Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Dorchester Funeral Services Since 1861
Grassby Funeral Service has served the Dorchester community since 1861, operating as a family-run business across six generations. Our expertise spans traditional and modern funeral arrangements, including cremation, woodland burials, and memorial masonry. We provide compassionate guidance through legal and personal formalities, supported by a dedicated team with decades of combined experience. The opening of our Casterbridge Chapel offers intimate services for up to 15 attendees, reflecting our commitment to evolving community needs. As members of NAFD and SAIF, we uphold industry-leading standards while maintaining a local focus on personalized care and transparency. 
Services
Traditional Burial
Cremation Services
Woodland Burial
Memorial Masonry
Bereavement Support
Pre-Payment Plans
Coffin Range
Chapel of Rest
Funeral Transport
Charitable Donations
Highlights and features
- Six generations of local funeral service expertise
- 24-hour emergency support available
- Casterbridge Chapel for intimate services
- Members of National Association of Funeral Directors
- Personalized guidance through all funeral arrangements
Associations and certifications
- NAFD
- SAIF
What people say
Compassionate support
Local expertise
Clear communication
24-hour availability
Personalized approach
Services
Traditional Burial
We arrange traditional burials in local cemeteries or churchyards, handling all documentation and interment fees. Our team coordinates with local authorities and clergy to ensure compliance with regulations while respecting family wishes. Services include grave preparation, memorial options, and guidance on cemetery selection.
Cremation Services
Our cremation services include chapel arrangements, music coordination, and live webcasting. We partner with local crematoria to provide transparent pricing and logistical support. Families receive guidance on ash disposal options, including memorial gardens or private scattering.
Woodland Burial
Eco-friendly woodland burials use biodegradable coffins in natural settings. We source local materials and advise on environmentally conscious options. Services include site selection assistance and guidance on permitted memorials like tree planting.
Memorial Masonry
Our in-house masonry team creates custom memorials with approvals for cemeteries and churchyards. Services cover design, material selection, and inscription creation. We also offer renovation of existing memorials to preserve family legacies.
Bereavement Support
We provide ongoing bereavement guidance, including registration of death and financial/legal procedures. Our team explains coroner processes and connects families with support networks, ensuring clarity during challenging times.
People
Benjamin Grassby
Founder
Founded the family business in 1861 after moving from Lincolnshire. A skilled stone carver, he contributed to Dorset's Gothic revival architecture before establishing the funeral service legacy.
Clinton Grassby
Founder of Funeral Service
Launched Grassby Funeral Service in 1970, expanding the family's stonemasonry expertise into funeral care. His leadership established the business's reputation for compassionate, professional service.
Peter Grassby
Director
Fifth-generation funeral director with over 30 years' experience. Oversees daily operations and funeral arrangements, maintaining the family's commitment to personalized care and community service.
Nick Grassby
Director
Sixth-generation director since 2017, combining legal expertise with funeral service excellence. Ensures modern compliance standards while upholding traditional values of empathy and professionalism.
Andrew Fooks
Qualified Funeral Director
Diploma-qualified director since 1988, providing expert guidance through all funeral arrangements. His extensive experience ensures families receive knowledgeable, compassionate support during difficult times.
Questions
What funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional burials, cremation services, woodland burials, memorial masonry, and bereavement support. Our services include chapel arrangements, coffin selection, and pre-payment plans.
Do you offer 24-hour emergency support?
Yes, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency funeral arrangements and immediate support.
Can I arrange a woodland burial?
Yes, we offer eco-friendly woodland burials using biodegradable coffins in designated natural burial grounds across Dorset and surrounding areas.
Are pre-paid funeral plans available?
Yes, we offer pre-payment funeral plans to provide peace of mind and financial security for future arrangements.
Do you handle memorial headstone creation?
Our in-house memorial masonry department designs and installs custom headstones, with expertise in cemetery regulations and material selection.
