About O’Dwyer Funeral Directors
Flexible Open Honest
We are a small family owned, Award Winning and dedicated team of funeral professionals who understand that a funeral is an emotional and special event that can never be repeated.
We are pleased to be able to provide a wide range of services to suit each personal taste and budget, from simple and elegant to elaborate and unique or natural and eco-conscious. We cater for all denominations, faiths and religions, as well as non-religious, celebrant-led and humanist ceremonies.
Why I Started O’Dwyer Funeral Directors
“In 2016, having spent many years working for a larger funeral director business locally, I decided that it was time to set up on my own. There had been a number of things that I hadn’t felt happy with, working for a large company, and decided to throw everything I had into doing it the way that I felt was right.
I recognise that funerals can be expensive and many people struggle with the cost, that is why as part of the ‘Fair Funeral Pledge’ it’s only fair that you know the costs that await you and the options you have. I consider my fees to be the lowest locally to help people to have the funeral that they not only want but can also afford.
I have equipped the premises with a state of the art mortuary facility and also acquired a beautiful fleet of recent Wilcox and Italian Pilato Cars. We also have a fleet of Mercedes and Ford that we use as Private Ambulances, with purpose built decks to ensure the safe transportation of your loved one back to my premises in Ealing.
We am keen to ensure that everybody feels comfortable walking in through my front door – there are no blinds or curtains concealing the inside from passers by, the premises are light and airy and recently decorated. “Let some light in,” I say. It doesn’t have to be dark and dreary, I hate all of that. My premises are a reflection of me, bright colours with a warm and welcoming relaxing environment.
We have had many years experience of dealing with people from all backgrounds, and everyone is welcome in my home; I want this funeral home to be exactly the same.”
Don O’Dwyer
Founder and Owner of O’Dwyer Funeral Directors
The Team
Anthea Barrett Team Leader
Anthea is an experienced funeral director, she has arranged and conducted hundreds of services and so has experience of many different religions, cultures and backgrounds. She has exceptionally high standards for herself and all those who work with her. Nothing is left to chance on an event where you only have one opportunity to get it right.
Anthea lives locally in Ealing and is passionate about giving families the best support possible to say goodbye to their loved ones. She joined in 2017 wanting a career change and new challenge. This role has certainly been a great fit, and she can’t imagine doing anything else now! She has past experience in project coordination, event management and also holistic massage and Reiki. She is married to Jim and has two grown up children, Georgia and Alex who have both enjoyed helping within the company from time to time.
Anthea supports Don to run the business, and though Don himself has conducted thousands of funerals, including high profile events such as the funeral of John Holt, reggae singer and Richard Briers, actor, he will still often be present on the most intimate or simple funerals too.
Mark Walsh Senior FD
Mark has recently joined the team at O’Dwyers and brings with him many years of experience in the funeral profession. Having recently achieved a nationally recognised qualification in Funeral Arranging and Administration, Mark is looking forward to helping bereaved families through a difficult time. He has been involved in many funerals over the years including the repatriation of Footballer, George Best. Mark is from Macroom in Co. Cork and lives with wife Karen and son Liam.
Stuart Meskill
Stuart has worked with us since 2018, he joined us after we cared for his family at the time of his Grandmothers funeral. Initially as ad-hoc support and temporary bearer, and after training and 7 plus years of hard work has become our permanent mortuary manager and a key member of the team. Stuart lives in Ealing and is a very proud Dad to son Omar.
Alex Hunt
Alex has worked in the industry for over 13 years since leaving school. He has been with O’Dwyer for 4 years and is very much part of the team. When he has time off he loves being with daughter Lily. Alex is now our junior FD.
Claudette Foley
Claudette has worked with us as a funeral arranger in the Ealing office for nearly 4 years. She came to us from St Augustine’s parish office in Hammersmith, and already knowing Don, as he had carried our her Mums funeral 9 years ago. She is a calm, efficient influence on the whole team, and loved by all our families with her compassionate care. Claudette lives in Acton with husband Anthony and has three grown up children and Archie the dog.
Paul Graham
Paul Graham has worked in the funeral industry for Paddy Ryan’s for many years, but after their sale to Funeral Partners just didn’t feel it was the right fit for him. Paul joined us in 2023. He has rapidly become a valuable member of the team as a funeral operative. It will often be Paul who collects your loved one. He lives in Richmond with his wife Andrea, who works at Mortlake Crematorium.