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
Vice President - General Manager
Newport News and Williamsburg
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 Vice President and General Manager for our Newport News locations and the Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg.
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 having begun a career in funeral service in 1976. He became a licensed funeral director in 1980. He has been a team member of the Altmeyer Funeral Home since 2005. He also serves the funeral home as a Life Tribute Celebrant providing families a meaningful and caring service for their loved one.
Larry remains active in the community including serving as a Pastor and being a member of the Pastoral Council of the Fellowship of the Inner Light Church in Virginia Beach. He is a member of the Masons belonging to Ruth Lodge No.89 AF & AM in Norfolk and 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 twelve grandchildren all reside in Virginia Beach and Norfolk bringing him great joy.
Persel J. Woods
Funeral Service Manager
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.
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.
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.
 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.
 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.
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
 Ed Belford
Funeral Attendant
Rebecca "Polly" Garland
Funeral Attendant
Shelby Kinder
Funeral Attendant
Shelby joined Altmeyer Funeral Homes in 1997. He and his wife, Phyllis live in the Hollywood section of Norfolk and are member of Gateway Freewill Baptist Church, Virginia Beach. They have one son, Shelby, Jr., two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with whom they enjoy spending time. He is a veteran of the Unites States Army serving in Korea and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #21, Virginia Beach. Prior to joining the funeral homes, Shelby retired from the Navy Public Works Center with 36 years as a general foreman and also from Sentara-Bayside’s security and maintenance department.
 William Everett Hogge II
Funeral Attendant
Samuel Palmer
Funeral Attendant
Henry Safley
Funeral Attendant
Garland Harris
Funeral Attendant
Garland Harris has been working for Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory since 1998 beginning his career as a Funeral Attendant part time. As of March, 2006, Garland started full time as a Funeral Service Intern. He is attending Mortuary School at Norfolk State University working towards his Funeral Directors license.Garland served in the U.S. Navy for six years and achieved the rank of second class petty officer. After the Navy, Garland went to work for (Vepco) Dominion power then moved on to Virginia Natural Gas Co during their buy out. He was employed at the power company for 17 years before retiring. Garland and his family regularly attend Gateway Freewill Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia where they have been members for over 30 years. Garland resides in Norfolk with his wife Ann. They have four children and eight grandchildren. His hobbies are golf, golf, & golf.
John T. Ferree
Funeral Attendant
John T. Ferree is a part-time Funeral Attendant and has been with the Altmeyer Funeral Home since 2003. John has a diploma in accounting and is a member of the Temple Baptist Church. He enjoys politics and sports.
Selmer W. Garland
Funeral Attendant
Selmer is a native of Shady Valley, TN. He attended the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University prior to entering the U.S. Navy. He is retired from the U.S. Navy and the United States General Accountability Office (GAO). Between those retirements, he taught Naval Science (NJROTC) at a local Virginia Beach High School. Selmer and his wife, Polly, are enjoying 55 years plus of marriage and reside in Virginia Beach. They have a son and daughter, three grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Selmer enjoys golfing, traveling, local theatrical productions, and family activities. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and regularly attends protestant worship services at the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, VA. Selmer joined the Altmeyer Funeral Home Staff in 1998. He says, without hesitation, “My objective on the Altmeyer team is to achieve excellence in rendering high quality service, dependability, and satisfaction to every family I serve.”
Thomas Hutton
Funeral Attendant
Tom Hutton is a part-time Funeral Attendant and has been with Altmeyer Funeral Home since October, 1999. Tom resides in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife Delores, whom he met while working at the funeral home. He was raised in Norfolk, VA and attended Maury High School until 1950. At that time he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a period of 4 years. During that time, he received his GED for high school equivalence. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1957 where he served until 1973. While stationed in California, he received his high school diploma from Lompoc High School in Lompoc, CA.
