Our History
Watson-Yates funeral home has a long standing tradition in the Seaford area since 1820, making it possibly the oldest established funeral home in the State of Delaware and one still in business. Originally known as “The House of Watson”, the funeral home began in the Seaford area in 1820 by Paynter Watson. As the firm grew the need for a new location was foreseen and in 1858 operations were moved into the current location of 609 East King Street. Through the years the business continued under the direction of several Watson heirs, beginning with Henry H. Watson (son of Paynter), his son Medford L. Watson, Sr.; then his two sons, Medford L. Watson, Jr. (Paynter) and Pasher Watson, then business associate and licensed funeral director Gary Yates.
Top left- Henry Watson Top Right-Medford L. Watson Sr.Bottom left - Paynter Watson Bottom right- Pasher Watson
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S. Keith Parsell, Sole Owner and CEO
Keith is a native Sussex Countian, having been raised in Dagsboro with maternal roots beginning in the town of Blades, then Smyrna, Delaware. He is a graduate of Wesley College in Dover, Delaware and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and is licensed to practice in the States of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He also holds an insurance license in the State of Delaware for preneed funeral arrangements.Keith resides in Lewes with his wife Alison and has three children: Christina, Johnathan and Andrew; three granddaughters, one grandson and two step children, Amanda and Steven. He is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes where he sings in the choir and serves as substitute organist; is a life member of the Citizens Hose Company, Smyrna, Delaware and a member of the Citizens Hose Company Fireman's Band where he plays the trumpet.He is an honorary member and past president of the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department; member and past president of the Delaware State Funeral Director's Association; member of the Delmarva Funeral Service Assn.; member of the National Funeral Director's Assn. where he has served on the Budget Committee for two years; member of the Cremation Society of North America; former member of the Board of Directors of Delaware Hospice for over twenty years; member of the Georgetown and Bridgeville Historical Societies; and former member and treasurer of Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club, served as a Beebe Ambassador and is currently a member of the the Beebe Medical Foundation Board. Most recently he was appointed by Delaware Governor Jack Markell to a second three year term on the Board of Funeral Services for the State of Delaware where he currently serves as President of the Board.He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hunting and a game of golf here and there.
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Alison Parsell, Chief Operating Officer
Alison, Keith's wife, joined the staff in 2003. She is a native Delawarean, raised in Dover; graduated from Caesar Rodney School District and the Peninsula General Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. She relocated to Lewes in 1980.Alison holds an insurance license in the State of Delaware for preneed funeral arrangements.Alison has two children: Stephen Jones and Amanda Boyer; is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes where she is a past member of the choir, music librarian, Administrative Board Secretary, and Sunday School Assistant.She is a former member of the Board of Director's and former assistant treasurer of the Lewes Historical Society and curator of the Doctor's Office Museum. Also, she is a former member of the Sussex County Medical Society Auxiliary where she assisted in the production of many fund raising local fashion shows.
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Andrew Parsell, Licensed Delaware Funeral Director, Vice President
Andrew Parsell is the son of the owner, Keith Parsell. He is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 2010 he became a Delaware Licensed Funeral Director, after completing his resident internship with the firm. He now serves as a director on staff and is Vice President for the funeral home. He is a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, Lewes, DE and the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. He is an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter and was elected President of the Delaware Funeral Directors Association for the 2014-2015 year term.
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Johnathan Parsell, Chief Financial Officer
Johnathan, son of owner Keith Parsell, grew up in the family business, learning many aspects of the funeral industry. He currently oversees the financial operations of the company and assists with general management. His previous experience includes working in financial services as a Registered Representative for some of the largest and most well-known mutual fund and financial advising companies. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing and Operations Management from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Drexel University. Johnathan has served as a Director on the Cadbury Foundation Board of Directors and is a former member of the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department. In his spare time, Johnathan enjoys exploring new cities and cuisines with his wife and spending time outside with his Australian Labradoodle, Cannoli.
