Memorial Business Journal

Trenton, N.J. – It is interesting to observe if and how funerals and memorial services held for well-known individuals reflect the times or whether they’re a nod to tradition or something different altogether.

When word began to spread about the death of Clarence Clemons, a music icon who was more than just the saxophone player – he was a pillar of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, many gravitated to the music as well as to places associated with the “Big Man.”

Fans flocked to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J., on Sunday, Father’s Day, to be part of a spontaneous memorial. Flowers, candles and photos were placed along outside walls of the club, and messages were written on the sidewalk around the entrance. The marquis read: “God bless Clarence Clemons.” Dozens of people left their cars running at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Second Avenue to take pictures of what was happening. Inside the darkened club, photos and flowers occupied the stage and were shown under the club’s bright spotlight as visitors walked past and paused to reflect and then take a picture. Many choked back tears while the music of Bruce Springsteen that featured Clemons’ sax played over the club’s sound system.

Two days later, a private memorial for Clemons was held at Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, Florida. About 150 people attended the by-invitation-only service. The printed program for the memorial featured a photo of a laughing Clemons on the front cover with the words:

Celebration of Life

Clarence “Big Man” Clemons

January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Inside the small but crowded chapel, a large picture of Clemons was placed under the cross at the altar. Other photos and a saxophone were positioned in front. A small performing area was set up to the side where Springsteen and the surviving members of the E Street Band, along with singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, whose duet on “You’re a Friend of Mine” was Clemons’ biggest solo hit, would offer musical tributes. The chapel’s organist performed “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace,” which featured a saxophone solo by Clemons’ nephew, Jeff.

Today, here in the state of New Jersey, flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Clemons. Said Gov. Chris Christie: “His partnership with Bruce Springsteen and the rest of the E Street Band brought a great deal of pride to our state and joy to every fan of this music around the world.”

According to the Palm Beach Daily News, a private reception in the chapel’s fellowship hall followed the service. The newspaper also reported Clemons’ last wish. “As last wishes go, Clarence Clemons’ was a doozy,” the paper said. Clemons’ last wish, reportedly, was to have his fifth wife, Victoria, scatter his cremated remains in a spot held dear by the Big Man in Hawaii and to do so with all of the special women in his life in attendance, including his previous wives. The request might be a “doozy,” but it is who he was.