Tom has four children, ten grandchildren and one great grandson. Tom is an ordained Baptist minister and is a member of Bethany Free Will Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA. He is active as a part time Chaplain with a local Home Health and Hospice organization.
Delores Hutton
Funeral Attendant
Delores Hutton is a part-time Funeral Attendant and has been with Altmeyer Funeral Home since February 2000. Delores was born and raised in Norfolk, VA and resided there until February, 2003. She moved to Virginia Beach after she married Tom Hutton, whom she met while working at the funeral home. She is a graduate of Granby High School and retired from Civil Service after 25 years of service. She is a member of Bethany Free Will Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia Dare Temple #33, Pythian Sisters and has served as Grand Chief of the Grand Temple Pythian Sisters of Virginia. Delores enjoys doing volunteer work for a local Hospice organization.
Moody Harpe
Funeral Attendant
Harry Kidd
Funeral Attendant
 David Higgins
Funeral Attendant
David Higgins, Sr. has been married 41 years with one son and four grandchildren. He spent 25 years in the Navy and 22 years in real estate. He has been with the Altmeyer family for 3 years. He is a 32 year member and head usher at the Azalea Garden Church of God.
 Merwin Yount
Funeral Attendant
Merwin was born in Kittanning, Pa., 07/23/1952. I graduated from Ford City High School in June 1970 & went to basic training for the United States Navy in January 1971. He retired from the Navy after 24 years of service on 31 January 1995. He works full time at Mitsubishi Chemical on Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake. Merwin likes bike riding to the beach, gospel music, & going with his wife to Skyline Drive to see the leaves in color & to see the deer. Merwin attends church at Ocean View Assembly of God where he sings on the worship team. He is also the Adult Sunday school teacher, a deacon, & fills in preaching when the pastor is out of town. Merwin is happily married with a daughter and 2 stepsons.
Carolyn Ficken
Funeral Attendant
 Norman Soroko
Funeral Attendant
Norman is a member of Congregation Beth El, its Men’s Club where he served as its President for 10 years and is serving on its Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors of the Congregation. He is Chairman of their annual Blue Yarmulke Man of the Year program where he was selected as a recipient in 1994. He also chairs their annual Men’s Club Shabbat program each spring. Norman also chairs the Shomerim Committee which is made up of men and women who do the mitzvah of sitting with the dead, reading psalms till the funeral hour. He is also a member of B’nai Israel Congregation in Norfolk. Norman was the first person elected to be President of the Seaboard Region Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs from Tidewater. He served as President from 1999-2001. His presidency covered Conservative Men’s Clubs from Tidewater to the Washington, DC. Area. He serves on its Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs in New York. He is active in the Norfolk Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society having raised alone almost $100,000 over many years of involvement. He serves as accounting chairman for the annual event. Norman is a1974 honor graduate of Granby High School and a 1978 graduate of Old Dominion University School of Business. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a member of the ODU Alumni Association and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Norman retired from Bank of America after 17 years of service having worked in various departments of the Credit Card Division. Since November 2008, Norman has worked for Citigroup supporting the Department of Defense Travel Card.
 Kristy Owens
Funeral Director
Kristy Owens, a native of Gloucester, VA. She joined Altmeyer Funeral Homes in 2011 as a Funeral Director. Kristy graduated from the Tidewater Community College Mortuary Science Program.
She comes to us with an abundance of experience, having worked many years for a very reputable firm in Gloucester, where she developed specialized skills to help families through the bereavement process.
 Corrie Goodwin
Pre-Arrangement Director
Corrie joined the Altmeyer Funeral Home staff in New Port News, VA in 2011 as the Pre-Arrangement Director. She assists families in planning their services in advance. She has been a licensed Funeral Director for over ten years. She and her family live in Williamsburg.
 David Reinholdt
Funeral Director
David Reinholdt was privileged to join Altmeyer Funeral Homes in 2012. He is an honors graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, and has served many families in the funeral service profession since 1980.
