McCully-Polyniak Offers Dignity And Tradition

By Rochelle Karina

Few businesses can lay claim to having been in the family for over 100 years, but that is exactly the case at McCully-Polyniak Funeral Home. The business was founded in 1904 by I. Few McCully, then passed down through the family. John and Valerie Polyniak are the current owners.

 Valerie started working at her aunt and uncle’s business while she was still a teenager. It was her uncle Jim McCully who encouraged her to become a licensed mortician. Valerie loved people, and Doris and Jim had no children of their own.

The funeral home has been a Pasadena institution for 40 years, and Valerie has been a licensed mortician for 36 years, working side by side with her husband. The Pasadena location is the busiest of the three homes, the others are on Fort Avenue and Patapsco Avenue in Baltimore.

“I believe that being a family business for so long speaks volumes about our loyalty to family and our dedication to the community,” Valerie explains. The Polyniaks are active within the community as members of the PBA and frequent supporters of local churches and school events and programs.

They recently expanded the Pasadena location, adding a flower room, a new selection room, viewing area, offices and other spaces, as well as updating the existing rooms.

The Polyniaks called on local clergy members to help bless the addition and the men of the cloth were happy to oblige. Reverends Rick Gray of Community United Methodist and John Taylor of Faith United Methodist joined the Reverend Doctor Blaine Welker from Lake Shore Baptist and Fathers Shawn Hill from Saint Andrews Episcopal and Brian Rafferty from Our Lady of the Chesapeake for a short ceremony offering blessings for continued success and God’s guidance. Also present were Funeral Director’s Assistant Bill Kibler, Managing Director John Collins and General Contractor Matt Younger and Rob Jones from Cypress Construction.

“We want to offer our thanks to the community for supporting us throughout the years,” said John.

“I believe there has been a change in funeral services,” added Valerie. “Everyone recognizes they can count on us, that we’re here. We have the facilities and the staff to provide for their needs.”

As for their longevitiy, the Polyniaks believe personal service is the key to their success. “We treat people as part of the family even though they are only with us for a few days,” concludes John.

You can find them on the web at www.mccullyfuneral.com, or call 410-255-2381.