the obituaries published in The New York Times to find out what they’re like, what kinds of information they typically include and how they are written. Then, you’ll research and write an obituary for someone who led an interesting life.

Curriculum Connections

Teachers, writing an obituary can help your students practice essential research, writing and storytelling skills. You can have them write obituaries for people they knew, notable figures or anyone else whose life story is worth knowing. Here are a few ideas for different subject areas:

An English teacher might have students write an obituary for a character from a shared class text to better understand who that person was, what was important to him or her and what effect he or she had on others in the book. Students could also write obituaries for authors or other important people from your curriculum.

A social studies teacher could do the same with a historical figure. A math or science teacher might pick an influential person from a field of study students are learning about.

Health or advisory teachers could use this lesson to talk about ways to remember and memorialize those who have died. They might engage students in discussion on how different cultures honor the dead.

Watch this trailer for a documentary about the Obituaries desk of The New York Times, and think about the following questions:

What does it mean that obituaries are a way “to make the dead live again”?

Does writing or reading about someone who has died feel depressing to you, or even creepy? Or, as with these obituary writers, do you find it intriguing?

Is there anyone whose life story you would like to tell? What made that person’s life special or meaningful?

Pick one of these obituaries to read. Or search through the Obituaries section to find one that interests you.

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the obituary you chose, and then answer the following questions:

1. What, if anything, did you know about this person before you read his or her obituary?

2. List some basic facts about the person: Where and when was he or she born? Who was in his or her family? What did this person accomplish in life? When and how did he or she die?

3. Why do you think The New York Times wrote an obituary about this person? What made this person newsworthy? How was his or her life special?

4. Was there anything about the person’s life that surprised you? What detail did you find most interesting? Why?

5. What, if anything, do you find inspirational about the person’s story?

6. Now, read the obituary as a writer. What do you admire about the way this piece was written? What is your favorite line, and why?

Going Further

Now, it’s your turn: Write an obituary for someone — perhaps someone you knew personally, a historical figure you are learning about in school, a character from a novel you are reading or anyone else whose life story you’d like to tell.

1. First, you’ll need to do research. You might read newspaper articles or biographies, watch or listen to interviews featuring your subject, or talk with the person’s family members or friends.

(If you’re speaking with someone whose loved one has recently died, remember to approach the conversation with compassion. When Neil Vigdor, a Times reporter, calls someone who has lost a family member or a friend, he starts by saying, “I’m deeply sorry to be reaching out under these circumstances.” Then he asks to hear more about the person who died.)

2. Next, you’ll need to identify the most basic facts of the person’s life and death. Here is part of a tip sheet from The Times’s Obituaries desk on the essential information every obituary should include:

Date of death Place of death Age at death Cause of death Full birth name, and place and date of birth Education Military service Marriages, to whom and when; and divorces, if there are any. Names of parents, siblings, spouse or companion and children. Numbers of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The more biographical background the obituary can give, the better. For example, how did they start their careers? Details like education and military service should be given when relevant or interesting. If possible, give the names and occupations of the subject’s parents, as well as his or her place and date of birth.

But you don’t want your obituary to just be a list of dry facts. Add what journalists call “color.” What made this person’s life interesting? In “ How to Write an Obituary, ” Malia Wollan interviews Victoria Chang, a poet who wrote obituary poems after her mother died, and gives examples of these kinds of details:

“Everyone is special and quirky, and I think the best obituaries capture the essence of those qualities about each of us,” Chang says. What things did she collect? What did she love to eat? What brought her joy?

3. Finally, it’s time to write. The format of an obituary is often uniform. Ms. Wollan describes it this way:

An obituary tends to have three distinct parts: the beginning (name, age, date of death, cause of death [if possible to include], work, education); the middle (anecdotes that celebrate the person’s life); and the end (so-and-so is survived by, which Chang calls “a very efficient way of saying who’s grieving.”)

Also, consider the tone you want your obituary to have. Ms. Wollan continues:

An obituary is for the living, but you should consider the sensibilities of the deceased. How would the person want to be remembered? “Imagine what they would write about themselves,” Chang says. It’s OK to be funny. “There’s a lot of humor and oddity, strange tensions and funny stuff about people and the things they do together,” Chang says.

And if you want to get creative, instead of writing a traditional obituary, make a slide show of the person’s life with photos and text , put together a mixed media collage or write an obituary poem, as Ms. Chang did for her mother. Share what you make with your class.

If you want to learn more about obituaries in The New York Times, the documentary “ Obit ” is available on Amazon Prime. You can also listen to this interview on NPR with two obituary writers from The New York Times.

Want more Lessons of the Day? You can find them all here .

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7 Short Memorial Tribute Samples for Funerals

Updated 04/19/2024

Published 04/29/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

You’ve been asked to speak at a funeral. You have a basic idea of how to write a tribute speech , but you need some inspiration. Perhaps you are struggling to put into words how exceptional your mom was.

Maybe every time you try to write about the characteristics of your sister, the words sound generic and hollow. It could be that you haven’t written anything but emails since high school or college, and you are uncomfortable putting your thoughts into words.

Let us help. Here are some short tribute samples. We’ll try to give you examples of how to begin, portions from the middle of a speech, and how to conclude your tribute. We hope that reading these short excerpts will inspire you to be able to write a speech for someone close to you.

Post-planning tip:   If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, handling a loved one's unfinished business can be overwhelming without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist  that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

Jump ahead to these sections:

For a parent, for a sibling, for a partner or spouse, for a friend, for another close family member, for a mentor , for a colleague, how to choose the right words.

"Good afternoon. I am Peter, Mary’s oldest son. My sister Patricia and I would like to welcome you to the memorial service of our mom. I’m going to be honest. I’m a high school teacher, so I am used to public speaking. But presenting this tribute will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Please give me grace as I struggle through my thoughts and ideas and try to articulate what an amazing woman my mom was.

Instead of giving you a list of adjectives to describe my mom, I would like to tell you a few of our favorite stories about her and let you draw your own conclusions. 

First, you probably didn’t know this, but my mom has been quietly working with the homeless population for years. She didn’t talk about it. In fact, she never said anything to my sister or me about her work. Instead, she would quietly prepare bags of snacks and toiletries every Sunday evening, and then several times throughout that week, she would distribute the packages to the homeless communities downtown. I see the looks of surprise on some of your faces, and you probably are asking yourself how you didn’t know this about my mom. That’s just the type of person she was—selfless and humble."

Tip: You can set up a memorial fundraiser to help with funeral expenses or donate to your loved one's favorite charity using our online memorials .

