Honoring Lives. Supporting Families.
Since 1933.

Family-owned funeral home serving Philadelphia's Fishtown & Kensington communities for over 90 years. When you need us, we are here.

Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Est. 1933 Family Owned & Operated Serving Philadelphia Two Convenient Locations Available 24/7

How We Serve You

Every family is unique, and every life deserves to be honored in a way that feels right. We offer a full range of services tailored to your needs, traditions, and wishes.

Traditional Funeral Services

A meaningful tribute with visitation, ceremony, and committal. We handle every detail with care and reverence so you can focus on family.

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Cremation Services

Flexible cremation options from simple and direct to full memorial ceremonies. We respect every family's preferences and budget.

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Celebration of Life

Honor their spirit with a warm, personalized gathering that celebrates the joy and light they brought to every room they entered.

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Veterans Services

We proudly serve those who served our country. Military honors, flag presentations, and assistance with VA benefits are our privilege.

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Pre-Planning

Protect your family from difficult decisions during an emotional time. Lock in today's prices and ensure your wishes are honored.

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Grief Support

Healing takes time, and you don't have to walk that path alone. We connect you with resources, support groups, and compassionate guidance.

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Three Generations of Compassion

In 1933, in the heart of Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood, the McElvarr family opened their doors with a simple promise: to treat every family like their own. Over ninety years later, that promise has never wavered.

Through three generations, McElvarr Funeral Homes has been a quiet, steady presence in the Fishtown and Kensington communities. We have walked alongside families during their most difficult days, offering not just professional care, but genuine compassion born from decades of shared history with our neighbors.

Today, under the care of Larry McElvarr at our Susquehanna Avenue home and Lisa Glaser-Miller at the Hubert M. McBride location, we continue the tradition of personalized, heartfelt service. We know that no two families are alike, and no two farewells should be either. That is why we listen first and guide gently, ensuring every detail reflects the life being honored.

Whether your roots in this neighborhood run as deep as ours or you have just arrived, you are family to us.

Meet Our Team
McElvarr Funeral Homes — Fishtown Philadelphia
Reception room Arrangements room

Planning Ahead Protects Your Family

Pre-planning removes the burden of difficult decisions from your loved ones during an emotional time. It gives you the peace of mind that your wishes will be honored exactly as you envision.

Essential

Starting at $2,495
  • Direct cremation or direct burial
  • Professional staff services
  • Transportation and basic care
  • Required documentation and permits
  • Coordination with cemetery or crematory
  • Simple memorial card set
Get Started

Complete

Starting at $8,995
  • Everything in Traditional, plus:
  • Premium casket or urn selection
  • Custom tribute video production
  • Personalized ceremony with celebrant
  • Floral arrangement coordination
  • Catering and reception planning
  • Extended visitation hours
  • Grief support resources for 12 months
  • Financing options available
Get Started

Download Your Free Pre-Planning Checklist

Our step-by-step guide walks you through every important decision, so nothing gets overlooked. Thousands of Philadelphia families have used this checklist to prepare with confidence.

What Families Are Saying

The trust of the families we serve means everything to us. Here is what some of them have shared about their experience.

The McElvarr family made one of the most difficult weeks of our lives so much easier. Larry treated us like we were his own family. He sat with us, listened to our stories about Mom, and helped us create a beautiful service that truly captured who she was. We will always be grateful.
Maria T.
When my father passed, I called McElvarr at 3 in the morning and someone answered right away. No voicemail, no runaround. They were at the hospital within the hour. That kind of care and responsiveness means everything when your world is falling apart. I recommend them to everyone.
James P.
Lisa at the McBride location was an absolute angel. She helped us plan a celebration of life for my grandmother that had everyone laughing and crying at the same time. It felt like Nana was right there with us. This family truly understands what it means to honor a life well lived.
Denise K.

In Loving Memory

We invite you to read about the remarkable lives of those we have had the honor of serving. Share a memory, light a candle, or leave a message for the family.

Margaret A. Sullivan

September 14, 1941 – March 22, 2026
View Tribute

Joseph R. Kaczmarek

June 3, 1938 – March 18, 2026
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Helen T. Dougherty

December 28, 1945 – March 10, 2026
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AI-Powered

Write a Beautiful Obituary

Share a few details about your loved one and our compassionate AI will create three personalized obituary drafts — each capturing their unique life and legacy. You choose, edit, and keep what resonates.

Takes about 15 seconds. Free.

Our Locations

Two convenient Philadelphia locations serving the Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, Northern Liberties, and surrounding communities.

McElvarr Funeral Homes

1415-17 E. Susquehanna Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Supervisor: Larry McElvarr, FD
Open 7 days a week · 24/7 phone
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Hubert M. McBride Funeral Home

2357 E Cumberland Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Supervisor: Lisa Glaser-Miller, FD
Open 7 days a week · 24/7 phone
Get Directions

You Don't Have to Grieve Alone

Grief doesn't end after the service. McElvarr Funeral Homes offers compassionate aftercare, community connections, and free resources to support you through every season of loss.

One-Year Aftercare

Scheduled check-ins and supportive messages for one year after your loss — because grief follows no calendar.

Grief Support Groups

We connect families with Philadelphia-area grief support groups, counselors, and community resources at no charge.

Free Grief Guide

Download our compassionate guide to navigating loss — practical steps, emotional support, and local Philadelphia resources.

Memorial Anniversaries

We remember with you. Thoughtful outreach on the anniversary of your loved one's passing and on special dates that mattered.

Request Aftercare Support Download Grief Guide (Free)

We're Here For You

Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require immediate assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. There is no wrong time to call.

Available 24/7

In your time of need, we answer the phone day and night. You will always speak with a real person, never a machine.

(215) 739-1473 Call Now

Visiting Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday By Appointment
Phone 24/7 — Always Answered
Call Now Immediate Need