The history of the McBride – Foley Funeral Home begins in November 1925 when Mr. Irving C. Pettit graduated from Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. Mr. Pettit then worked for several years in the Paulsboro area as both a Funeral Director and House Painter. Around 1930 a friend of his showed him a property at 228 West Broad Street that he purchased to operate as the Pettit Funeral Home. In 1955 Allen C. McBride was hired by the Pettit Funeral Home as an apprentice. After graduating from Pitman High School in 1954, Allen married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Ray. They moved to Greenwich Avenue in Paulsboro in 1958. Allen then attended Eckels College in Philadelphia to pursue his funeral degree and he graduated in June 1959. Their daughter Beth Ann was born in 1964 and they moved to the funeral home in 1965. Mr. Pettit began to prepare for retirement and made Allen a partner in 1967, renaming the business Pettit – McBride Funeral Home. In 1971 Allen bought the funeral home and his second daughter, Alane Marie was born. Over the years Allen participated in many civic activities such as Paulsboro Fire Department, Paulsboro Masonic Lodge #157 F. & A.M. and the Paulsboro Kiwanis Club, and was an eighteen year member of the Paulsboro School Board, and also active in many other civic organizations. Allen is also a faithful and active in his church. Allen contributed his knowledge to several professional organizations and was a Charter Member of the Funeral Ethics Association and was a Past President of the West Jersey Funeral Directors Association, Delegate at Large for the N.J. State Funeral Directors Association and he is currently President of the East Greenwich Senior Citizens Club where his wife Sandy serves as their Secretary. Allen raised his children in the funeral home and Beth always saw her Dad working and caring for the families he served. After graduation from Paulsboro High School in 1982, Beth attended Mercer County Community College where she graduated with a Associate’s degree and a degree in Funeral Service. Over the following years the business continued to grow and serve the community. In June 1995, a spacious addition was added to the funeral home and Beth joined Allen as a partner, and now the business is known as the McBride – Foley Funeral Home.

Beth also followed in her Father’s footsteps with a strong sense of civic pride, and she continues to be active in her church. Beth holds memberships in the Greater Paulsboro Chamber of Commerce and was a Past President, past Treasurer of Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and also a Charter Member and Past President of Gibbstown – Paulsboro Rotary Club. Beth also maintains many professional memberships including the National Funeral Directors Association, West Jersey Funeral Directors Association and also was a Charter Member of the Funeral Ethics Association.

While attending Bible study in 1990, Beth and Tom Foley were introduced. Tom was raised in nearby Mt. Royal and was a 1984 graduated of Kingsway High School. He is an alumnus of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management of Widener University and a 2000 graduate of Mercer County Community College’s Funeral Service program. Beth and Tom were married in 1993 and have two children, Laura Beth and Emma Kate.

Tom has continued the family tradition of community service and for five years served as Captain of the Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Department, where he continues to be an active member. Tom is a delegate to the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention and is a NJ State Certified Fire Instructor. He is also a member of the Paulsboro – Swedesboro Masonic Lodge #157 F. & A.M., and President of the Gibbstown – Paulsboro Rotary Club. Professionally he also maintains membership in both the National Funeral Director’s Association and the West Jersey Funeral Director’s Association.

Together, Beth and Tom strive to serve the local communities and continue to participate in many civic and professional organizations. Both have achieved Certified Funeral Service Professional status through continuing their funeral service educations.