Victor Sweeney is a mortician at DuBore Funeral home in Warren. He hosts a podcast “Death And” and is the author of a recently published book. He’s also a viral internet sensation with YouTube videos. He’s been interviewed on MPR and national news sources.

His book Now Departing: A Small-Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between was recently released. In this unique and thoughtful collection, a young funeral director — also known as “the internet’s favorite mortician” (CNBC) —explores various aspects of death, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how we determine what matters most while we are alive. Now Departing examines the science, craft, and mindfulness behind Victor M. Sweeney’s very peculiar skill set. Working in the funeral business since he was eighteen years old, Sweeney astutely shares the powerful and moving lessons of how we can exist and be remembered with intention and meaning.

Each page of his book is filled with reflective observations and true stories from the lives and deaths that Sweeney has come to know through his work in Warren. He also reviews the rituals around preparing and saying goodbye to those we mourn; the love and forgiveness that arises in the face of grief; the universal interplay of walking between the chasm of the mundanity of a required business practice that touches on humanity’s deepest metaphysical realities; and ultimately, how loss gives us the opportunity to focus on and celebrate the elements we have gained.

During this interview, Victor talks about his journey, philosophies, practical information, and much more. You don’t want to miss this thought-provoking and interesting conversation.