When my late uncle passed away they only played 2 songs at his service, the first one I can't remember, but the second one only had to hit the opening bars and it had me in tears. It's not an overly sad song, but is a song that always did, and always will, remind me of him, of summer holidays with him and my aunty.
http://www.youtube.com/v/t0aT0GXW8jw&rel=1So I would like something similar for mine, of which I would suggest the following:
Start Wearing Purple - Gogol Bordello
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
JC - Powderfinger
For the wake:
Hard to Feel - Terrorvision
Stay Forever -Ween (one there for Mrs T)
Veronika - Billy Talent
For the bit when you are all pissed (as per OP):
Only The Good Die Young - billy Joel (and I hope you appreciate the irony)
I Was Born In a Small Town - Bruce Springsteen
Small Town - JCM
The Big Daddy Of Them All - JCM
Jackie Brown - JCM