SWEDESBORO – Dennis Cheega, owner of Cheega Funeral Home in Swedesboro is now celebrating his 50th anniversary of caring service in the community. Cheega is the fifth owner of the funeral home located in the center of Swedesboro on Kings Highway.
Cheega grew up in the Keasby and Perth Amboy area of New Jersey. Dennis’s parents ran a tavern, and he enjoyed working with the people there. When the tavern was sold to make way for a new highway bridge over the Raritan River, the family moved in with Dennis’ grandmother.
“When someone from the church died, she attended the viewing and funeral, and I went with her,” Cheega recalled, “I remember wondering why the ladies had such nice things to say about the funeral director. They seemed to hold the funeral director in high esteem almost the same category as a priest or police officer!”
At one such viewing, Dennis went to see the funeral director and talked to him about his job. “He not so politely told me to forget it. It’s too hard. You only see the big, black cars and the expensive suit!” Cheega said, mumbling to himself.
About a year later, Dennis found himself at Temple University graduating with an associate degree in Mortuary Science. From there, he continued his education at American Academy, McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City where he graduated tenth in his class of 109.
He then apprenticed at Van Hise and Callagan Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, N.J. Dennis received his New Jersey Funeral Director’s License in 1970 and continued to work with Van Hise and Callagan.
“In 1974, my dream to own my own funeral home became a reality when I moved to Swedesboro and became the owner and manager of the former Reymore Funeral Home, which is now the Cheega Funeral Home,” said Dennis. “When I came to Swedesboro, I didn’t know the extent of the history of the funeral home. After settling in, I learned the extensive history that was entrusted to me.”
The business was started by Rev. John Davidson. He became an apprentice in William Scotto’s undertaking business in Woodbury, and then spent the next 10 years in the funeral business in Clarksboro.
He then moved to Swedesboro and established the business on Kings Highway where he served until he sold it to William Hannold in 1850. The Hannold Family maintained the business for many decades before selling the business to the Snover Family who then sold it to Douglas Reymore.
“I follow the philosophy of business I learned from my parents. Treat everyone as a member of the family,” said Dennis. “Meeting with families in difficult times, I’m a facilitator. We explore the wishes of the family in planning services for their loved one, thereby giving each person the care and dignity they deserve.
“My job is really two-fold. First, restoring a deceased to a presentable image of themselves before they were ill, giving a natural and peaceful image for family members and the community to remember. The second is working with the family to prepare the funeral service and accept that a death has occurred.
“The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. I support the family to make it as easy as possible for them. During our meeting, they start to relax, sharing memories, smile, and even laugh at some of the stories that are told. The best part of this job is to know you’ve done your best to help the family get through this difficult time. Knowing that the family is happy is its own reward.”
When a family calls Dennis at the time of a loved one’s death, he views that as an honor and privilege. “They’re bestowing a special trust in our services,” he notes.
Most of the time Dennis did it all himself for the past 48 years. Now he’s overseeing his intern, but still has the final approval.
Being entrusted with a special honor to do the body is a unique trust, a responsibility that’s not taken lightly at Cheega Funeral Home. Families may request a person’s regular hairdresser, but Dennis has been fortunate to work with a local hairdresser, Sandee Finocchiaro, from day one.
In 1983, Dennis was joined by David Oppold, who helped with removals and viewings. Most people recognized David as “the guy at the door.”
He went on to enter the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, becoming a Lutheran Pastor. Celebrating 25 years as a Lutheran minister, Rev. Oppold still assists and provides services for families in the absence of their own pastor/priest.
Dennis’ staff includes intern Jeweleanna “June” Leone who is working toward her Funeral
Director’s License, Ryan Ayars who will be entering school this fall towards getting his license, Dawn Rhoad, and Rich Miller.
Beyond his business, Dennis enjoys helping out his church and community however he can. He’s a member of the Knights Of Columbus, a charter member of St. Francis Council, and St. Clare of Assisi Parish, where he’s served as lector, Eucharistic minister, and choir member. He became familiar with the members of the parish by serving coffee at the Altar-Rosary Society Spaghetti Dinners, which he notes was the second-best job he ever had.
“No, you never get use to death. It doesn’t get easier the longer your involved. People that I met 50 years ago are the people that I am taking care of now. It’s been 50 years, and I can say that I’ve never worked a day during those 50 years.”
By Matt Hengey
One Response
I have known Dennis since he first owned this funeral home. Swedesboro was a small farming community at the time. I first met him at a church function and was impressed by his warm, friendly personality. He soon became a popular, well-respected leader in our little town. It is true he takes his profession seriously and with great respect for the deceased and the family. That is why I contacted him when my mother passed away in 2007. Just so you know, I moved out of Swedesboro in 1976 and my mother about 7 years prior to her death. Yet, he still remembered us. My mother had been ill for many years but you would have never known. She looked absolutely beautiful at her viewing. Dennis has that gift and it is exceptional! I will never forget it! Thank you, Dennis, and congratulations on your 50 years of excellence!