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Brian J. Clymer, Licensed Delaware & Maryland Funeral Director
Brian joined the firm in September 2013 as a licensed funeral director. A graduate of Old Mill Senior High School in Millersville, MD, Brian then attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Business in Mortuary Science in 1997. Prior to joining the firm, he had served the Annapolis area for the past 15 years.Brian lives in Bridgeville, DE with his wife, Kimberley and their 3 West Highland White Terriers, Skipper, Sterling and Archer. Brian is a member of the Masons and enjoys attending local sporting events, NASCAR and life on the Chesapeake Bay and at the beach.
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David T. Bradley, Licensed Delaware & Pennsylvania Funeral Director
David is a licensed funeral director who joined our firm in July 2014 and is licensed to practice in the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania. He also holds an insurance license in the State of Delaware for Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements. Originally from Western New York, David proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He is a graduate of Central Pennsylvania Business School where he also served as the Director of Enrollment. David then graduated from Northampton Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service Education and worked as a licensed Funeral Director in Lebanon, PA. He and his wife, Carolyn, are the parents of Megan, Ben and Hope Bradley. He enjoys surf fishing and kayaking in the ocean and bays as well as volunteering with Operation SEAs the Day, Warrior Family Beach Week in Bethany Beach.
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Laura E. Murabito Ward, Licensed Delaware Funeral Director
Laura Murabito Ward joined the company in April 2015. She was born and raised in Lewes and currently resides here with her son, Ripley. She graduated from St. Thomas More Academy in 2008.She received her Associates Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Services at Des Moines Area Community College in 2019. She completed her internship and became a licensed director and embalmer in the beginning of 2021. Laura is driven by her passion to care for families in the community.Laura attends Solid Ground Church in Lewes. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, going to the beach, and watching her beloved Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Phillies and the Eagles.
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Amanda Mark, Licensed Delaware & Maryland Funeral Director
Amanda Mark is a licensed Funeral Director who joined our firm in October 2022 and is licensed to practice in the states of Delaware and Maryland. Amanda grew up in Cecil County, MD, graduated from Perryville High School, and has lived in Delaware County, PA and New Castle County, DE. She has worked various customer service positions, including 12 years with Comcast before returning to school at Delaware Technical Community College and later graduating from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Amanda has worked in funeral service for 6 years.Amanda, her husband and pets have relocated to Sussex County. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
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Carson Bozman, Licensed Delaware & Maryland Funeral Director
Carson is a licensed funeral director who joined our firm in February 2023 and is licensed to practice in the states of Delaware and Maryland. Originally from Salisbury, MD, he graduated from Catonsville Community College of Baltimore County with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service Education in 2017. He worked as a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Maryland.He and his wife, Angela, are the parents of Zachary and Claire Bozman. He enjoys golfing, going to the beach, and spending time with his family and friends.
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B. Keith Phippin, Licensed Delaware & Maryland Funeral Director
Keith joined our firm in February 2024. He is a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and a 1978 graduate of James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury, MD. He obtained an Associate’s of Arts Degree in Mortuary Science in 1981 from the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville, MD. Prior to joining our team, Keith practiced funeral service in Maryland, and most recently in Sarasota, Florida. Keith and his wife, Toni recently relocated to Frankford, Delaware from Sarasota to be closer to their families. They have two children and three grandchildren. In his spare time, Keith enjoys spending time with family and friends, being active outdoors, fishing, and spending time at the beach.
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Mike R. Frock, Aftercare Coordinator
Mike is a Pennsylvania and Delaware licensed Funeral Director and joined the firm in 2022.He is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration. This education served him well as an Investigator in the US Air Force. Mike is a graduate of the Community College of Baltimore County Mortuary Science program. He is recognized as a Certified Professional in Funeral Planning from Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company, and Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Center for Loss & Life Transitions, Fort Collins, CO. He also holds an insurance license in the State of Delaware for Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements. In his 20 plus years as a funeral director, he has advised thousands of families in creating meaningful and healing funerals. Mike and his wife, Holly, live in Millsboro, DE with their two “Scottish Terrorists.” Mike enjoys time at the beach and on the golf course, where he says, “A good day is finding more balls than I lose.”