"Shawna had such an exuberant spirit. I see many of you nodding your heads because you know this may be the understatement of the century. 

Even though I was two years ahead of Shawna in school, people in my class would ask if I was Shawna’s brother. It used to infuriate me, but I understand why it happened. Shawna made a point to learn everyone’s name. Not only that, but she would also learn everyone’s siblings’ names, how long they had lived in the area, and whether they liked chocolate or strawberry ice cream. 

Shawna was a natural-born public relations director. She loved people, and people loved her. It’s no surprise there’s not an empty seat in the church today. This packed house means a lot to my parents and me. We can’t tell you how much we have appreciated all the messages we have received in the last week. Your support has been overwhelming."

"Finally, besides being grateful for my amazing children and close friends, I am thankful for the treasure trove of memories that I have of my life with Michael. Even though I feel as if my right arm has been removed, I know that someday I may again laugh when I remember some of his god-awful jokes.

Eventually, I will be able to use his Graceland coffee cup without breaking down into tears. There will come a point when I will be able to look back at our lifetime of memories together and smile. Until then, I would love for you to share your memories of Michael with me. It comforts me to know that there are others out there thinking of and mourning for this great man."

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"The first thing I noticed about Carol was her big mane of red, curly hair. It didn’t take long to discover that her hair matched her personality. And it’s that personality that I would like to celebrate with you today.

Let’s start by remembering her laugh. I always knew where Carol was when I entered a restaurant for a lunch date with her and our high school friends. I only had to pause at the entrance of the dining room and listen for her loud, contagious laugh. I never had to wait long to hear it because Carol was always the life of the party."

"My mom has shared a lot of stories about Uncle Ralph through the years. My favorite stories were about his adventures when he was a young adult—before he married Aunt Rita. 

Apparently, Ralph had an adventurous spirit back in the late 1960s. He spent his summers hitchhiking across the country, with his old Boy Scout pack slung across his back. Ralph was able to get rides from other hippies, truck drivers, ranchers, and once a cult leader.

He slept under the stars in the Sierra Nevada mountains and woke up once to see a bear rummaging through his pack. I wasn’t around back then, but I’ve seen photos of Ralph from this time. He was almost unrecognizable. The Uncle Ralph that I knew was a clean-cut Presbyterian minister. "

"Today I would like to pay tribute to a great woman and mentor, Julia Price. Julia was born to a Missouri farm couple in 1958. Her parents, Sam and Glenda Smith, had struggled to conceive, and when Julia finally arrived to complete their family, they were delighted. They treated their daughter as a princess, and she loved them with her whole heart.

Although she didn’t want to leave home, her parents convinced her to enroll in the University of Missouri after she graduated from high school as valedictorian. There, she studied journalism and became the first female editor of the college newspaper. She loved her new-found career, and when she graduated, she received an offer from major newspapers in St. Louis and Chicago. 

She began her career covering city hall in Chicago. You know she met a lot of interesting characters from this experience—many of whom are currently serving time in prison. Regardless, she remained unintimidated by these high-profile public servants and worked hard to make sure the local population knew what was going on behind closed doors."

"It is my honor to speak today about Bill. Although I wish I were talking at his retirement party instead of his funeral , we all know that life isn’t fair sometimes. It’s not fair that Bill was taken from his wife Carol after only 27 years together. It’s not fair that Bill wasn’t able to live long enough to see his first granddaughter born next spring. And it’s not fair that our office will be without Bill’s booming voice and contagious laugh. Things won’t ever be the same.

No one worked harder than Bill. He knew every aspect of the business, which is not a surprise since he started in the warehouse when he was 23 years old. He worked his way up to warehouse supervisor, and then distribution manager, and finally, one of the vice presidents of the company." 

We hope these short eulogy samples will help you get over your writer’s block. But don’t beat yourself up if you really struggle to write a fitting tribute to your loved one or colleague. You are undertaking a difficult and important task. 

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your speech. Begin jotting down ideas as soon as you are asked. You may want to speak to others who knew the deceased to learn stories and gather ideas. 
• Write out a draft of your tribute, using as many specific examples and stories as possible. Avoid making general statements about the person’s personality without having a particular memory to share. 
• Also, remember that a funeral is not the appropriate place to share someone’s secrets. It’s not the time to make a bombshell announcement or reveal a life-long secret.  
• Finally, once you have your draft, share it with several other people. Ask for suggestions and be open-minded with their edits. 

Writing a tribute is a lot of work, but it is a great honor to be asked to speak at a loved one’s memorial service.

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Funeral Program Examples: How to Make a Funeral Program

By Farewelling Editors

The internet is now woven deeply into our society and plays a part in almost every aspect of our lives. There are of course many benefits to connecting online, but for essential life events it can be meaningful to have a piece of paper to hold in our hands--something tangible, an artifact. One example is the emotional sense of gathering that friends, colleagues and loved ones can share through a funeral program they receive when attending a funeral or memorial service.

As you are honoring the life of a loved one , a funeral program is one more way to show you care. It’s more than a piece of paper – this funeral pamphlet is a memento that many will hold on to for years to come. If family members are planning to add the program to their scrapbooks, why not make this funeral program a tribute that is as lovely and personal as possible? 

What is a Funeral/Memorial Service Program?

A funeral program (sometimes called a funeral brochure, an order of service, or pamphlet) is a printed paper or card that details the events of a funeral or memorial service. The purpose of this handout is to outline the key points of the funeral, while sometimes also featuring quotes or poems that celebrate the life being honored.

This treasured printed memorial program helps friends and family know what to expect during the service. Often, families want to provide a funeral program to help attendees participate and follow along with the outlined events.

It’s customary to hand out a program when attendees arrive or leave one on each seat, but don’t feel obligated to print a program if it doesn’t fit your preferred style of service.

How to Write a Memorable Eulogy

Funeral Program Examples

The content within a funeral program varies depending on your preferences. If you are looking for ideas, it can be helpful to review funeral program examples to brainstorm the possibilities. A sample funeral program is a simple solution to create a beautiful funeral service program without starting from scratch. Simply find an outline you love, then add the details, photos, and design layout that matches the personality of your loved one.

