Virginia Staff

Chris Sisler

Vice President - General Manager

Chris Sisler is the Vice President and General Manager of the Altmeyer Funeral Homes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Newport News, Virginia., Chris has been a Virginia licensed funeral director with the Altmeyer Funeral Homes since December of 2002. Chris is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. Chris and his family attend the Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. He is a member of the Mens Club of Ohef Sholom Temple. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Berger-Goldrich Beth Sholom Home. Chris is native of Hampton Roads and resides in the Virginia Beach area with his wife, Lisa, and their two children Joshua and Blake.

Thomas DeCantis

General Manager Newport News

Tom DeCantis, a native of Virginia and a resident of Newport News, has been in funeral service since 1985. He is an honors graduate of the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in California. During college, he began his career at a local funeral home in Berkeley. After graduation, Tom returned to Virginia where he served his apprenticeship, and then received his license to practice Funeral Service in 1988. After this, many of his skills were developed at a firm in the northern Shenandoah Valley. In the late 90’s, Tom relocated to Virginia Beach, where he was given the privilege of joining Altmeyer Funeral Homes, as the manager of the Virginia Beach location. After serving in Virginia Beach, Tom returned to Fredericksburg, VA, for several years, but has now returned to Altmeyer Funeral Homes as the General Manager of the Denbigh and Riverside locations in Newport News. Tom supports many community and church organizations, and has been a Gideon for over ten years. He is a lifetime member of Unity 146 A.F. & A.M. in Front Royal, VA. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite, Washington D.C. “It is our sincere desire to provide caring and compassionate assistance to each family we serve. Altmeyer Funeral Homes has maintained a stellar reputation since 1917, and we will continue to provide this distinguished service for generations to come.”

Larry Jennings

Funeral Service Manager

Larry Jennings has been serving families with compassion and understanding since 1980 as a funeral director. He joined the staff of Altmeyer Funeral Home in 2005. Larry remains active in the community he serves including being a member of the Pastoral Council of the Fellowship of the Inner Light Church in Virginia Beach as a Pastor. Member of the Masons belonging to Ruth Lodge No.89 AF & AM in Norfolk serving as their Treasurer since 2007. He is a member of the A.R.E. in Virginia Beach and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He resides in the Carolanne Farms section of Kempsville with his wife Sharon. His three daughters and eight grandchildren all reside in Virginia Beach bringing him great joy.

David J. Hodges

Funeral Service Manager

David J. Hodges, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, has been with the Altmeyer Funeral Home since 1999. A native and long time resident of the Hampton Roads area, David graduated from Kempsville High School in 1989, then attended Tidewater Community College, and graduated from Old Dominion University . In August of 1999, David graduated from Guyton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA. He holds a Degree in Business Administration, and a Degree in Funeral Service. David attends Great Bridge Baptist Church with his family. David says, "It is an honor to be associated with Altmeyer Funeral Home, an experienced staff of Funeral Service professionals. We provide you with warmth and understanding, quality service with integrity and dignity. It is our goal to serve our community with excellence in complete funeral service."

J. Tracy Bradshaw

Funeral Director

J. Tracy Bradshaw, funeral director, started at the Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory in December 2000. Tracy was the manager of a local funeral home for two years before joining the Altmeyer staff. Tracy has been in the funeral service profession for 20 years and is also an Elder with Azalea Garden Church of God in Virginia Beach, VA. Tracy attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA, where he served as the chaplain of the PI SIGMA ETA funeral directors fraternity and graduated in March of 1994 with honors. Tracy was born in Norfolk, VA.

Ralph George

Funeral Director

Ralph George is a graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service where he was President of the Student Council, and received the “Bill Pierce Award”, the distinguished award bestowed upon the recipient by their peers. Ralph has worked in a local funeral home in the Tidewater area for over twelve years before coming to Altmeyer Funeral Home in 2005. A native of Oklahoma and a U.S. navy veteran, Ralph has been a resident of Norfolk since 1979. Both he and his wife Cathy are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Ralph is Past Master of Ruth Masonic Lodge # 89 in Norfolk, member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite Bodies, member of the Norfolk United Royal Arch Chapter #1, member of Grice Commandry #16, member of the United States Amateur Poker Association, and loves woodworking and golf.

