AKRON — Since 1969, Craig Flury has stumped people.

“You probably wouldn't guess what I do for a living,” Flury said. “Well, it's kind of dead.”

He's the funeral director and the embalmer at a Jewish funeral home called Gordon Flury Memorial Home in Akron.

"It's very different dealing with death. But, I love what I do," Flury said.

This Jewish funeral home director and embalmer also has a hobby: He moonlights as Santa Claus.

What You Need To Know

  • Craig Flury started in the funeral director business in 1969

  • He loves helping people, whether it's remember a loved one or spreading the Christmas spirit

  • Flury said he enjoys creating memories in his role as Santa Claus

 

"This is the best gig ever," Flury said.

This year is his first as Santa.

He's met with kids virtually and dropped off presents to families.

It also serves as a good memory for him and the children he talks to.

"That's what I do," Flury said.

If you think about it, his two roles as undertaker and Santa, aren't that different.

"You have so many years of that person where you had fantastic memories," Flury said. "That's what I create with Santa Claus, memories."