What term is commonly used for a formal ceremony surrounding the dead?

The term that is commonly used for a formal ceremony surrounding the dead is "funeral." A funeral specifically refers to the organized ceremony that honors the deceased, typically involving certain customs, rituals, and practices that vary based on cultural, religious, and personal preferences. Funerals often include a service, visitation, burial or cremation, and may involve elements such as speeches, prayers, and music, all aimed at paying tribute to the life of the person who has passed away and providing closure for the bereaved.

While "memorial" is related and often refers to a service held in honor of the deceased without the body present, and "ritual" can encompass a broader category of prescribed actions or ceremonies, the formal aspect specific to funerals is what sets this term apart as the most accurate answer in this context. "Ceremony" is a more general term that can apply to various formal events and does not exclusively pertain to the dead, making it less precise than "funeral."