History

J Parkinson & Sons were established in Rotherham over 140 years ago. Since that time it has been handed down from father to son.

We have maintained our traditional values and are extremely proud of the fact that the business is still owned and managed by the Parkinson family.

We consider our team of funeral directors to be among the best in their field, they employ their decades of experience and great personal skills to help families through the difficult time of bereavement.

Company Timeline

1873

Our great-great grandfather Edward Parkinson, a cabinet maker from Lincoln, founded Parkinson's Funeral Directors on Burrell Street and began to provide services to the people of Rotherham

1877

Edwards’s son Joseph was born.

1900's

Joseph altered the name of the company to J. Parkinson Funeral Directors

1909 – 1919

Joseph had eight children, Dolly, Beatty, Hilda, Joe, Willoughby, Charlie, Edna and John (Lol). Joe, Charlie and Lol would eventually join the family firm, seeing the name of the business change to J. Parkinson and Sons Funeral Directors.

1921

The business moved a short distance to where it has now been for the past 80 years; at Oil Mill Fold, Westgate, Rotherham, with the premises having been converted from its original usage as a bakery.

1931

The firm began to operate its first motorised fleet.

1971

Lol passed away and Joe was joined in the business by his son-in-law, Ken Boulton.

1973

Don Watson, Lol’s son-in-law joined the firm.

1976

Joe retired, leaving the business in the hands of its 4th generation of family ownership.

1983

The firm expanded with the incorporation of F. May and Sons Funeral Directors.

1985

Parkinsons directed their first official secular (non-religious) funeral

1987

Ken and Don were joined in the firm by Joe’s son-in-law Garry Bonnell.

1990

The firm expanded further with the opening of a second premise on Rosemary Road, Wickersley.

1992

The 5th Parkinson generation began to enter the family business as Lol's grandson Jonathan Watson joined the firm.

1996

With Ken’s retirement, Joe's grandson Peter Bonnell joined the firm.

2004

Jonathan and Peter were joined by a 3rd cousin, Warren Tyler; Lol's grandson.

2010

Don handed over the reins of the business to Jonathan & Warren

2011

With Garry’s retirement, Jonathan, Warren and Peter, the 5th generation of Parkinson funeral directors, carry on the deep-rooted traditions of this 140 year old family business, providing the people of Rotherham with a dignified, professional and caring service.

2013

To coincide with our 140th anniversary we have moved into our new bespoke funeral home, situated on the old car park on Westgate, where we can now offer families greater services, including disabled facilities and ample car parking.

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