Sam Twiford, III

Funeral Director

Sam Twiford, III, has been a licensed Funeral Director in Virginia since 1998, and in North Carolina since 1993. Sam has been the manager of Altmeyer Funeral Home – Twiford Chapel since December of 2009, and with Twiford Funeral Homes from 1993 to 2009. Sam is a 1993 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and 1992 graduate of University of Cincinnati. Sam is a Master Mason in the Great Bridge Masonic Lodge, a member of Great Bridge Lions, and Hickory Ruritan Club. Born in North Carolina, but raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sam and his wife moved to North Carolina in 1993. Sam, his wife Jodi, and three daughters have been residents of Great Bridge since 1999. Sam and his family attend First United Methodist Church in Elizabeth City, NC.

Gigino DiGiovanni

Funeral Director

Gigino DiGiovanni has been in the funeral service profession since 1997. He graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 2000. He was the recipient of the Elaine Beaver Award for restorative art. He is a member of Redemption Church in Chesapeake and is an avid shooting sport enthusiast. He has one daughter, Sophia.

Thomas Faulkner

Funeral Director

Thomas “Eddie” Faulkner has been with Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory since 2005. A native of Mathews, VA, Eddie attended Lee Jackson Elementary and Mathews High School, graduating in 1956. He joined the staff of Faulkner Funeral Home (now Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home) in 1959 and attended Eckels College of Mortuary Science from 1960 to 1961. He became employed with Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News from 1968-1981, at which time he purchased Riverside Funeral Home. In 1996, Riverside Funeral Home was acquired by Lowen Funeral Home and later Alderwood Funeral Home. During this time Eddie remained as manager. In 2005 Alderwood Funeral Home was purchased by Altmeyer Funeral Home and became Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home & Crematory, Newport News, with Eddie continuing as manager. Eddie is an avid NASCAR enthusiast and a New York Yankee fan.

Ed Bunch

Funeral Director

Ed was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1996 after 20 years of service and has been serving families in the funeral profession since 1998. He is a 2002 graduate of John Tyler Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science, and has resided in Portsmouth with his wife and their son since 1993, where they are members of St Paul’s Catholic Church. Ed is a ham radio operator, enjoys NASCAR and British television, and is a member of Ft Eustis Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus Council #418, The Ryan Club of Norfolk, and Cedar Point Country Club. He has been with Altmeyer Funeral Home since May 2010.

Persel J. Woods

Funeral Director

Persel J. Woods, a native of Ocala, Florida, is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. A student athlete and graduate of North Marion High School, Mr. Woods dedicated his life to serving others in the United States Navy for twenty years. After retiring, He received his degree in Mortuary Science from Tidewater Community College. Mr. Woods joined the Altmeyer Family in 2010 where he serves families with dignity and personal understanding. His dedication and diligence to those families continues to enhance the professional excellence that families have come to expect.

Brandon Killian

Funeral Director

Brandon Killian has worked in the funeral services industry since 2003. He started as a part time employee while he continued his tour of service in the United States Navy. Upon his completion of service, Brandon began to pursue a career in funeral services full time. In 2010, Brandon graduated from John Tyler Community College with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Brandon has worked for the Altmeyer family since September of 2009 and is the Chapel Manager of the Denbigh Chapel. Brandon and his family attend Calvary Assembly of God in Hampton, Virginia, and a member of the Warwick Masonic Lodge No. 336. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys hunting and golfing, though not simultaneously. Originally from Scott City, Missouri, Brandon now resides in Newport News with his wife, Amy and son, Ryan. He credits all of his success in life to his beautiful, amazing wife.

Cassandra Gapski

Funeral Director

Cassandra is a graduate of Tidewater Community College, Mineral Area College in Missouri and Norfolk State University receiving Associates and Bachelor’s degrees respectively. Joining Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Cassandra brings with her a strong sense of compassion and a dedication as well as fresh and innovative ideas for the families of the Tidewater area. She served her country with the United States Army while being stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. She and her husband, Rich, who is currently serving with the United States Navy, live in Virginia Beach and enjoy athletic lifestyles including running, biking and the outdoors.

Jessica R. Ewing

Funeral Service Intern

Jessica R. Ewing is a Funeral Service Intern and is currently attending the Funeral Services Program at Tidewater Community College. She will be graduating in December 2011. She is also working on her BSHS with Old Dominion University. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, with five years of honorable service. Jessica served with the military mortuary affairs, before joining the Altmeyer team in January 2010. She was raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania by her parents Roy (Speedy) and Chris Ewing and has a younger sister Royanna.

