A.J. Spears Funeral Home

A.J. Spears Funeral Home, located at 124 Western Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of the Riverside neighborhood since its founding in 1964. Established by Andrew J. Spears and his wife Artis B. Spears, this family-owned and operated funeral home has provided compassionate and personalized funeral services to the Cambridge community for over six decades. The funeral home is currently run by their son, Anthony "Tony" J. Spears, who has served as funeral director for nearly 40 years, alongside his 93-year-old mother, Artis. Together, they have upheld a tradition of dignified care and respect for families during their most difficult times.

A.J. Spears Funeral Home offers a range of services including burial and cremation options, as well as financial assistance to help families manage the costs of end-of-life arrangements. The facility is wheelchair accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that all community members can receive care in a comfortable environment. The funeral home also features a chapel section added in 1984, built by Tony Spears' grandfather, and the original building dates back to 1833, though the Spears family emphasizes that the true historical significance lies in the people and the service they have provided, not the structure itself.

Under the leadership of the Spears family, the funeral home has served generations of families in Cambridge and beyond. Tony Spears has noted that the business has been busy, but the demands of the job, combined with his own health issues and his mother's aging, have led to a difficult decision to close the location in 2026. The family is in the process of selling the property to developer DND Homes, which plans to build 50 to 60 housing units, including affordable housing, under Cambridge's new zoning regulations. Despite the planned closure, Tony Spears intends to partner with another local funeral home to continue serving families in the area.

A.J. Spears Funeral Home's legacy is one of dedication, community service, and family values. For over 62 years, the Spears family has provided a vital service to the Cambridge community, offering comfort and professionalism in times of grief. Their impact is remembered not through brick and mortar, but through the countless lives they have touched.