This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023.

Host and museum president/CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez is joined by museum chairman Robert M. Boetticher, Sr. They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their unique relationship with him.

Read Mr. Waltrip's obituary HERE.

To learn more about the National Museum of Funeral History, please visit NMFH.org. 

This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023.
Host and museum president/CEO <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/board-of-directors/genevieve-g-keeney/">Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez</a> is joined by museum chairman <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/board-of-directors/robert-m-boetticher-sr/">Robert M. Boetticher, Sr</a>. They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their unique relationship with him.
Read Mr. Waltrip's obituary <a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/houston-tx/robert-waltrip-11177498">HERE</a>.
To learn more about the National Museum of Funeral History, please visit <a href="https://www.nmfh.org">NMFH.org</a>.

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.

This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.

Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.
This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.
Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at <a href="http://www.nmfh.org">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The Final Curtain Never Closes

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.

This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.

Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at www.nmfh.org. 

And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

The National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage.
This series is part of the museum's larger mission to build and maintain a love of history and enriched understanding of our industry.
Virtual tours are available 24/7, but we'd love to see you in person. Plan your visit at <a href="http://www.nmfh.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nmfh.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1674242839098000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1eUszxGGKNoJjKnYiXLWw6">www.nmfh.org</a>. 
And remember, any day above ground is a good one!

A Tribute to NMFH Founder Robert L. Waltrip

Honnalora Hubbard, regional manager for Cold Spring's Southeastern Division, joins the show to introduce National Cremation Placement Day, a new nationwide initiative launching October 17, 2026, the inaugural year and the 150th anniversary of cremation in the United States.

Cold Spring, a 127 year old family owned company behind granite work at the Vietnam Wall, the World War II Memorial, and the 9/11 site in New York, created this turnkey program to help families finally lay cremated remains to rest.

The conversation covers what to do with inherited urns, how to find a participating cemetery, the emotional weight of abandoned cremated remains, and personal stories from both Honnalora and museum director Genevieve about keeping loved ones close before choosing a permanent place for them.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Five Key Takeaways

1. National Cremation Placement Day falls on the third Saturday of October every year, with the inaugural event set for October 17, 2026, timed to the 150th anniversary of cremation in the United States.

2. An estimated 25 million urns remain in homes across the country, meaning anyone holding onto a loved one's ashes is part of a very common experience, not an isolated one.

3. Families can find participating cemeteries through mycoldspringusa.com or by searching Cold Spring and National Cremation Placement Day, and locations can be sorted by state.

4. Permanent placement does not mean permanent loss of flexibility. An urn placed in a niche can later be moved if a family relocates, so comfort now and flexibility later are not mutually exclusive.

5. Abandoned cremated remains are a real and painful issue in the funeral profession, often happening because families were never educated that cremation requires a second decision about final placement.

Honnalora Hubbard, regional manager for Cold Spring's Southeastern Division, joins the show to introduce National Cremation Placement Day, a new nationwide initiative launching October 17, 2026, the inaugural year and the 150th anniversary of cremation in the United States.
Cold Spring, a 127 year old family owned company behind granite work at the Vietnam Wall, the World War II Memorial, and the 9/11 site in New York, created this turnkey program to help families finally lay cremated remains to rest.
The conversation covers what to do with inherited urns, how to find a participating cemetery, the emotional weight of abandoned cremated remains, and personal stories from both Honnalora and museum director Genevieve about keeping loved ones close before choosing a permanent place for them.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Five Key Takeaways
1. National Cremation Placement Day falls on the third Saturday of October every year, with the inaugural event set for October 17, 2026, timed to the 150th anniversary of cremation in the United States.
2. An estimated 25 million urns remain in homes across the country, meaning anyone holding onto a loved one's ashes is part of a very common experience, not an isolated one.
3. Families can find participating cemeteries through mycoldspringusa.com or by searching Cold Spring and National Cremation Placement Day, and locations can be sorted by state.
4. Permanent placement does not mean permanent loss of flexibility. An urn placed in a niche can later be moved if a family relocates, so comfort now and flexibility later are not mutually exclusive.
5. Abandoned cremated remains are a real and painful issue in the funeral profession, often happening because families were never educated that cremation requires a second decision about final placement.

