Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Robert was raised in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York and spent his adolescent years summering with his family in the Indian Lake section of Denville before permanently relocating to Morris county in 1966. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison and received an associates degree from County College of Morris in Randolph. Robert's career in funeral service began casually as a limousine driver for a local funeral home and eventually he enrolled in the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, where he graduated with a degree in funeral service. He became a licensed funeral director in 1975.
Raised in Rockaway, Melissa graduated from Morris Hills High School and went on to earn a bachelors degree from University of Maryland, College Park. Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, she received an associates degree in mortuary science from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City and became a licensed funeral director in 2002. She currently resides in Denville with her two children, their sweet goldendoodle, Maizie, and a wildly excitable German Shorthaired Pointer, Juno. Beyond work Melissa can mainly be found at her childrens's sporting events and the dog park; but her favorite place to relax is enjoying a sunny day paddling on a lake with her kids.
Emma is a lifelong resident of Highland Lakes and a graduate of Sussex County Technical School. She received her Associate's degree in Applied Science in Funeral Services from Eastwick College in May of 2024.
Emma began her apprenticeship in October of 2022 at Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, she became a licensed funeral director in October 2024. Serving both locations, Emma strives to learn from the directors above her and assist families in their greatest time of need.
Victoria lives in Parsippany where she graduated from Parsippany Hills High School and received her BS from Rutgers University. She has worked as a funeral assistant at both locations since 2019.
*This person is unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.
Tom is a lifelong resident of Rockaway Borough. Now retired, he has volunteered in many committees such as the Fire Department, Historical Committee, Municipal Alliance, Memorial Association of Rockaway/Denville, and SLA Member Rockaway Township VFW. He is civic minded, and always there to help the residents and guests of Rockaway. Tom is happily married with two wonderful boys.
*This person is unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.
Jo Ann is recently retired after working 40 years at Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey and Connecticut. She has one son, Thomas, and has lived in Rockaway Borough all of her life. She is a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway where she participates in various ministries. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, knitting and baking. Jo Ann is also a New York Yankees season ticket holder and a huge, huge fan!
*This person is unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.
Lyrda, also known as Lynda, has called Northern New Jersey home her entire life as the youngest of eight siblings. After high school, she pursued her education both on and off campus, reflecting her dedication to lifelong learning. A passionate traveler, Lynda has explored a diverse range of destinations including many European countries, South America, the former Soviet Union, Turkey, Norway, and her personal favorite, Iceland. She delights in learning new languages and is always eager to embrace new cultures. In her spare time, Lynda immerses herself in a variety of activities. She studies Italian, enjoys watching documentaries, reading, knitting, and indulges in outdoor activities like visiting the beach or park, kayaking, and biking. She also loves attending live performances and isn’t shy about taking the stage herself, whether through singing or acting in plays. She has one son of whom he is very proud of.
*This person is unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.
Alphonse is a Parsippany resident and graduate of Parsippany Hills High School. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Felician University in August 2022. Al has been working with the funeral home since July 2022.
*This person is unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.
Maizie was born on December 27, 2020. She received her Certification as a Therapy Dog and her Good Canine Citizen Award at the young age of 1.5 years old. Maizie is availble for visitations at our homes by request. In her spare time, when she is not working at the funeral home, Maizie enjoys sunbathing, agility courses and waiting for the schoolbus to greet her tiny humans. As the busiest member of her family, Maizie also volunteers her time with Creature Comfort in Madison visiting local schools and nursing facilities once a month. Her favorite foods include watermelon, cheese and dog biscuits.
*This dog is unlicensed (aside from town animal licensing) not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm, or conduct funerals.