Sample Funeral Program 1 – Traditional Religious Service:

Here is an example of a common traditional outline used for a religious or spiritual funeral order of service. Although this example features a Christian program, a similar format can be followed in creating a funeral program for any religious tradition:

• Music Prelude
• Processional – The Jones Family
• Scripture Reading – Chloe Jones (sister)
• Prayer – Rev. Will Chambers
• Congregational Hymn – The Lord is My Shepherd, page 147
• Reading of Obituary – Peter Blackham (friend)
• Eulogy – Robin Smith (sister)
• Piano Solo – God Be with You ‘Til We Meet Again – Lorraine Kingston (aunt)
• Remarks – Kevin Jones (brother)
• Poem Reading – Steve Jones (cousin)
• Final Words – Camille Jones (sister)
• Closing – Rev. Will Chambers
• Final Viewing and Procession to Cemetery

Sample Funeral Program 2 – Non-Traditional Service:

Looking for an alternative to a formal funeral service?  Here’s an example of a non-traditional funeral program, and you can see the printed program example below:

• Title: In Loving Remembrance of Grace Wilson West, Adored Sister, Mother and Wife
• Location: May 14, Smithtown Community Park
• Welcome/Introduction – Sherry Wilson (sister)
• Reading, Peace My Heart, Rabindranath Tagore – Sophie Lennox (cousin)
• The Garden Song – Jon Brady (nephew)
• Life Tribute – Ron Wilson (brother)
• Meditation or moment of silence
• Open Mic (please limit to 2 minutes per person)
• Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks – Dani Potter (friend)
• Refreshments and Gathering to Follow the Service
• Optional: add a quote, poem or verse

How to Make a Funeral Program

Where should you start to learn how to make a funeral program? Consider a few essential points when designing a funeral program. The goal is to share the information eloquently and succinctly. This printed program isn’t a full life sketch – instead, it’s a highlight reel that summarizes the person’s life in a few short pages.

Some funeral programs are four pages long, while others are just one page, single- or double-sided. For example, for a four-page funeral service program, you can print the design layout front and back on a regular size (8 ½ X11) landscape page and fold it down the middle. The finished product will have a beautiful cover page, order of service inside, and additional information on the back page. 

Tip: we suggest using a heavier paper stock (80 lb “text” stock) or lightweight cardstock (65 lb “cover” stock, for example) to avoid text showing through from front to back.

• Cover Page: The first thing people see is the cover page, which is why the design needs to “pop” on the front. Often the cover page includes the person’s name, birth/death dates, and a photo or collage of pictures from throughout their life. Sometimes the cover page shares a program title or theme, as well as an inspirational saying or quote.
• Inside the Program: Turn the first page to open to the main part of the order of service for the funeral or memorial. The inside section contains an outline of the events in order, such as the eulogies, musical numbers, readings, and more. Also, consider listing the names of the people participating in the service.
• Back of the Program: Finally, the backside of the printed program can include any additional details relevant to the person and event. Keep reading for more specific funeral program ideas.

Funeral Program Order of Service

The funeral program order of service is simple and straightforward: share the step-by-step proceedings for the services.

Depending on the style of the event, you can follow a traditional structure for the order of service. Or, shake things up and follow this outline like a Choose Your Own Adventure story, with only the most applicable information printed in the funeral pamphlet.

Sample 1 – Traditional Service:

Here is an example of a common traditional outline used for a funeral order of service:

• Music prelude
• Welcome/introduction
• Opening and closing prayers (if desired)
• Poem or scripture readings
• Music selection – congregational hymns and musical numbers
• Obituary reading
• Acknowledgments and thank you messages

Sample 2 – Non-Traditional Service:

If you are holding an informal memorial or life celebration, then consider a few adjustments to the program:

• Welcome/Introduction
• Music selections
• Life tribute
• Open mic or informal tributes

The key is to first decide on the elements of the service, then determine the order and layout within this funeral program.

Create a Beautiful Free Memorial Website as a Tribute to Your Loved One

Funeral Program Wording and Ideas

The specific wording and ideas shared in the funeral program vary depending on the style of service you are holding and the most important information you want to communicate.

There are no hard and fast rules, which means that you have a lot of flexibility to determine the applicable information. Here are a few funeral program ideas to help you get started:

• Scriptures: For a religious service, you may choose to include relevant hymns and scriptures.
• Poems: For a non-traditional funeral program, you may choose to list a quote or funeral service poems .
• Service Information: Time, date, location, officiant, etc.
• Order of Service: The list of events that will take place.
• Participants: Names of the people participating in the service including speakers, musicians, and pallbearers.
• Musical Selections: Hymnal page numbers or lyrics for your funeral songs .
• Obituary: Consider adding a short obituary or biography of the person.
• Event Details: Share locations and times for the interment (burial) and any post-funeral reception.

Do you want to do something different? Don’t be shy… go for it! Don’t feel limited to the information on this list. You aren’t obligated to include all of these points. At the same time, you have the flexibility to add anything else you feel is important to share.

Keep in mind that the design and layout for a funeral service program and a memorial service program are largely the same. These are both events designed to celebrate the life of a loved one. If you need to design a memorial program, you can follow exactly the same steps listed above and add, edit or delete elements as you wish. 

Printing the Funeral Programs

Often, your funeral director can coordinate the printing of the funeral programs. This option is a great choice because you can take one more thing off your to-do list. Or you could ask a friend or family member to help with printing and folding.

Or, if you prefer a DIY approach, then find a local printing company to help. Make sure to ask questions about the timeline so the funeral programs are ready in time for the event.

Remember the ultimate goal in creating a personalized funeral program: to honor your loved one. Consider the person’s preferences, as well as family traditions and cultural influences to create a funeral program that is perfect for your event.

Personalizing Funeral Service Programs

There are lots of ways to make a funeral program more personal. Here are just a few inspirations to help you as you create a memorable program for a funeral or memorial.

• Color and design. Choose a program color and/or design theme (flowers, stars, trees, etc.) that feels right and matches the spirit of the event
• Tone. Use language that embodies the mood of the celebration. More or less formal, for example. If the person being honored was famous for their sense of humor, an upbeat tone or even a witty quote may be just right as an accent
• Type styles. The font, or style of type, you choose for a funeral program can communicate the feeling of the event, with more formal script styles evoking a more elegant event, and simple, minimal styles creating a modern or more low-key effect.
• Photos. Choose at least one photo to include in your program, either on the cover or within its pages. It can also be lovely to feature two photos to show the person in more than one part of life. This could mean work and family or youth and older age, for example.

Whatever type of funeral program you put together, the most important thing is to make it suit the memorial event or gathering you are hosting. Let your loved one inspire the design choices you make, and include names of family and community to make those participating feel included and important. Your program can be a source of comfort and a memento for years to come.

