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Sullivan and Son Independent Funeral Service
Address: 12 Beaconsfield Road, Dover CT16 2LL
Phone: 01304 201322 Email: paul@sullivanandson.co.uk Web: www.sullivanandson.co.uk
Funeral Director/s: Paul Sullivan Dip FD, MBIFD (late 30s). He’s worked his way up the traditional hard way, starting out at 19 as a chauffeur-bearer, then qualifying as a funeral director. Fifteen years on, in 2007, he bravely started up on his own. Feels that “this is very much a vocation, not a job.” It is one which brings him immense satisfaction. Married to Louise, two young sons. Enjoys golf, cycling, movies, rock/blues. Lives above the shop. You can read more about him on his excellent website.
Specific Gravity: Paul is a traditionalist by training and he knows how to put on a good show in his top hat and tails if it’s trad you want. But he will be guided by you. If it’s a suit and tie you want, no problem. Paul’s philosophy is “the funeral should not be centred on the funeral director, but in our role as master of ceremonies we need to be identifiable to all mourners.” Nice fleet of vehicles, though “they are not the most important thing. I believe people will remember the behaviour of the drivers far more than the shiny or not-so-shiny paintwork!” If it’s a budget funeral you want, Paul has an estate car. He’d be perfectly happy if you decided to use your own. He will get you any coffin you want – and he won’t slap a huge mark-up on it.
What’s important? Paul is unusually open to what people want, and he’s a careful listener. He’s right up with the times, too. He says: “I welcome every new consumer opportunity and expectation. We should be ruled by what people want. Yes, this may sometimes make things more time-consuming and difficult, but I believe that it is this flexibility and personalisation of each funeral which will ultimately give most satisfaction to both client and funeral director.”
What’s different? Paul offers fantastic value for money. He’s probably the best value by far for miles. What’s more, he publishes his price list in detail on his website, so you can decide exactly what you want and keep the score as you. You only pay for what you choose. No hidden extras here. We only very rarely see transparency like this. He offers you a ‘coffin cover’ – a reusable container which looks like a coffin in which you can put a cardboard coffin, a great way of keeping the price down.
Services: Premises: end of terrace Victorian shop. Disabled access. All well done and brightly decorated. Very nice chapel of rest with superb stained glass by Derek White. Your call will most likely be answered by Paul himself, but it may be his brother Alex, wife Louise, Mum, Mary or friend Jacqui. You will be arrange the funeral with Paul and he will be there for you throughout. Yes to a home visit. Yes to you coming in and laying out and dressing the person who has died. Paul is not a great believer in embalming unless it’s really necessary. He will discuss this with you. Same-sex person to lay out and dress the person who has died if you wish. Gladly works with those who wish to care for their dead at home. Experienced in working with families from all ethnic and religious groups. Excellent non-religious celebrants on his books.
Remarks: Paul offers everything you would expect of a brave young business, and more. You will receive his full focus, he’ll really put himself out for you, and you’ll get the best value for money going.
There are 8 comments about Sullivan and Son Independent Funeral Service
sharon ricketts said...
I found paul to be very caring considerate person. explained all details to me step by step. offering advise when needed. everything was done with presicion so i had no worries at a most distressing time. i would highly recommend his services.
Nicky Irving-Moore said...
We were lucky that my Mum had planned most of her funeral and told us that she wanted Sullivan and Son to arrange it all. She chose extremly well because we couldn’t have met a nicer, kinder, more friendly funeral director than Paul. He made a very distressing time as easy as he possibly could for us, and nothing was too much trouble for him.
My husband is disabled, so we found the wheeelchair accessable premises were a great help.
We were devastated to loose my mum, but felt as if we’d found a friend in Paul. I would happily reccomend him to anyone.
charles said...
From Cathy Bowman
A thank you to Paul for helping to arrange mums funeral although mum was 90 and been unwell for a while its still devastating to lose someone you love dearly . Paul made it some much easier organising everything he has lovely way with him and you feel comfortable with him .
david foad said...
I cannot praise mr paul sullivan enough.He made me feel at ease and explained everything step by step after losing my dear mum .He helped out in everything which meant less stress for me and also kept me informed of the progress of all the arrangements .Both he and his staff acted so caring and professional and again this put my whole family at ease.My mum would have approved and because of paul and his staff the service was lovely .i would highly recommend paul and his staff to anyone who has got to go through a most traumatic time because like i said he put you at ease and was very caring,considerate polite and professional many many thanks Paul
David List said...
I would like to highly recommend Sullivan and Son Funeral Service, 12 Beaconsfield Road, Dover, Kent CT16 2LL.
My mother died in late August and we were lucky enough to choose Sullivans based on a quick internet search. My sister and I both agree that we could not have wished for a more professional, friendly and sensitive person than the proprietor Paul Sullivan to manage the funeral process for us. In particular he made us feel at ease, explained our options very clearly and in a neutral style without pressure, and his team handled the day of the funeral extremely well. His company also clearly went to a lot of effort in the beautiful presentation of my mother in his chapel for us to see her for the last time before the funeral.
Irene Ridley said...
I have used Paul’s services for arranging the funeral of both my grandfather and grandmother most recently October this year.
If you are looking for a competent, sensitive professional service then look no further. I live in London, however, Paul kept me constantly informed of the proceedings and nothing was too much trouble. His services are highly recommended.
Sheila Robson said...
It was a good decision to use Paul Sullivan & Sons. Paul Sullivan was sympathetic, helpful & considerate. We were given plenty of choices & there was no pressure put on us to go for the more expensive options. We were lucky, too, with the minister chosen for us. She was very understanding & between her & Mr Sullivan we had a lovely service. I rate Sullivan & Sons highly & recommend them to anyone looking for quality service, value & consideration to help them through this difficult time.
Patricia Williams said...
We can’t praise Paul and his colleagues highly enough for the tremendous personal service they provided at a very difficult time for us.
We greatly appreciated their kind and considerate approach, and they accommodated our needs thoroughly. We would recommend Sullivan and Son without reservation.