Our History

For more than 90 years, Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services has been honored to serve families throughout the Rochester community with compassion, dignity, and heartfelt care. Founded in 1935 as Farrell Brothers Funeral Home by George and Bernie Farrell, the firm quickly became a trusted cornerstone of the 10th Ward—a place where generations of families have turned for comfort, guidance, and support during life’s most difficult moments.


That legacy continued when Jim Ryan began his apprenticeship there in 1978, later purchasing the firm in 1986 and dedicating his life’s work to caring for the families we serve. In 1995, the business expanded into the Greece location to better support the growing community.


Today, Farrell-Ryan remains proudly family-owned and operated, with the next generation continuing the tradition of personal service, trust, and heartfelt commitment that has defined this funeral home for decades.


Founded in 1935

Farrell Brothers Funeral Home began in 1935 on Lapham Street in Rochester, where Bernard “Bernie” and George Farrell first began serving local families from their mother’s home. As the business grew, they spent several years planning a new funeral home on Ridge Road West. Unlike the converted residences common at the time, their Colonial Funeral Home was designed and built specifically for funeral service, with two chapels and dedicated spaces for families and visitors. When it opened, the entire neighborhood was invited to tour the new building during a week of public open houses.


Not long afterward, World War II changed their plans. Both were exempt from military service, but according to a story passed down through the family, their mother felt strongly that while other families were sending their sons to defend the country, both of hers should not remain safely at home. George ultimately entered the Army, serving as a medical technician with the 316th Medical Battalion and spending roughly two years overseas during the Italian campaign. Photographs and newspaper clippings preserved by the family show him caring for wounded soldiers and serving throughout Italy.


While George was overseas, Bernie kept the funeral home operating. After George was honorably discharged in 1945, he returned to Rochester, married Julia Gottry—whom he had proposed to by letter from Europe—and rejoined Bernie at Farrell Brothers.



From those early days on Lapham Street, the business was built around a simple idea that has endured ever since: funeral service was a public service. The Farrells became known for helping families, treating people fairly and caring for the community they called home—values that remain at the heart of Farrell-Ryan today.

Ryan Funeral Home is Founded

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Jim joins Farrell Brothers

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Changed to Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home

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Moved to Greece

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Legacy Continues

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