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How to Write a Biography of a Deceased Person

Rebecca cioffi, 29 sep 2017.

Everyone dies. It’s a simple fact of life. And when they do, many times an obituary is needed, which is just another word for biography. If you are writing one for a local newspaper or something that requires brevity, use three paragraphs. For anything else, like a eulogy or even a school paper on a dead relative, you can make it as long as you like. Just remember you are writing about someone's life and give your biography the respect that this person deserves.

Explore this article

• Begin with the background
• Include personality traits
• Was sad but so many rich things
• Fact check your article

1 Begin with the background

Begin with the background. Described who the person was as evidenced by whom he left behind, including spouses and children. You can also include details like where he worked and what he did. Include that he was a wonderful teacher or everyone loved his Santa at Christmas; it doesn't have to be a full life story, just some interesting tidbits and highlights. It doesn't have to be the Nobel Prize to be included, unless he did win the Nobel Prize.

2 Include personality traits

Include personality traits and unusual or funny characteristics. If he was extremely philanthropic or donated to one cause, mention that. Give a sense of the man here -- a sense of his personality, what he found funny or cared deeply about and why people liked him.

3 Was sad but so many rich things

End with the idea that his passing was sad but so many rich things came from his life. You can then end with some accomplishments of the deceased’s family. Remember that research is important here. Make some phone calls to his family and friends and interview them. Just a few comments from relatives can really add to the biography.

4 Fact check your article

Fact check your article thoroughly as you don't want to get any facts wrong including dates of birth and death, a list of survivors and funeral dates and times. If you are including sensitive information such as cause of death, check with the family first before publishing.

About the Author

Rebecca Cioffi worked in the entertainment industry for almost 20 years and is currently living in Phoenix, Ariz., where she is working on a book. She is also a phlebotomist.

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Sample Obituary

These sample obituary templates serve as a guide to help you get started writing an obituary for your deceased friend or loved one.  Obituaries may be written for death announcements in newspapers, or for a funeral program, prayer cards and memorial keepsakes.  The obituary documents the deceased person's life achievements and notifies the public of death.  It also gives important funeral or memorial service information. The goal of the obituary is to demonstrate respect and honor for those who have passed, while informing those who remain of his or her death. Listed below are several examples for obituary wording samples.  Below also shows the format for an obituary.  For more specific information about writing obituaries, the obituary format and other examples and obituary ideas, check out our articles " How to Write an Obituary,   Newspaper Obituaries and Death Announcements and obituary templates or Obituary Examples .  You can also check out some of our sample obituary templates .

Sample Obituary -- Former Resident

Howard hall, 85.

Former Texas resident Howard M. Hall, 85, died Dec. 23, 2005, at his home in Houston, Texas.

At his request, no service will be held.

Mr. Hall was born May. 30, 1920, in Sacramento, Calif., to Salvatore and Elle Hall. Howard could accomplish anything he set his mind to do. At a very early age, he built a wagon to push his little brother around that was too little to walk. Mr. Hall also served in the United State Air Force, during World War II as a radio operator. He spent 14 months in the South Pacific.  In 1942, Mr. Hall came to Texas with his lovely wife, Sally.

He worked several years for Amtrak and for Exxon during the oil spill as their Communications Specialist. Mr. Hall spent more than 50 years in Texas. He and his wife, Sally, built their vacation home in Galveston, Texas and enjoyed lots of wonderful winters there together. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sally; daughter, Jean Hall. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 1425, Houston, TX 98382.

Sample Obituary Format 2 -- Janet Snow, 44

Janet Snow, 44, died March 1, 2004, with her family by her side in Enumclaw, Wash.

Create an Obituary Program...It's Easy

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Sample obituary 3 -- john andres, 62, sample obituary 4 -- amy elizabeth jones, make an obituary program...it's easy.

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Funeral Biography of a father in Ghana: Samples, Examples & How to write

Funeral Biography of a father in Ghana becomes necessary when your father passes away. But the question is how do you go about writing it? In this article, we shall look at some to write a funeral biography for your father. Please, if you want to save yourself the stress of writing a tribute or…

Funeral Biography of a father in Ghana becomes necessary when your father passes away. But the question is how do you go about writing it?

In this article, we shall look at some to write a funeral biography for your father.

Please, if you want to save yourself the stress of writing a tribute or biography of any kind, you can contact me on +233504745268 (WhatsApp or Call) and I will help write one for you at a very affordable cost.

Before then, let us note some guidelines when you want to write one:

• The biography should be short. Because when it is too long, it becomes boring.
• Capture key things people should know about your father such as his academia, relationship, career, community services, his character, among others. Make sure you summarise these in other, not to make the bio too long.
• Start with a bible quotation, that’s if you are a Christian, but other religions can also use a motivational quote or any quote. We shall look at examples below

Examples of Funeral biography of a father in Ghana:

Funeral biography for a father (sample, example 1)

A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE MR. KWAME NKRUMAH (A.K.A. KWAKU NNUA)

Job 19:26-27

“And though my skin worms destroy the body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself and only eyes shall behold, and not another, though my reins be consumed within me.”

Mr. Kwame Nkrumah (alias Kwaku Nnua), was born in 1972 to the late Opanin Akwasi Anto and the Obaapanin Akosua Amoanimaa in the Prestea Town in Western Region.

Kwame Nkrumah is the ninth born of his parents.

His mom and dad did everything possible to take good care of him, and they did take care of him from an early age to the age of 5 years.

In which his dad got sick which prevented him from going to school but his mom Amoanimaa tried very hard taking care of his son Kwame Nkrumah to school even if his dad is sick but since the children were many, it came to a point where his mother’s health deteriorated. As a result of this, Kwame Nkrumah was not able to continue his education to a very good standard.

During Kwame Nkrumah’s childhood, he was known to be a good child who really takes errands from people. No matter who sends him, he will do his best to get the task done.

The people in New Aboye and its environment took a very good liking to Kwamena or Kwame Nkrumah because of how he run errands for people.

Because of this good behaviour, at the age of twelve, he met a man named Papa Karleem.

This man took him as his own child and son to live with him, the man was a good driver who took Kwame Nkrumah with the intention of teaching him how to drive in New Aboye.

During those days, they drove Trotro from New Aboye to Bogoso, Prestea and it environs.

For many years under the training of this good man, and because Kwamena was a very good and humble boy, the man didn’t leave Kwamena alone in New Aboye when he was migrating out of town to Kumasi. Instead, he took him to Kumasi to continue his training in driving.

