Planning a funeral is something nobody actually wants to do. It’s heavy. It’s confusing. And in a city like Chicago, where neighborhoods define your identity, finding a place that feels like "home" for a final goodbye is a massive deal. That is usually where Andrew McGann Funeral Home enters the conversation.
If you grew up on the South Side, you know the name. But there is a lot of noise out there about who owns it, what they actually do, and whether it’s still the same family-run spot it was back in the 1950s. Honestly, the industry has changed a lot, and if you're looking for the straight truth about this Pulaski Road staple, you've come to the right place.
The Local Legacy vs. The Corporate Reality
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. Andrew McGann Funeral Home—formally known as Andrew J. McGann & Son—is no longer a small, independent "mom and pop" shop in the way your grandfather might remember it. It is currently part of the Dignity Memorial network.
Does that matter? For some, yeah. For others, not at all.
The Dignity brand is owned by Service Corporation International (SCI), a massive Houston-based company. They own over 1,900 locations across North America. When you walk into the building at 10727 S. Pulaski Rd, you’re getting the resources of a billion-dollar corporation, but you’re still talking to people who, for the most part, live and work in Chicago.
Who was Andrew McGann anyway?
He wasn't just a guy with a suit and a hearse. Andrew J. McGann was a powerhouse. Born in 1925, he was a Navy vet, a Korean War Marine, and—get this—an Illinois State Representative for a decade. He was deep into the community. He served on the board for City Colleges of Chicago and was a director at Southwest Financial Banks.
When he passed away in 2008, it wasn't just a loss for the funeral industry; it was a loss for Chicago politics. His son, Andrew "Andy" McGann Jr., also followed in those footsteps, graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science to keep the family tradition alive.
That history is why the name still carries weight. It’s not just a business; it’s a South Side landmark.
What it Actually Costs (No Fluff)
Funeral pricing is notoriously opaque. You try to look it up, and you get "contact us for a quote."
Basically, you’re looking at a few different tiers here. Based on recent data, a traditional full-service burial at Andrew J. McGann & Son can run you north of $12,000. That includes the big stuff: the viewing, the ceremony, the hearse, and the professional services.
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If you’re leaning toward cremation, the prices vary wildly:
- Full Service Cremation: Somewhere around $9,500.
- Direct Cremation: Usually closer to $4,600.
- Affordable Burial options: Often start around $6,500.
Keep in mind these are just the funeral home costs. This doesn't include the cemetery plot, the headstone, or the flowers. It adds up fast.
Services They Provide Today
They aren't just doing the standard "viewing in a quiet room" anymore. Because they are part of a larger network, they’ve leaned into "celebration of life" services. Think less "organ music and heavy drapes" and more "let’s play the Cubs game and have a taco bar because that’s what Grandma would have wanted."
They handle:
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- Pre-planning: This is their big push. They offer 0% interest for 60 months on some prepaid plans.
- National Transferability: Because they are Dignity Memorial, if you plan a funeral here but move to Florida and pass away there, your plan moves with you.
- Grief Support: They provide access to a 24-hour compassion helpline.
Common Misconceptions and Local Rumors
One thing people get wrong is confusing this location with McGann Hay over in South Bend, Indiana. Same name, totally different family and business. The Chicago McGanns are the Pulaski Road crew.
Another weird thing? People think because it’s a big corporate network now, the service is "robotic." Honestly, that hasn't been the local experience for most. Recent testimonials from 2025 and 2026 mention the staff’s "exceptional kindness" and patience. The building itself is also pretty updated—wheelchair accessible, plenty of parking, and air conditioning that actually works (a miracle in some older Chicago chapels).
How to Handle a Visit
If you have to go there, don’t just wing it.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give this to you. It’s a line-item breakdown of every single cost.
- Check for "Packages": Sometimes packages save money, but sometimes they include stuff you don't need (like a high-end limousine when everyone is driving themselves).
- Think about the "Extras": They have a partnership for flower delivery, but you aren't required to use it. You can bring in your own.
The South Side doesn't forget its roots. Even though the corporate logo is on the door, the Andrew McGann Funeral Home name represents a specific era of Chicago history. It’s a place that has seen thousands of families through their worst days. Whether you value the corporate backing or miss the days when Andy Sr. was walking the halls, it remains one of the most significant funeral providers in the city.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re currently in the middle of a loss or just trying to be responsible for the future, here is what you should do:
- Call 773-783-7700 for immediate assistance or to get a physical copy of their pricing.
- Compare the GPL with at least one other local independent home in the area, like Curley Funeral Home or Beverly Ridge, just to see the price delta.
- Verify your pre-planning documents if you have an old contract from before the SCI/Dignity takeover; most are still honored, but it’s worth a 10-minute phone call to be sure.
- Visit the facility at 10727 S. Pulaski Rd if you're planning a large service; you'll want to see if the chapel size actually fits the crowd you're expecting.