David has been a resident of the Virginia peninsula since 1972. Prior to becoming a funeral director, he served as a professional firefighter/medic with York County, VA Department of Fire and Rescue for more than eight years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He is a member of St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Yorktown, and a past master of Army and Navy Masonic Lodge #306 in Hampton.
In his spare time, David enjoys relaxing while playing his bass guitar, hunting, and traveling with his wife, Linda.
William "Bill" E. Sittig, Jr
Associate
Bill is from Frederick, MD. He graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a major in Mathematics, and minors in German and Biology. He worked 43 years for the Department of Defense with 37 years at the Naval Safety Center. He retired as an IT (Information Technology) manager. He and his wife, Karen, have been married since 1973. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. They enjoy traveling with friends. Bill is an active member of the Suburban Christian Church. He currently serves on the official Church Board, Building Council, Finance Committee, Endowment Fund Committee and Pastoral Relations Committee. Bill joined the Altmeyer staff in 2007 and enjoys serving families during their difficult times.
 Edward Cowell
Funeral Director
Eddie was born, raised and educated in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduating from Lake Taylor High School he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and became a career Marine. While serving as a Marine he was blessed to be assigned to work in some of the most prestigious jobs and duty stations around the world, such as:
- Drill Instructor Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
- Drill Instructor Officer Candidate School Quantico, VA
- Non Commissioned Office in Charge of Refueling Section in Support of the Presidential
- Helicopter "Marine One
- Headquarters United States Marine Corps in Washington D.C, Hawaii, Japan, Saudi Arabia,
and Bahrain just to name a few. Eddie is also a combat Marine of both Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. In May 2005 he enrolled in Tidewater Community College at night where he studied General Courses/Pre-Funeral Service.
In January 2006, he retired as a Sergeant Major (E-9) after serving 28 years and holding every enlisted rank within the Marine Corps. After retirement he became a federal employee where he worked for the Department of the Army at Fort Eustis as a Transportation Analyst. He was given the opportunity to rejoin the Marine Corps, this time out of uniform as a special staff officer to the Commander as the Family Readiness Officer. During this time he continued his studies at night. In December 2009 he earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he received his formal education in Funeral Service. In March 2011 he was licensed as a Funeral Service Provider in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He went on in the same month to become a member of Alpha Lambda Chapter- EPSILON NU DELTA Mortuary Fraternity, Inc. In May 2011 he graduated from the Advance Post Mortem Reconstructive Surgery Seminar and the Advance II Post Mortem Reconstructive Surgery Seminar held at the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills in Springfield, Missouri. Eddie joined the staff of Altmeyer Funeral Home in March 2012 where he is currently serving as a Funeral Service Provider. Eddie recently became a certified Life Celebrant and offers unique celebrations for our families.
 Westin Aitch Shaffer
Funeral Service Intern
Wes was raised on a cattle ranch in East Garland, Utah. He graduated from Bear River High School in 2004. He attended BYU–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho and the Missouri Auction School in St. Louis, Missouri. Wes is currently attending Tidewater Community College working toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Services. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In his spare time, Wes enjoys training cattle dogs, riding motorcycles, spending time with family in Utah on the ranch, and most of all, taking his beautiful wife Lindsey on a date.
 Natarsha L. Merritt
Natarsha L. Merritt, a native of Newport News for more than 30 years, joined the staff of Altmeyer Funeral Home as a Funeral Director.
She is a graduate of Menchville High School in Newport News and served in the US Army as a Military Police (95B) for eight years. Tarsha became interested in funeral service due to suffering the loss of one of her twin sons in 2005. She joined the staff of Peninsula Memorial Park in 2006 as a Family Service Counselor. She then decided to study Mortuary Science and graduated from TCC in 2010 with a degree in Mortuary Science.
Tarsha is proud and honored to serve families on the peninsula as a Funeral Director for Altmeyer Funeral Home.
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