The OCME does not issue death certificates. Funeral directors handle cases that come through our office once our examination is over.The law clearly permits persons to care for their own dead. The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has provided written guidelines. You will fill out an Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains form and sign it in the presence of at least two witnesses over the age of 18. An overview of Massachusetts' coroner and medical examiner laws. Deposits standing in the individual name of a deceased depositor of a bank or federally chartered bank shall be paid to the individual's legal representative. You will need a copy of your loved one's discharge papers. In most cases these can be obtained from Massachusetts War Records, 617-727-2964. The cemetery staff can provide families and funeral directors with names and telephone numbers of clergy, bagpipers and buglers in the area.