25 Million Urns Are Sitting in Closets: Why National Cremation Placement Day Exists

Genevieve speaks with funeral director and author Jay Jacobson about the United Flight 232 disaster, the birth of organized disaster mortuary response, and how crisis, caregiving, and changing technology shaped his leadership philosophy and his book Lead by Legendary Example.

Order Jay's book Lead by Legendary Example (https://a.co/d/01v6wSYw)

Learn more about Jay Jacobson (https://www.jacobsonprostaff.com/)

Key Takeaways

1. Jay’s experience responding to the 1989 United Flight 232 crash as a young funeral director shaped his understanding of crisis leadership and collaboration.

2. Volunteer funeral directors, equipment, and improvised systems in Iowa helped lay groundwork for today’s federal DMORT disaster mortuary teams.

3. He explains how pre‑9/11 airline practices complicated victim identification and demanded extensive forensic and documentation work.

4. Jay’s book grew out of documenting his wife’s prolonged medical crisis, then widened into a story‑driven leadership guide rooted in funeral service.

5. He argues that phones and technology have weakened basic people skills and that future leaders will stand out through presence, empathy, and communication, not just knowledge.

Genevieve speaks with funeral director and author Jay Jacobson about the United Flight 232 disaster, the birth of organized disaster mortuary response, and how crisis, caregiving, and changing technology shaped his leadership philosophy and his book Lead by Legendary Example.
Order Jay's book Lead by Legendary Example (<a href="https://a.co/d/01v6wSYw)">https://a.co/d/01v6wSYw)</a>
Learn more about Jay Jacobson (<a href="https://www.jacobsonprostaff.com/">https://www.jacobsonprostaff.com/</a>)
Key Takeaways
1. Jay&rsquo;s experience responding to the 1989 United Flight 232 crash as a young funeral director shaped his understanding of crisis leadership and collaboration.
2. Volunteer funeral directors, equipment, and improvised systems in Iowa helped lay groundwork for today&rsquo;s federal DMORT disaster mortuary teams.
3. He explains how pre‑9/11 airline practices complicated victim identification and demanded extensive forensic and documentation work.
4. Jay&rsquo;s book grew out of documenting his wife&rsquo;s prolonged medical crisis, then widened into a story‑driven leadership guide rooted in funeral service.
5. He argues that phones and technology have weakened basic people skills and that future leaders will stand out through presence, empathy, and communication, not just knowledge.

A Funeral Director’s Lessons from an Airplane Crash

Genevieve welcomes Tony Esposito, a New York native whose 1979 Camaro serves as a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Tony shares his experiences working at the World Trade Center, the personal connections that continue to shape his remembrance of that day, and why educating younger generations matters.

Together, Genevieve and Tony reflect on the World Trade Center’s place in New York and the world, the attacks of 1993 and 2001, the sacrifices of first responders, and the enduring impact of 9/11 on families and communities. Genevieve also shares the story behind the National Museum of Funeral History’s United We Stand commemorative exhibit, including memorial books, children’s artwork, and tributes created in the wake of the attacks.

This episode honors those who were lost, those who answered the call to serve, and the responsibility to carry their stories forward.

Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Tony Esposito’s 1979 Camaro is a personal 9/11 tribute that creates opportunities for remembrance, conversation, and education at car shows throughout the Houston area.

2. Tony worked at the World Trade Center from 1979 to 1993 and recalls its role as a center of business, transportation, culture, and daily life in New York City.

3. Genevieve shares the history of the museum’s United We Stand exhibit, which includes memorial books signed across the United States and Canada after the attacks.

4. Personal artifacts, children’s cards, recorded farewell messages, and stories from survivors help preserve the human impact of 9/11.

5. The episode recognizes the courage of firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, military members, and civilians who responded during and after the attacks.

Timestamped Overview

0:00 Genevieve and Tony settle in with a few lighthearted outtakes before the conversation begins.

0:13 Genevieve introduces Tony Esposito and recalls meeting him at a car show, where his 9/11 tribute Camaro immediately captured her attention.

1:17 Tony explains that his 1979 Camaro honors the victims of 9/11 and shares why he is committed to keeping their memory alive.