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Scott Burdette, NFDA Certified Pre-planning Counselor & Delaware Licensed Life Insurance Producer
Scott Burdette joined the firm in April 2011. He is a Delaware Licensed Insurance Agent and has also been certified by the National Funeral Directors Association as a Pre-planning Consultant.Scott was born and raised in Maryland and moved to Rehoboth Beach in 2002. For 33 years he worked in the food industry holding various positions as Clerks and Department Managers with Giant Food to being a Sales Representative, Retail Sales Manager, Accountant Manager and Business Manager with Acosta Sales & Marketing. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his spouse, friends and family. He also enjoys time with his rescue dog Casper, working around his home and spending time on the beach.
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Lisa Cammy, Pre-planning Counselor & Delaware Licensed Life Insurance Producer
Lisa joined the firm in October 2019 as a Pre-Need Office Assistant. She has over 30 years of experience in Human Resource Management and Administration in the biotechnology and health and fitness industries.Lisa and her husband, Mark, moved to Sussex County in 2014 from Monroe, New Jersey and have two daughters. They enjoy the beach, camping, spending time with their family and friends and spoiling their dogs.
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Beverly King, Bookkeeper
Beverly joined our firm in March 2011 as a Bookkeeper. Prior to joining us, she worked 23 years for several local accounting firms as an Administrative Assistant and then as Office Manager. Beverly is a local who graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1988, and she holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration/Accounting and and a BA in Business Administration/Human Resource Management. Beverly enjoys spending time with her fiancé, daughter Morgan, family and friends. She also enjoys going to the beach, boating, crabbing, traveling, watching movies and playing with her lab and her kitties.
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Bryan S. Warner, Assistant Bookkeeper
Bryan joined the firm in January 2024 as an Assistant Bookkeeper. Bryan has over 40 years of experience in Accounting and Management and retired as an Administrator in Home Health in 2022. He holds an Associate degree in Accounting from York College of Pennsylvania. Bryan and his husband, Mike relocated to Milton, Delaware in 2022 from Gettysburg, PA. Together, they have four daughters and eight grandchildren. Bryan is a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach where he serves on the Tech Team.Bryan enjoys playing volleyball, pickleball, walking, watching Penn State football, doing yard work, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
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Alexandra DiLoretto, Office Assistant
Alexandra joined the firm in October 2020 as an Office Assistant. She was born in Romania and immigrated to the United States in 2014. She has studied Foreign Languages (English, French) and received her Master’s degree in Translation Studies in 2013.Alexandra lives in Millsboro, DE, with her husband, and their dog Abbie. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading.
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Merle Leonard, Office Assistant
Miami-born, New Jersey-raised explorer now calling Delaware home since 2011. Merle joined the Parsell family November 2023.Juggling motherhood, a fiancé, and a diverse career spanning personal training, police dispatching, and administrative roles, a lover of workouts, candy cravings, Florida Keys adventures…and oh-so-sweet on her fur babies!
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Amanda Gill, Receptionist
Amanda joined the firm in March 2023. She was born in Wilmington, NC and graduated from Everest College in Newport News, VA. Amanda moved back to Millsboro with her two daughters, Alleah and Aeryn, in 2021. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time with friends and family, live music, and traveling.
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John Hazzard, Funeral Director Assistant & NFDA Certified Crematory Operator
John Hazzard joined the firm on a full time basis in May 2013 as a Funeral Director's Assistant. He originally began with the firm in March as a Funeral Home Associate and was certified as a crematory operator in November 2016. He was previously employed by the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company as an EMT and Fire Fighter since 2007.Born in Key West, Florida, John has lived full time in DE since 1997. He enjoys going to the beach with his wife and children, fishing and watching Flyers games.
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Paul Becker, Media Systems Coordinator & Funeral Home Associate
Paul joined the firm in January 2011. He has been a resident of Lewes the majority of his life. He graduated from St. Thomas More Academy in 2002 and received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Finance from the University of Delaware in 2006. He worked in the AmeriCorps after college.Paul is a member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewes, DE. He keeps active by playing tennis, soccer and golf.
