Building a family legacy

From tradition to celebration

Speaking with 6PR’s Julie-anne Sprague, Joe O’Dea, great-grandson of one of the founders of Bowra & O’Dea Funeral Directors, shares insights into the funeral industry, the O’Dea family and the celebration of life. From a young age, Joe aspired to work in the family business and at 15, he started from the bottom, cleaning cars and assisting with services.

“I was just like everybody else, I started from the bottom,” said Mr O’Dea.

Now as Managing Director, Joe highlights the significant change in funerals from traditional ceremonies to celebrations of life.

“Today funerals celebrate people’s lives and that’s the most important part.”

Working alongside his brothers Tony and Justin, the O’Dea family is committed to upholding the family legacy, with a fifth generation of O’Deas following in their footsteps.

Listen to the full interview to hear more about the O’Dea family and their 135 years of service to the Western Australian community.