2:16 Genevieve and Tony discuss the importance of teaching younger generations about 9/11 and the lasting impact of the attacks.

3:10 Tony shares a moving story about a firefighter who recognized herself in a 9/11 book displayed in his car.

4:30 Tony reflects on growing up in New York, working at the World Trade Center, and the daily energy of the city.

6:20 Genevieve and Tony discuss the World Trade Center as an iconic part of New York’s skyline, culture, transportation, and financial district.

8:05 The conversation pauses briefly while Tony rests his voice.

8:11 Tony explains why the World Trade Center represented far more than two buildings, describing the surrounding history of Wall Street, Trinity Church, restaurants, transit, and global finance.

10:16 Tony and Genevieve discuss the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the events that preceded the September 11 attacks.

12:10 They reflect on the attack’s intended impact, the vulnerabilities it exposed, and the devastating human cost for families who lost loved ones.

14:56 Genevieve discusses changes in security after 9/11, including her husband’s experience in pilot training and increased security measures at aviation facilities.

16:10 Tony and Genevieve consider airport security, evolving technology, and the balance between convenience and public safety.

18:40 Tony recalls learning about the attacks while getting ready for work in New Jersey and initially believing a small plane had struck the World Trade Center.

19:45 Tony shares the close call that kept his wife from being at the World Trade Center during the attacks, while Genevieve reflects on the fear and uncertainty families experienced that day.

22:00 Genevieve shares her experience serving in Germany on September 11 and recalls the immediate military lockdown that followed the attacks.

24:30 The conversation turns to the importance of history, remembrance, and honoring the people whose lives were lost.

26:14 Tony reflects on grief, anniversaries, photographs, and the lasting memories of friends lost in the attacks.

27:06 Genevieve explains how the museum discovered boxes of 9/11 memorial books, signed by people across the United States and Canada.

29:00 She shares how children’s cards, drawings, and messages found inside the books revealed the nationwide outpouring of grief.

30:20 Genevieve describes researching the attacks for the museum’s United We Stand exhibit and the emotional weight of listening to farewell messages left by victims.

31:53 Genevieve recounts researching a memorial book for a father and two sons who died together on one of the planes.

33:45 Tony and Genevieve honor first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMS providers who ran toward danger to help others.

35:15 They share stories of bravery, including a firefighter who returned from Brooklyn to Manhattan on foot to respond to the attacks.

36:38 Tony and Genevieve reflect on visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the reflecting pools, and the emotional experience of seeing the names of those who died.

38:10 The conversation highlights the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the ways its work supports veterans, first responders, and their families.

39:00 Tony discusses the car shows and fundraising events connected to his 9/11 tribute vehicle.

39:48 Genevieve invites listeners to see Tony’s Camaro at the National Museum of Funeral History’s annual Halloween car show.

41:20 Tony introduces his hearse-based pest-control business, The Bug Reapers, and Genevieve previews a future episode about his distinctive business vehicle.

42:00 Genevieve and Tony close with a shared commitment to never forget the lives lost on 9/11 and the unity that followed.