It reached a time the man got to realize Kwamena has got to know driving, so he told Kwamena that and I quote, “My son I have seen you can drive a car now and you can also live your own life now so I leave you alone to go live your life and continue the driving”

In year after receiving blessings from his master, Kwame Nkrumah continued his driving profession in Kumasi and its environs for a while but because of life struggles he decided to relocate to a town named Buabeng in Upper Denkyira East with woman named Nana Yaa or Maame Owusuwaa to stay together to do farming.

In those times he met a lady called Afia and they fell in love. It was this woman with whom he stayed with and gave birth to two kids, during the child birth he even got blessed with twins, but because he was a driver he moved from Buabeng to continue his life in another town called Bamfere where he met another woman called sister Kwakyewaa.

Again, the driving required him to move to Accra. In doing so, he moved with Sister Kwakyewaa to Accra, it was in those times that Metro Mass was newly in town, this woman supported my father to get a driving position in Metro mass or Kuffour bus in Accra.

They had a child called Michael Nkrumah. My father went back to his hometown in Wasa Adeɜmmra and Wasa Agyapa, he tried his possible best in life at Wasa Adeɜmmra, and he went back to Kumasi where he met two ladies in his life again and had an affair with them. The name of the women are are Naomi and Ama Serwaah he had a baby with each of them called Esther Nkrumah and Benedicta Nkrumah.

Because of that Kwamena came back again with the intention of staying in his hometown at Gyapa where he had a cold store.

But because life is full of misfortunes, he has some trying times which rendered him broke.

But he didn’t give up, and because Kwame Nkrumah was someone who was a driver and was able to drive any car, there was no car my father couldn’t drive, he went back to Yamfere where he got an opportunity in mines with the name Arm’s Mining company where he was given a driving position which he took workers to and fro every time in mines.

After working at the mines for so many years, there came a time when he resigned and moved back to Kumasi.

Kwame Nkrumah is someone who drives varieties of cars except airplanes or planes that we the family did not see him driving, in the family he loved all his brothers and sisters children, he saw his sibling’s children as his kids he pampers them a lot especially if someone wants to take advantage of them or threatening them. My father was a thick, tall man who uses his strength and vigour to take care of the family especially if someone was taking advantage of them.

He Pampers and treats his family well, he pampers and love his children and was a good father to them. He was very good to his nieces and nephews too, he laughs and plays with them every time.

My father was a very hardworking man, he never feels lazy about any job as soon as hears any job opportunities he makes sure he is available to do it, although he didn’t go to school he made sure to take care of his children education or reach a level they are supposed to get.

In all my dad had five children with their names Reverend Emmanuel Owusu, Linda Owusu, Michael Nkrumah, Benedicta Nkrumah and Esther Nkrumah. This is the children my dad left behind. This is all we can say about our son Kwamena or Kwaku Nnua. Papa Kwame Nkrumah sorry sorry for misfortunes (dwie dwie ne amanehuno) God should place you in the bosom of Abraham till we meet again! Amen

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10 sample funeral program templates.

In charge of planning a funeral? You may find yourself faced with the task of coming up with the funeral program outline. The purpose of the funeral program is to let folks know of a service and to give them a general idea of what to expect at the service. Creating your own funeral program is easy to do and can be done in most text editing programs (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word). Here’s how to get started.

How to write a funeral program

Writing a funeral service program can be much easier than you’d expect, even if you’ve never written a program before. Here’s what a typical funeral service program outline would contain: - The full name of the person who passed away - Their date of birth and date of death - The date and time of the service - The order of service - A photo of the individual - A small quote or message from the family

Once you’re finished creating a funeral program, you can include it directly on your memorial website by uploading it to the Events tab. Uploading the program to your memorial website will let guests know what to expect and when, which lets them prepare for the upcoming service.

Create a memorial website

Funeral service program outline.

Funeral programs are often a single piece of paper with information on the front and the back of the program. If you’re unsure what’s included in an order of service, here is what a sample funeral program order of service looks like:

Opening Prayer Led by Pastor Upton

Acknowledgements Led by Percy Morano

Eulogy Read by Bryan Terry

Scripture Reading Read by Pastor Upton

Closing Remarks Led by Morano Family

Funeral services are typically relatively short, lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. The purpose of the funeral program outline is to let guests know the order of the service and what to expect when they attend the funeral. It also reminds people who said which remarks and gives credit where credit is due. When altering any sample funeral program wording, you can change the order of events, the type of events, and the number of events that are going to happen at the funeral service you’re designing the pamphlet for.

Funeral program samples

When you’re ready, you can choose from the following funeral service program templates. Simply copy one of these funeral program examples, fill in the blanks and print it out using a professional printing service or from your very own computer. If you’re looking for professionally made funeral programs, you can order them here .

Order of service

Remembering [Full name of decedent]

Welcoming remarks [Full name of host]

Prayer [Passage number] Read by [Name]

Eulogy Read by [Name]

Closing remarks Read by [Name]

Stay connected at our memorial website: [link]

Remembering [Name]’s life

Welcome Led by [Name]

Opening poem Read and written by [Name]

Final farewell Led by [Name]

Closing song [Title of song] [Artist name]

Our family thanks you for joining us in remembering [Name]’s life. Please share any favorite memories at the memorial website: [link]

In memory [Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

"[Quote]" - [Author's name]

Services will take place at [time] on [date] at [location].

Welcome and introductions Led by [Name]

Opening prayer Read by [Name]

Lantern release Led by [Name]

Reflections from friends and family

Closing prayers

"[Passage or prayer]"

Remembering the life of [Name]

[Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

Opening reading Read by [Name]

Eulogy & slideshow Read by [Name]

Open floor for memories and comments We invite everyone to comment or share a few words about [Name]'s life.

Closing thoughts Led by [Name]

The incredible life of [Name]

Closing thoughts

In loving memory [Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

Services [Date] - [Time] - [Location] Please join us in remembering [his/her] beautiful life.

Welcoming remarks Led by [Name]

[Title of song] Sung by [Name]

Open remarks We welcome anyone to share a brief memory or remark at this time.

