Cremation by Water

Philip Flores Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Cremation by Water Group, which consists of two divisions: one serving people and one serving pets. Through its hydrolysis care center in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the organization serves families directly as well as in partnership with funeral homes and veterinary professionals. The philosophy extends across all of life: helping families understand their choices, plan thoughtfully, and create a goodbye that reflects the life and relationships that mattered.

Philip’s path to death care began with service. A retired U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, he later became a Trustee of the Wheeling Township Arlington Heights Cemetery and today also serves the Village of Arlington Heights as an Environmental Commissioner. And if you enjoy a good story, ask Philip about his role during 9/11.

Philip is actively involved in advancing education and professional standards throughout death care. He speaks at national conferences for the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA). His association work also includes educating and certifying operators through accredited courses and participating in the accreditation of facilities around the world as one of a small group entrusted with that responsibility.

His commitment to service extends beyond the death-care profession. Philip serves in leadership roles with the Illinois Continuity of Care (COC) and the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), connecting his work with professionals supporting older adults, healthcare, senior living, aging in place, and families navigating important life transitions.

Philip also speaks with community organizations, senior living communities, healthcare professionals, and families about end-of-life planning, costs, disposition choices, memorialization, and the growing number of options available today. His goal is straightforward: give people practical information before they need it, so decisions can be made thoughtfully rather than during a crisis.

His philosophy is simple: How we live matters. How we say goodbye matters. How we leave matters.

And the phrase that best captures his approach: “Doing Death Differently.”