Genevieve welcomes Tony Esposito, a New York native whose 1979 Camaro serves as a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Tony shares his experiences working at the World Trade Center, the personal connections that continue to shape his remembrance of that day, and why educating younger generations matters.
Together, Genevieve and Tony reflect on the World Trade Center&rsquo;s place in New York and the world, the attacks of 1993 and 2001, the sacrifices of first responders, and the enduring impact of 9/11 on families and communities. Genevieve also shares the story behind the National Museum of Funeral History&rsquo;s United We Stand commemorative exhibit, including memorial books, children&rsquo;s artwork, and tributes created in the wake of the attacks.
This episode honors those who were lost, those who answered the call to serve, and the responsibility to carry their stories forward.
Plan your visit to the museum today at <a href="https://nmfh.org">nmfh.org</a> and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history.
Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-final-curtain-never-closes/id1664936967">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8VZuVdq5UQtnrY2b1IJS?si=b1c6ae4a9c744e0a">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your <a href="https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/">podcasts</a>.
Key Takeaways
1. Tony Esposito&rsquo;s 1979 Camaro is a personal 9/11 tribute that creates opportunities for remembrance, conversation, and education at car shows throughout the Houston area.
2. Tony worked at the World Trade Center from 1979 to 1993 and recalls its role as a center of business, transportation, culture, and daily life in New York City.
3. Genevieve shares the history of the museum&rsquo;s United We Stand exhibit, which includes memorial books signed across the United States and Canada after the attacks.
4. Personal artifacts, children&rsquo;s cards, recorded farewell messages, and stories from survivors help preserve the human impact of 9/11.
5. The episode recognizes the courage of firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, military members, and civilians who responded during and after the attacks.
Timestamped Overview
0:00 Genevieve and Tony settle in with a few lighthearted outtakes before the conversation begins.
0:13 Genevieve introduces Tony Esposito and recalls meeting him at a car show, where his 9/11 tribute Camaro immediately captured her attention.
1:17 Tony explains that his 1979 Camaro honors the victims of 9/11 and shares why he is committed to keeping their memory alive.
2:16 Genevieve and Tony discuss the importance of teaching younger generations about 9/11 and the lasting impact of the attacks.
3:10 Tony shares a moving story about a firefighter who recognized herself in a 9/11 book displayed in his car.
4:30 Tony reflects on growing up in New York, working at the World Trade Center, and the daily energy of the city.
6:20 Genevieve and Tony discuss the World Trade Center as an iconic part of New York&rsquo;s skyline, culture, transportation, and financial district.
8:05 The conversation pauses briefly while Tony rests his voice.
8:11 Tony explains why the World Trade Center represented far more than two buildings, describing the surrounding history of Wall Street, Trinity Church, restaurants, transit, and global finance.
10:16 Tony and Genevieve discuss the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the events that preceded the September 11 attacks.
12:10 They reflect on the attack&rsquo;s intended impact, the vulnerabilities it exposed, and the devastating human cost for families who lost loved ones.
14:56 Genevieve discusses changes in security after 9/11, including her husband&rsquo;s experience in pilot training and increased security measures at aviation facilities.
16:10 Tony and Genevieve consider airport security, evolving technology, and the balance between convenience and public safety.
18:40 Tony recalls learning about the attacks while getting ready for work in New Jersey and initially believing a small plane had struck the World Trade Center.
19:45 Tony shares the close call that kept his wife from being at the World Trade Center during the attacks, while Genevieve reflects on the fear and uncertainty families experienced that day.
22:00 Genevieve shares her experience serving in Germany on September 11 and recalls the immediate military lockdown that followed the attacks.
24:30 The conversation turns to the importance of history, remembrance, and honoring the people whose lives were lost.
26:14 Tony reflects on grief, anniversaries, photographs, and the lasting memories of friends lost in the attacks.
27:06 Genevieve explains how the museum discovered boxes of 9/11 memorial books, signed by people across the United States and Canada.
29:00 She shares how children&rsquo;s cards, drawings, and messages found inside the books revealed the nationwide outpouring of grief.
30:20 Genevieve describes researching the attacks for the museum&rsquo;s United We Stand exhibit and the emotional weight of listening to farewell messages left by victims.
31:53 Genevieve recounts researching a memorial book for a father and two sons who died together on one of the planes.
33:45 Tony and Genevieve honor first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMS providers who ran toward danger to help others.
35:15 They share stories of bravery, including a firefighter who returned from Brooklyn to Manhattan on foot to respond to the attacks.
36:38 Tony and Genevieve reflect on visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the reflecting pools, and the emotional experience of seeing the names of those who died.
38:10 The conversation highlights the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the ways its work supports veterans, first responders, and their families.
39:00 Tony discusses the car shows and fundraising events connected to his 9/11 tribute vehicle.
39:48 Genevieve invites listeners to see Tony&rsquo;s Camaro at the National Museum of Funeral History&rsquo;s annual Halloween car show.
41:20 Tony introduces his hearse-based pest-control business, The Bug Reapers, and Genevieve previews a future episode about his distinctive business vehicle.
42:00 Genevieve and Tony close with a shared commitment to never forget the lives lost on 9/11 and the unity that followed.

A Tribute to NMFH Founder Robert L. Waltrip

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