Please give the memorial website we set up for [Name] a visit: [link to memorial site]

Honoring the life of [Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

[Date] - [Time] - [Location]

Poem Read by [Name]

Please keep in touch at the memorial website we set up for [Name]: [link to memorial site]

In Memoriam [Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

Service information

Welcoming prayer Led by [Name]

Hymn Led by [Name]

Passage Read by [Name]

Closing prayer Led by [Name]

Our family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please keep in touch at the memorial website we set up for [Name], here: [link to memorial site]

In Loving Memory [Full name of decedent] [Date of birth] - [Date of death]

Service information Date: [date] Time: [time] Location: [location]

Reading Read by [Name]

Thank you so much for joining our family in remembering [Name]’s life today. Please share your memories, photos, and condolences by posting to our memorial website: [link]

[Full Name] Date of birth - Date of death

[Date], [time], [location of service]

Opening song [Name of song] Sung by [Name]

"[Quote]" - [Author]

Thank you so much for joining our family in celebrating [Name]’s life today. We would love to see any and all photos you have of [Name]. Please share them by posting to our memorial website: [link]

[Full Name] Date of birth - Date of death [Favorite quote]

Please join us to celebrate the life of [name] at [location] on [date] at [time].

Order of service:

Welcome and introductions

Lantern release

Thank you so much for joining us in remembering the life of [Name], forever in our hearts.

When you’re ready to share your funeral program with friends and family, it’s a good idea to start a memorial website . Memorial websites let you post the program, share event information, collect condolences and photos, raise donations, and much more.

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Get free grief support, what to do with a deceased person’s bank account.

Closing a bank account is another task in a long list of tasks you may find yourself responsible for after losing a loved one. Handling and closing a deceased person’s bank account can help you settle the estate and prevent any fraudulent behavior from

How to Handle a Deceased Person’s Investment Accounts

When someone dies and leaves behind investment accounts, it can be confusing to know how to handle them. The good news is that most brokerage firms prepare for this situation by offering ways for someone to transfer their investment accounts to someone else when they die. The process isn’t as compli

What to Do with Insurance Policies when the Policyholder Dies

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Breaking News

Roman Gabriel, legendary Rams quarterback who shattered team records, dies at 83

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Considering that he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in one league and No. 2 in the other, the prize in a bidding war marked by intrigue and skullduggery, it took Roman Gabriel a long time to establish himself as a pro football quarterback.

Once he did, however, he went about cementing his place as one of the best of his day and a near-mythical figure in Rams ’ lore. He stands tall in the company of such former Rams quarterbacks as Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin in Los Angeles and Kurt Warner in St. Louis.

And he did stand tall. Green Bay coaching legend Vince Lombardi once described him as “a big telephone pole.” At 6 feet 5 and 235 pounds, he was one of the first of pro football’s big quarterbacks. He also was the first Filipino American to play in the National Football League. Strong of arm — he could throw the football 70 yards — he staked his claim to fame by passing in an era when many coaches relied on a grind-it-out running game and saw the downfield pass as an option of last resort.

Forever royalty in the eyes of Rams fans, Gabriel died Saturday morning at age 83 of natural causes, his son Roman Gabriel III announced on X , formerly known as Twitter .

UCLA Sports

Q&A: Before winning MVP with Rams, Roman Gabriel had to take on Bruins with N.C. State

Roman Gabriel, who holds the Rams franchise record for TD passes, remembers the two times his North Carolina State Wolfpack came to L.A. to play UCLA.

Dec. 20, 2021

Though it’s been nearly 50 years since he last played, Gabriel still holds the Rams’ records for touchdown passes, 154; passes thrown, 3,313, and victories by a starting quarterback, 74. He also ranks high among signal callers for the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he spent the last five seasons of his NFL career, after 11 with the Rams.

“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on their X account. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/NY6y6ddm1x — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 20, 2024

Coming out of North Carolina State, where he had been a two-sport star and could well have lettered in a third, Gabriel was as hot a prospect as ever came down the pike. The Oakland Raiders of the fledgling American Football League, still trying to make a name for itself, had first choice in the AFL draft and chose Gabriel. The Rams, with the second pick in the far more established NFL, chose him, too.

The Rams were offering $15,000 a year and a $5,000 signing bonus; the Raiders $12,500 with a $2,500 bonus. When it appeared that Gabriel would sign with the Rams, the Raiders turned his AFL rights over to the Dallas Texans, then owned by oil billionaire and league co-founder Lamar Hunt.

Hunt, desperately wanting Gabriel for his league, was prepared to offer him $100,000, far more than any football player was making at the time. The Rams, though, with general manager Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch handling negotiations, had spirited Gabriel off to a hotel suite in Raleigh, N.C. Somehow, Hunt learned of the subterfuge and called Gabriel at the hotel to make the offer. Gabriel was in another room when the phone rang. Hirsch picked it up and — pretending to be Gabriel — turned Hunt down, saying he was going to play for the Rams.

Gabriel, knowing nothing of the fabulous offer and Hirsch’s chicanery, signed with Los Angeles. Only later did he learn of Hunt’s offer and by then, he had another reason to be concerned.

Waterfield was coaching the Rams then and according to Gabriel, he simply did not like the young quarterback, a two-time All-American, holder of every passing record at N.C. State and an academic All-American, as well.

“He said I was too dumb to play quarterback, that I couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time,” Gabriel told the Sacramento Bee in 2007.

Gabriel has taken his share of blind-side hits

The way Roman Gabriel tells it, the same characteristics that made him a great football player -- bullheadedness, combativeness, stick-to-itiveness -- served him less favorably in his personal life.

Dec. 3, 2007

Waterfield was gone after Gabriel’s rookie season but Harland Svare, Waterfield’s successor, gave the young quarterback only limited opportunities on the field over the next three seasons.

“They had Ron Miller, then they brought in Terry Baker, who had won the Heisman Trophy,” Gabriel told the Orange County Register. “Then there was Jerry Rhome, Karl Sweetan, Zeke Bratkowski, Bill Munson. Sometimes I practiced with the tight ends and wide receivers.”

Gabriel started only 23 games in his first four seasons, the Rams winning 11, losing 11 and tying once. He did, however, direct victories in 1965 over the eventual champion Green Bay Packers and the runner-up Cleveland Browns. In that same span, the other quarterbacks started 33 games, the Rams winning four, losing 27 and tying two.

That all changed when the Rams installed George Allen as coach in 1966. With the Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome” — defensive linemen Rosey Grier, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Deacon Jones — growing dominant, Allen went with Gabriel at quarterback and Los Angeles, which hadn’t had a winning season since 1958, was suddenly a contender. The Rams finished at 8-6, then went 11-1-2 the next season, winning a division title but losing to the Packers in the playoffs.

