Our History

In 1893, a time when funeral homes were unheard of, Ira Hathaway started the Hathaway Funeral Service. Ira would prepare the deceased in the home of the deceased, go back to his workshop to build the casket, and later direct the procession consisting of a horse-drawn hearse and several horse-drawn buggies.

In 1919, Ira’s son, William, joined his father in the family business.

In 1923, the Hathaway family built the first funeral home in the area, which still proudly serves the community at the 1813 Robeson Street location in Fall River, Massachusetts.

In 1965, William’s son, William (Bill) Hathaway, Jr., received his funeral director license and joined the family business. During this year, they expanded to the Somerset location at 900 Buffinton Street.

Today, Bill and his wife Ruth, also a funeral director, are pleased to work alongside their children, William (BT) Hathaway III and Lynn Hathaway-Viveiros, as well as their dedicated and committed staff in locations throughout Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Serving Fall River, Somerset, Taunton, New Bedford, Attleboro, and Fairhaven, MA