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William Brittingham, Funeral Home Associate
Bill Brittingham II has been a local resident of the Lewes/ Rehoboth area his entire life. Son of Bill & Mollie Brittingham and Barb Brittingham, Bill’s Family has resided in Lewes for generations. The Brittingham’s of Lewes, Delaware owned and operated the Lewes Dairy on Pilot Town Road. Bill is also a relative of Edson Lodge, formerly of the Atkins-Lodge Funeral Home. He is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School Class of 2006. Bill has worked in the hospitality industry for the last decade. He joined the Parsell Funeral Family as a Removal Technician in October of 2021.Bill, his wife Jacey and their dog, Lady May, live outside of Lewes and enjoy live music and the outdoors.
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Victoria Miller, Licensed Intern
Victoria joined the company in March 2022 as a Funeral Home Associate. Born and raised in the New Castle area, she relocated to Millsboro in 2021. She graduated from Delcastle Technical High School in Wilmington and attended Delaware Technical Community College. Victoria has worked in the funeral industry since 2018 and graduated the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science so she can become a licensed funeral director.Victoria enjoys spending time with friends and family and can often be found cheering on her beloved Baltimore Ravens.
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David R. dos Santos, Funeral Home Associate
David joined our staff in March 2022, he was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. For the past nine years, David has been employed in higher education.David lives in Lewes, DE with his wife, Danielle and their dog, Cleo. In his spare time, he enjoys home improvement projects and spending time at the beach.
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Kade Bullock, Funeral Home Associate
Kade Bullock is a lifelong Sussex County resident raised in Millsboro, Delaware. Kade joined the Parsell Funeral Family in February 2023 as a Removal Technician and Surgical Room Assistant. He is a graduate of Sussex Central High School and East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in History. Kade plans on pursuing his Mortuary Science degree in hopes of following in his grandfather, Lynn Bullock’s, footsteps.Kade enjoys spending his free time outdoors, playing and watching sports with his friends, listening to music, and spending time with his family.
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Thomas J . Bishop, Pet Crematory Manager & CANA Certified Crematory Operator
TJ joined the firm in 2012. He is a graduate of Annapolis Sr. High School and then continued on to the “Maryland College of Art and Design” to pursue his love of art. Before residing in Lewes in 2004, TJ frequently visited the area to help assist his family with the rental of their Delaware beach house. Now a permanent resident, TJ enjoys boating and fishing, with his wife and 3 children, and going to the beach with family and friends.
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Tim Bradley, Pet Crematory Operator & Funeral Home Associate
Tim Bradley, moved from Bucks County PA, where he worked 30 years for CSR, a family-owned business. In 2021, Tim, his wife Wendy and daughters Addisen and Corinne moved to Lewes. In March of 2022 Tim joined the Parsell family as a Funeral Home Associate. He later moved to the Pet crematory obtaining his Crematory Operator Certification. Tim enjoys working with the various Veterinary Clinics that Parsell serves and also the daily interaction with individuals guiding them through the trying loss of their pet companions. He hopes to serve the needs of the Parsell clients for many years to come.
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Bob Nicholson, Pet Crematory Operator & Funeral Home Associate
After running a successful business in Newark DE, Bob Nicholson relocated back to his hometown of Lewes, DE to be closer to his family. Shortly thereafter, he joined our staff In June 2023. Bob’s customer service background spans over 35 years in the wholesale, insurance, and retail industry. He is excited to start his next chapter with the Parsell Funeral family. In his spare time, Bob enjoys DIY projects, fishing, hiking, exploring new adventures and spending time with friends and family.
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Dan Doody, Funeral Home Associate, Building & Grounds Supervisor
Dan joined the funeral home staff in 2009 as a funeral home associate and in 2010 became supervisor of building and grounds for the Clarksville, Hardesty-Bridgeville and Dodd-Carey-Georgetown chapels. He enjoys the challenges of repair and maintenance work and takes pride in the appearance of each Parsell facility.Dan and his wife Linda moved to the Delaware shore full time in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Dan retired as a supervisor from a utility in upstate N.Y in 2007. He held various managerial positions in his 37 year career. Dan also worked part-time for eight years as a funeral home associate in Rochester, NY. They have three sons and enjoy their six grand children. In his spare time, Dan enjoys boating and fishing. He attends Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Millsboro.