Gabriel was honored as offensive player of the week the last two weeks of the 1967 regular season and the Rams finished as the highest scoring team in the league, with Gabriel throwing for 2,779 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, off the field, the battle between the two leagues had raged on, with the AFL trying to force a merger, and Gabriel again a focal point. So, when the Raiders came calling again in 1966, and Gabriel, making $22,500 a year and unsure of his status with the Rams, he signed with the AFL team for $400,000 and was issued a $100,000 check, which he folded and put in his wallet.

Most players in the days before mega-contracts had offseason jobs to supplement their incomes. Gabriel, Olsen and a few other teammates had a traveling basketball team that paid each $50 a game.

“I’d never had $100,000, so I put [the check] in my billfold and walked around with it for months,” he told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

When he learned of Allen’s ambitious plans for him, though, he signed again with the Rams and sent the uncashed check back to the Raiders. The Raiders responded by sending it back to Gabriel, who again returned it to the Raiders.

“You’d be surprised,” Gabriel recalled of the back-and-forth check exchange. “People still think I played for the Raiders.”

Later that year, the NFL agreed to merge with the AFL, ending the war between the leagues and ushering in the Super Bowl era. And, in Los Angeles, the Roman Gabriel era.

From 1967 to 1970, he led the Rams to a 41-14-4 record and two division titles, was twice an All-Pro and, in 1969, the league’s most valuable player and winner of the Bert Bell award as the Maxwell Football Club’s player of the year.

Allen, who had long been feuding with general manager Dan Reeves, left the Rams after the 1970 season to coach the team now known as the Washington Commanders, and Gabriel began losing playing time to knee and shoulder injuries. Suddenly, the Rams had lost their edge. When Chuck Knox came in as coach in 1973, he traded for San Diego Chargers quarterback John Hadl, sending Gabriel to the woeful Eagles.

In his first two seasons as starting quarterback, he brought the Eagles back to respectability and in 1973, was voted NFL comeback player of the year, leading the league in completions, yards passing and touchdowns.

He finished his NFL career with an 86-64-7 record, passing for more than 29,000 yards with 201 touchdowns.

Old Rams QBs Roman Gabriel, Ron Jaworski and Vince Ferragamo can’t wait to see who new Rams QB will be

The longest-tenured quarterback in Rams history is keeping a watchful eye on Thursday’s NFL draft.

April 26, 2016

It was always a bit of a mystery how Gabriel came by his athletic prowess. His father, also Roman Gabriel, was a Filipino who emigrated to Alaska, then made his way to Wilmington, N.C., where he became a waiter, then a cook for the Atlantic Coast Line railroad. His mother, Edna Mae Wyatt, was an Irish American with no athletic history. Gabriel had asthma as a child but was all-state, not only in football but basketball and baseball as well, at New Hanover High in Wilmington. The New York Yankees wanted to sign him out of high school but he opted for N.C. State, where he planned to play all three sports.

He did, indeed, play all three as a freshman and considered basketball his best sport but found that focusing on athletics was interfering with academics and, against famed Wolfpack coach Everett Case’s wishes, gave up basketball. He was a two-way player in football, a defensive back as well as quarterback, earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, and enjoyed a successful college baseball career.

He found more football fame in Los Angeles but he also found Hollywood, or rather, it found him. He went to Vietnam to entertain troops with Bob Hope, had a major supporting role in “The Undefeated,” a 1969 movie starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson, and was a prison guard in Otto Preminger’s “Skidoo.” He also had roles on TV in “Gilligan’s Island,” “Ironside” and “Wonder Woman.”

After football, he was a TV commentator for two seasons and did some coaching. He was, in fact, the last coach at Cal Poly Pomona before the school dropped football. Later in life, he concentrated on charity work, his organization building the first Ronald McDonald House in North Carolina.

Kupper is a former Times staff writer

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Mandisa, ‘American Idol’ star and Grammy-winning Christian music singer, dies at 47

April 19, 2024

Mandisa, 'American Idol' singer and Grammy winner, dies at 47

Grammy-winning singer Mandisa, who rose to fame on season five of “American Idol,”  has died, her representative said Friday. She was 47.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," her representative said in a statement to NBC News. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details.”

“We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement concluded.

She was found dead in her Nashville home, according to The Tennessean .

A post on the artist's Facebook page said early Friday: “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017.”

“Her own words say it best. I’m already home / You’ve got to lay it down / ‘cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone.”

The singer, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, shot to stardom after placing ninth on “American Idol.” She went on to win a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.”

Originally from Sacramento, California, Mandisa grew up singing in church and studied vocal performance at American River College, and continued her studies at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, according to her record label artist bio . After college, she worked as a session and backup vocalists for artists including Shania Twain and Trisha Yearwood before going on "American Idol."

In 2017, the singer told “Good Morning America” that she fell into a deep depression in 2014 and almost took her own life following the death of her close friend, Lakisha Mitchell , who had breast cancer. 

“It got pretty bad — to the point where if I had not gotten off that road I would not be sitting here today,” Mandisa said. “I was this close to listening to that voice that told me, ‘You can be with Jesus right now, Mandisa. All you have to do is take your life.’"

“It almost happened. But God is what I say. He saved my life quite literally,” she added. 

She revealed that in her dark state, she resorted to emotional eating and isolation. 

“(Emotional eating) is what I have done my entire life,” she explained. “After losing over 120 pounds, which I talked about my first time here, I gained it all back and 75 more. I sunk into the deepest depression of my life after Kisha died.”

She said her friends ultimately intervened and she got help.

Mandisa had released six studio albums, the last being 2017’s “Out of the Dark.” 

Tributes poured in following news of Mandisa’s passing.

“Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart,” Christian radio station K-LOVE Chief Media Officer David Pierce shared.

“Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over, she is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us,” he added. 

“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts wrote on X : “My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on ⁦ @GMA ⁩ following my long medical leave. Her beautiful music & spirit lifted me and countless others.”

Singer Matthew West , who recorded the 2007 duet “Christmas Makes Me Cry” with Mandisa, said: “I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Breaking News Reporter

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Sample biography for funeral program

Sample biography for funeral program.

Losing a loved one is never easy. It can be a difficult and emotional time for family and friends. However, creating a funeral program can help to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. A funeral program typically includes a biography of the deceased. In this article, we will provide a sample biography for a funeral program.

Introduction

The introduction should include the full name of the deceased, the date of birth and the date of passing. It is also appropriate to include the city and state where the deceased lived.

Full Name of the Deceased

Date of birth – date of passing, city, state of residence.

The early life section should provide background information on the deceased. This might include where they were born, their parents’ names, and any siblings. It is also appropriate to include any childhood interests or hobbies.

