Darlington Funeral Service

Independent Funeral Services in Darlington and the Tees Valley

Darlington Funeral Service is an independent funeral company founded by Michael V Rea, the third generation of funeral directors in his family. His grandfather, Thomas Rea, established Thomas Rea & Sons in Thornaby in 1928; the firm then passed to his son Vincent, with whom Michael began his career from a very young age. The current company, based at 297-299 North Road in Darlington, is part of Rea Funeral Service and has Principal Funeral Director Jennifer Cooper (also referred to as Jennifer Lawson in the history section) and a stable team of professionals.

The team has impressive collective experience in serving families across Darlington, the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. The firm is a member of the NAFD, an appointed representative of Golden Charter — regulated by the FCA — and a quality assured funeral service after passing an inspection by the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation.

Comprehensive support with funeral arrangements

The company handles all aspects of arranging a funeral: completing legal documentation, liaising with ministers, celebrants, churches and crematoriums, preparing orders of service, catering and floral tributes if desired. It also offers pre-paid funeral plans and the supply of headstones and memorials.

Direct Goodbye and cremation services

The range includes two fixed-price options. The Direct Goodbye Funeral, at £1,695, combines the simplicity of a direct no-fuss funeral with a goodbye service that family can attend, with a personal touch and provided locally. The direct cremation, at £1,495, includes bringing your loved one into care in one of the family Mercedes (not a van), a simple coffin and transport to a local crematorium for a non-attended service.

Team and roles within the firm

The team brings together people from different backgrounds. Jennifer (Jen) has worked in the funeral industry for 16 years and serves as a funeral director. Zoe has worked with Rea Funeral Service since 2014 and is responsible for the care and presentation of the deceased so that families find them at peace. Mark assists with receiving the deceased, often drives the hearse or limousine on the day of the service and acts as memorial coordinator, handling documentation and liaising with parishes, cemeteries and local stonemasons. Steve Addison combines his work as a firefighter with the funeral team. Tim, a funeral service operative, lived in Swainby, Yarm and Stokesley, and previously worked as an HGV fitter and as a police officer.

Presence in North Yorkshire

In addition to the Darlington office, the company operates from branches in Stokesley and Great Ayton, enabling it to serve families in various locations across the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.

Offices and premises

Darlington office: 297-299 North Road, Darlington, DL1 2JR

Stokesley office: 10 Three Tuns Wynd, Stokesley, TS9 5DQ · Telephone: 01642 711999

Great Ayton office: 74 Newton Road, Great Ayton, TS9 6DG