Honestly, when you're looking for a place like McGuinness Funeral Home Sewell NJ, you aren't exactly having your best day. Nobody wakes up thrilled to browse funeral services. It's heavy. It's stressful. But there’s a reason this specific location on Egg Harbor Road keeps coming up in conversations across Gloucester County.
You’ve probably seen the building. It’s that familiar, well-kept spot in Washington Township that doesn't feel like a cold, sterile institution. That matters. Since 1951, the McGuinness family—started by James A. McGuinness—has basically built a reputation on being the "neighbors who help." They aren't just a corporate entity; they are part of the South Jersey fabric.
What Actually Happens Inside McGuinness Funeral Home Sewell NJ?
Most people think a funeral home is just a place for a viewing and a casket. It's way more than that now. At the Sewell location, they do this thing called ShareLife. It sounds a bit like marketing jargon, but the reality is actually pretty cool. Instead of just a somber room with some flowers, they use multi-sensory tech. We're talking digital projections, specific scents, and music that actually fits the person who passed. If your uncle loved the Jersey Shore, they can basically make the room feel like a boardwalk. It’s a weird thing to say, but it makes the goodbye feel less like a "funeral" and more like a memory.
They handle the big stuff, obviously. Traditional burials, direct cremations, and everything in between. Here is a quick look at how the pricing generally shakes out around here, though keep in mind these are base estimates and can change faster than the NJ transit schedule:
A traditional full-service burial usually lands around $11,075.
Full-service cremation is often closer to $8,955.
If you're looking for something simpler, an affordable burial starts near $5,595.
Direct cremation is the most budget-friendly at about $2,855.
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The "Darryl" Factor and the Staff
You can't talk about the Sewell office without mentioning the people. If you look at any recent reviews from late 2025 or early 2026, names like Darryl Steward, Farrah, and Terrance pop up constantly. Why? Because they don't do the "hard sell."
There's nothing worse than grieving and feeling like you're being upsold on a premium casket liner. Families in Washington Township have noted that the staff here acts more like project managers for your soul. They handle the paperwork, the death certificates, and the social security notifications—stuff you definitely don't want to deal with when you're exhausted.
One thing that's actually pretty unique: for every cremation they do, they purchase carbon offsets. They’re basically trying to neutralize the environmental impact of the business. It’s a small detail, but in 2026, people actually care about that stuff. It’s about being responsible to the community they've lived in for 70+ years.
What Most People Get Wrong About Planning
A lot of folks think they have to have everything figured out before they walk through the door. You don't.
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In fact, McGuinness is big on "pre-planning," which sounds like a chore, but it basically just means writing down that you want "Spirit in the Sky" played instead of "Amazing Grace" so your kids don't have to guess. You can even lock in today's prices, which, given how inflation has been lately, isn't a bad move.
Why Sewell vs. Woodbury?
The McGuinness family has two main spots: Woodbury and Sewell. The Woodbury location on Hunter Street is the "historic" one—it was built in the late 1700s and has that old-school, dignified vibe.
The Sewell location at 573 Egg Harbor Road is more modern. It’s designed for larger crowds and has better tech for those multimedia ShareLife celebrations. If you’re expecting a massive turnout from the local schools or local businesses, Sewell is usually the better bet because the parking and the capacity just handle it better.
Logistics You Need to Know
If you're heading there for a service, here’s the ground truth:
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- Address: 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080.
- Hours: The office is open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- After Hours: They have a 24/7 answering service. If something happens at 3:00 AM on a Sunday, someone will actually pick up the phone.
- Phone: (856) 582-3800.
Real Talk on Grief Support
One thing they do that isn't standard everywhere is the follow-up. Most places send you a bill and a thank you note. McGuinness tends to send out grief support resources weeks after the service is over. They have these "guides to managing grief" that families actually seem to find useful once the initial shock wears off and the house gets quiet.
Your Next Steps
If you’re currently in the middle of a loss or just trying to be responsible for the future, don't just take a website's word for it.
- Call and ask for a General Price List (GPL): By law, they have to give this to you. It prevents any "sticker shock" later on.
- Take a tour: Drop by the Sewell office. See if the "vibe" feels right to you. It’s okay to be picky about where you say goodbye.
- Check the obituaries: Their website updated daily with local services, which is the best way to see how they handle tributes for neighbors you might know.
- Ask about ShareLife: If you want a service that feels less like a church and more like a celebration of a specific life, ask them to show you the multimedia setups.
Planning this stuff is never "easy," but having a team that knows the difference between a Gloucester County tradition and a cookie-cutter service makes a massive difference in how you'll remember the day.