Parents’ Names

Childhood interests/hobbies.

The education section should include information on the deceased’s academic achievements. This might include high school and college degrees, as well as any special honors or awards.

High School

College degrees, special honors/awards, professional life.

The professional life section should provide information on the deceased’s career. This might include their job title, the company they worked for, and any major accomplishments or awards.

Company Name

Major accomplishments/awards, personal life.

The personal life section should include information on the deceased’s family, interests, and hobbies. This might include their marital status, children, and any community involvement.

Marital Status

Community involvement, interests/hobbies.

In conclusion, the biography should end with a brief summary of the deceased’s life. This might include their legacy or impact on the community.

Brief Summary of Life

Legacy/impact on community, why use funeralpamphlet.com.

FuneralPamphlet.com is an online service that helps individuals create professional-looking funeral programs. With a wide range of templates and customization options, FuneralPamphlet.com makes it easy to create a beautiful tribute to your loved one. Plus, with its user-friendly design, anyone can use FuneralPamphlet.com, regardless of their tech proficiency. So, if you’re looking to create a memorable funeral program, try FuneralPamphlet.com today.

Primary in Pennsylvania is here: A 2024 election guide from ballot issues to House races

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have essentially clinched their party’s 2024 nominations for the White House. But Pennsylvania voters on Tuesday will cast their ballots in a slew of contentious and potentially decisive congressional and state races that are still sure to make waves as the campaign chugs toward November.

The primary results in this pivotal swing state are certain to reveal insights about the major issues shaping the general election, namely on abortion and the Israel-Hamas war.

All 17 members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation are running for re-election in 2024 and three of those incumbents are facing serious primary challengers. Several others are also watching to see who their opponent will be in the fall. And, in some cases, the outcome of Tuesday’s races could determine which way those seats swing on Election Day. 

While it's a far-flung possibility, which party has a majority in Pennsylvania's congressional delegation also could have major implications on the presidential race. If the 2024 White House election is contested or tied, each state’s congressional delegation will have a single vote in deciding the winner. Currently, Democrats have a 9-8 advantage — meaning one general election race in November could make all the difference.  

At the state level, Democrats are hoping to hold on to their majority in the state House and take control of the state Senate. Republicans currently hold a 28-22 majority in the Senate, and Democrats are hoping to flip at least three seats to make it 25-25, giving them the majority via a tie-breaking vote from Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Austin Davis.  

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Five Democrats and two Republicans are also battling for the open state attorney general position, once held by Democratic Gov.  Josh Shapiro . Michelle Henry, who is completing the remainder of Shapiro’s term since he was elected governor in 2022, is not running for the position.   

Candidates across these races are running on some of the biggest issues facing the country — from abortion to the war in Gaza to election integrity. And the candidates whom Democratic and Republican voters pick on Tuesday could give larger insights about their views on topics that appear central to this fall's general election.  

Here's a look at what to expect in Tuesday's primary. 

Abortion at play in Pennsylvania races  

Abortion has roiled down-ballot races across the country, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Reproductive rights have been a major topic in the attorney general’s race and in the Republican primary for the 1 st Congressional District.  

All five Democratic candidates for attorney general have committed to protecting the right to abortion and access to FDA-approved medications such as mifepristone . Meanwhile, the Republican candidates have said that they do not believe the state constitution guarantees the right to an abortion. As attorney general, both would leave the issue for the state legislature to decide. 

In Pennsylvania’s 1 st Congressional District, longtime Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is being challenged on his right flank by a candidate who believes abortions should be banned in nearly all circumstances — including in cases of rape and incest.  

Mark Houck, Fitzpatrick’s opponent, was acquitted of criminal charges stemming from an altercation at an abortion clinic.  The incident reportedly inspired him to run for public office. A devout Catholic, Houck co-founded the men's religious group The King's Men. He's worked as an author, motivational speaker and human resources manager.

Fitzpatrick is a moderate Republican. He is one of a handful of Republican representatives serving in districts that Biden won in 2020.  

The primary race could demonstrate just how important the issue of abortion is for the Republican Party’s base.  

Pennsylvania Democrats clash on Israel-Hamas war  

In Pennsylvania’s 12 th District, which includes Pittsburgh and some of its suburbs, first-term progressive Rep. Summer Lee, is facing a primary challenge over her opposition to the Israel-Hamas war. Bhavini Patel, a more moderate Democratic congressional candidate has tried to closely align herself with President Joe Biden. 

Lee, who is affiliated with the “squad,” was among the early advocates in Congress calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She has been an outspoken opponent of providing U.S. military aid to Israel. 

Patel is a 29-year-old municipal council member who also describes herself as a progressive. She has framed the incumbent's criticism of Israel as detrimental to Biden’s re-election efforts and unrepresentative of a district that is home to a large Jewish community. 

The election on Tuesday could reveal just how salient the issue of the war is for Democratic voters — particularly in swing areas of the country. It may also forecast how other progressives facing similar challenges from moderate Democrats could fair in their races.  

What are the key Pennsylvania House races to watch? 

There are several other high-profile House primary races to watch in Pennsylvania.  

Six Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge GOP Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Harrisburg and Hershey.  

Perry was a former chair of the Freedom Caucus, one of the most conservative factions of the Republican Party, with members including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Perry was also a key figure in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

While the area leans Republican, Democrats say they can win over independents and moderate conservatives in the area with a message centered around protecting democracy. They plan to tie Perry to Trump and conservative extremism.  

Out of the six Democratic candidates running to unseat Perry, news anchor Janelle Stelson and former "Top Gun" fighter pilot Mike O’Brien appear to have the best shot. The other candidates include Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, progressive businessman John Broadhurst and former radio executive Black Lynch.  

To the northeast of Harrisburg, in the Lehigh Valley, three Republicans are competing to take on Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Her seat, in Pennsylvania’s 7th District, is a top target for Republicans in November.  

Wild barely eked out a victory against her Republican opponent, Lisa Scheller, in 2022. She won 51-49.  

Pennsylvania’s state legislature hangs in the balance  

If Pennsylvania Democrats hold their narrow majority in the state House and win the state Senate in November, it would give Gov. Shapiro enormous power to pass his agenda in the last two years of his term.  

It would also mark the first time in three decades that the party controlled the state Senate; Tuesday’s elections could determine whether that’s possible.  

Because the local districts tend to lean Democratic or Republican, the results of the primary elections can have a large sway on the race.  

Democrats currently hold a two-seat majority in the state House, and Republicans hold a five-seat majority in the state Senate.