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Bill Nennstiehl, Funeral Home Associate
Bill Nennstiehl joined the staff in April 2012. He is a graduate of Rehoboth High School, served four years in the Navy and retired from the construction business.He and his wife, Laura Anne, reside in Bridgeville, where they enjoy their Arabian horses and are actively involved with their granddaughters.Bill is a member of the Bridgeville Historical Society, Apple-Scrapple Festival and Bridgeville Lions Club.
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Danny Rohls, Funeral Home Associate
Dan Rohls joined the firm in December 2012. He was born in Maryland and raised in Virginia. Danny now resides in Sussex County, DE. For the past 14 years he has been employed in the transportation industry.In his spare time, Danny enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing and playing golf.
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Mike Yost, Funeral Home Associate
Mike Yost joined the firm in August 2011. Mike is a native Delawarean who grew up in Felton. He is a 2001 graduate of Lake Forest High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware in 2005. Mike is currently employed by the State of Delaware as an Environmental Scientist. In his spare time, Mike enjoys the outdoors and spending time on the beach with his wife.
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Randy Brittingham, Funeral Home Associate
Randy joined our firm in August 2014 as a funeral home associate. He is a native Sussex Countian, born and raised in Dagsboro, DE. After being honorably discharged from his service time in the U.S. Air Force, he spent 30 plus years in construction and property management business. He has also volunteered at the Hospital for the Mentally Challenged in Stockley, DE. During his spare time, he enjoys remodeling homes and traveling with his husband.
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Gregg Pommerenk, Funeral Home Associate
Gregg joined our firm in March 2021. He was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. Gregg recently relocated with his family to Lewes in January 2021. He is retired after 26 years with the New York City Transit Authority. After retirement Gregg worked part time for local funeral homes in Staten Island until he relocated. Gregg and his wife Theresa have two daughters and one granddaughter. He enjoys watching sports, boating and spending time with his family.
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Dale Adams, Funeral Home Associate
Dale joined the staff in 2021 as a Funeral Home Associate. With his degree in Construction technology, he spent 40 plus years owning his own construction and cabinet making business. Dale lived most of his life in Chester County, Pennsylvania, before retiring to Lewes with his wife in 2019. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the beach, fishing, home improvements and playing guitar.
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David Mandelbaum, Funeral Home Associate
David joined our staff in April 2022. He relocated to Lewes in 2017 from northern New Jersey after spending the first three decades of his life in Brooklyn, New York. He is a retired CPA and spent most of his career as a forensic accountant in the advertising and insurance industries.David and his wife, Mary, have three children and two grandchildren. He loves being outdoors, riding bicycles and motorcycles, spending time on our beautiful beaches, and loving life in southern Delaware.
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R. Cass Ripley, Funeral Home Associate
Cass Ripley joined the firm in March 2023. Cass grew up in Florida, served in the United States Coast Guard for 8 years, and relocated to Delaware in 2012. Cass has Associates degrees in both Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, and is an avid gardener and handyman. Cass & his wife, Teresa, are co-directors of a local nonprofit, The Teach a Person to Fish Society, an organization that promotes Sustainability in Sussex County.In his spare time, Cass enjoys hunting, physical fitness, meditation, and spending time with his wife, two young-adult sons, dogs, cat & extended family.
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Sharon Hawk, Funeral Hostess
Sharon Hawk has been a Funeral Hostess on staff since 2005, primarily in our Hardesty Chapel, Bridgeville. She and her husband Charles are life-long residents of the Bridgeville area. Sharon is a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church where she is very active with the various church committees.
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Denise Romano, Funeral Hostess
Denise joined our family in August 2016. She was raised in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated from Lincoln High School. Later, she and her husband, Michael, relocated to Georgetown, where they raised their 2 sons in the Georgetown area. Denise’s background as a former certified CNA enables her to utilize her vast experience and compassion helping geriatric patients.In her spare time, Denise enjoys decorating her house, playing with her 5 cats and helping others.