Robert Hogge

Funeral Service Intern

Robert was born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital here in Hampton Roads. His father is a retired Norfolk Police officer and his mother was the manager of a local Dry Cleaners. He is a graduate of Indian River High school and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Tidewater Community College. He enjoys surfing, skiing and working out at the Great Bridge YMCA. As a native of Hampton Roads, he feels that he can best serve families with local familiarity and compassion.

Robert Self

Crematory Manager/Funeral Assistant

Robert L. (Bob) Self serves as the Crematory Manager and as well as a funeral Assistant. After retiring as a Senior Defense Analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office, he accepted the invitation to join the Altmeyer Funeral Home family as a funeral assistant in September 2005. Subsequently, he completed the training and certification programs required to also serve the funeral home as a Crematory Operator. In March 2011 he was promoted to the position of Crematory Manager. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting from Campbell University. He worked part time for 2 years at a funeral home in Raleigh, NC while completing his college studies. Bob is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Newport News, where he has previously served as Congregation Council President and Vice President. Bob currently is the Secretary of the Council, a member of the Executive and several other church committees, and an usher and greeter at worship services. He enjoys gardening, landscaping, and woodworking. Bob and his wife, Dottie, have a son and daughter, Chris and Becky, who reside in San Francisco and Baltimore.

James W. Blair

Crematory Operator

Bill Harrison

Harold Kidd

Blanca O'Brien

Public Relations

Newport News

Blanca is the office manager for our Denbigh Chapel in Newport News, Virginia. She has been a member of our staff since December of 2002.She was born and raised in Peru, coming to the United States in 1970. She resided in Baltimore, MD before making her home in New Port News, Virginia in 1979 with her husband, Joseph. She has previously worked for the Traffic & Criminal Court of New Port News as a Spanish-English translator. She also was a translator and export-import clerk in Baltimore. Blanca is a member and volunteer of St. Jerome's Catholic Church. She is a Cantor and a member of the church choir as well as a soloist for funerals, weddings, and christenings. Blanca enjoys swimming, reading, music, singing, walking, exercise, cooking, and visiting her granddaughter. She also enjoys helping with the Spanish community.

Susan Elizabeth Perry

Office Manager- Funeral Service Intern

Oceanfront Maestas

Susan is the office manager at the Oceanfront-Maestas Chapel. She is currently pursuing her Funeral Director's License from the Virginia Board. She serves on the board of directors at I Need A Lighthouse, a local non-profit for suicide prevention and volunteers for many local causes. She is dedicated to providing excellent service to her clients and their families. "It is an honor to listen and help create the celebration of a life. Helping people through a difficult time and making a service memorable is what it's all about." She is a life-long resident of Virginia Beach and resides at the North End with her family.

Sandra McMullen

Office Manager

Southside

smcmullen@altmeyer.com

Patricia H. Smith

Office Manager

Denbigh

Pat is office manager at the Denbigh location. She came to Altmeyer in 2009 bringing 28 years of family-owned funeral home experience from Peninsula Funeral Home. She was born in Washington, N.C. and is a peninsula resident, where she lives with her husband, Henry, and their minature dachshunds. They have one daughter, who is also a peninsula resident. Pat is an active member of Langley Christian Church in Hampton.

Sharon Jones

Office Manager

Riverside

Sharon Morgan Jones began employment with Altmeyer Funeral Homes in September 2010, when she became the office manager of Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home & Crematory, Newport News. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Sharon spent her childhood between New England and Greeneville, Tennessee, where her father and two brothers were born. Her youngest brother was also from Massachusetts. In 1974 she joined the U.S. Navy where she became a Corpsman and was stationed in California. After the Navy, she spent her time bringing up her two sons, Tom and James and later became a Training Specialist for 10 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Hanover, New Hampshire and then Nashville, Tennessee. In 1995, she moved to Virginia and worked various employments until finally being offered the Accounting Assistant position with Peninsula Funeral Home in 1999 and was employed with them for over 11 years. Sharon resides in Hampton with her husband, Doug and between them they have four children and six grandchildren. She is a very active board member of the Parrot Head Club of Tidewater, which supports many charities, including Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen, SPCA and local FoodBanks.

Frances Griffin

Office Manager Chesapeake Chapel