History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Murphy Funeral Home 1897-1984

Murphy Ruffenach Funeral Home 1994-2013

Murphy Ruffenach, Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, Inc. 2013- present

We are so proud of the traditions, accomplishments and legacy of the of the past 120 years of service that has been provided to those we serve. Our funeral home continues to be a beacon that shines throughout our community and city helping families through their worst times. We take great pride in knowing that we do make a difference in these times whether it is through the celebrations we arrange or our newly creating bereavement groups which meet monthly know that we are here to help you

Our Valued Staff

  • Brian Donnelly

    Brian Donnelly, Funeral Director/ Owner

    I have been a licensed funeral director for the past 25 years and began working in the funeral business at the age of 14. I am a graduate of St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, St. John Neumann High School, Community College of Phila and Mercer County Community College Mortuary Sciences program. I opened my first funeral home in 2002 at the former Michael J. Bigenis Funeral Home site located on Wharton street in Philadelphia which was named changed to the Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, Inc. We take great pride in planning funerals that are truly celebrations of a loved one’s life. Whether it is an immediate cremation, a funeral with a horse drawn carriage and brass band behind it, we will create a funeral that is unforgettable just like the loved one we are celebrating. In 2009 we opened our second facility in Gloucester City, NJ and most recently have the honor of continuing the traditions of the Murphy Ruffenach Funeral Home in Philadelphia, which has been serving families since 1897. The new name of this acquisition has been the Murphy Ruffenach, Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, Inc. operated by myself and family at the newly purchased site. We provide our families with a beautifully appointed exterior and well decorated interior home located in the Whitman Neighborhood in South Philadelphia.

  • Patricia Yagle-Donnelly

    Patricia Yagle-Donnelly, Vice President

    I am a former graduate of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School as well as a graduate of St. Maria Goretti High School, Class of 1995. I handle the basic workings of the funeral homes day to day operations and am here to assist you in your time of need. I am very involved in the community whether it is a church function, a mummer’s organization event to helping with many charity events we are here. Also, I create many of the beautiful personalized family DVD’s that are produced in celebrating the lives of the families we serve.

  • Jonathan Donnelly

    Jonathan Donnelly, Future owner/ Funeral Director

    I am a former student of Sacred Heart of Jesus School and a graduate of Our Lady of Hope (formerly Epiphany Grade School),graduate of SS: John Neumann and Goretti High School. Currently work alongside my parents in our family business and currently in college to obtain my Mortuary License so I can assist in our family business as well. I am a member of the Shooting Stars Fancy Brigade located within our community.

  • Barbara Leiferst Ginnetti

    Barbara Leiferst Ginnetti, Administrative Director

    Barbara is the administrative director and is fully hands on with every aspect of the funeral home. You name it she gets it done! She is a very caring and compassionate person who goes above and beyond in assisting our families through their time of loss. A graduate of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and St. Maria Gorietti. When she isn't working she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and spoiling her dogs.

  • Jeffrey Osborne

    Jeffrey Osborne, Director of Public Relations