Meet Our Valued Staff
At Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center, we are committed to working with the funeral industry's best and brightest. Our funeral staff are not only compassionate but have many years of experience in funeral and cremation services.
We are a community funeral home and ensure our staff are like-minded individuals. This means we pledge to treat your family like they are a part of our own. We know that when a family steps through our doors, they need assistance and support to help them say goodbye.
We pride ourselves on the care and compassion our staff provides the help a family honor their loved one. It is our goal to help every family say goodbye with a dignified and respectful service.
Our funeral home is comprised of two groups: our licensed funeral directors and our non-licensed staff. In both groups, you will find dedicated professionals who are integral to our success. These men and women will work hard to help create a meaningful funeral service for your loved one.
Our licensed funeral directors are responsible for arranging services and coordinating care for the deceased. Our non-licensed staff are just as integral to the success of our company. They play a key role in the operation of our funeral home and coordinating services.
We invite you to browse to learn more about the people that make us a leader among funeral homes in Chambersburg.
Thomas L. "Tommy" Geisel, II
President & Funeral Director
Being one out of a family of ten funeral directors, I grew up around funeral homes, and I learned early on, the value of life. So too, did I learn how quickly it can be taken away. Reflecting on my childhood, I can remember watching my dad, my uncle Jack, and my grandfather helping families deal with death and personal loss. For a long time I was unsure if I could also make this my life's work. But after obtaining a B.S. in Business from Virginia Tech, I decided to attend the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. I returned to Chambersburg in September of 1999, and began my often intriguing career as a fourth-generation Geisel Funeral Director. In 2009, I married a childhood friend (and secret crush) Nicki Shively, who then was a first grade teacher at Falling Spring Elementary School. After Nicki completed her Master's degree in Counseling, she was promoted to the prestigious position of "Mommy." Our daughter, Atlee, and son, Jack, keep us quite busy. But our canine kids, Elsie and Higgins, help out where they can, so that I can still find some time to squeeze in a round of golf now and then.
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Thomas L. "Tommy" Geisel, II
President & Funeral Director
Being one out of a family of ten funeral directors, I grew up around funeral homes, and I learned early on, the value of life. So too, did I learn how quickly it can be taken away. Reflecting on my childhood, I can remember watching my dad, my uncle Jack, and my grandfather helping families deal with death and personal loss. For a long time I was unsure if I could also make this my life's work. But after obtaining a B.S. in Business from Virginia Tech, I decided to attend the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. I returned to Chambersburg in September of 1999, and began my often intriguing career as a fourth-generation Geisel Funeral Director. In 2009, I married a childhood friend (and secret crush) Nicki Shively, who then was a first grade teacher at Falling Spring Elementary School. After Nicki completed her Master's degree in Counseling, she was promoted to the prestigious position of "Mommy." Our daughter, Atlee, and son, Jack, keep us quite busy. But our canine kids, Elsie and Higgins, help out where they can, so that I can still find some time to squeeze in a round of golf now and then.
Thomas L. Geisel
Vice President & Supervisor
The third generation and sixth member of the Geisel family to work in funeral service, Tom was raised with funeral service having a great influence on his life. He attended Hagerstown Junior College and served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University and went on to graduate in 1978 from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.Tom moved to Chambersburg in 1980 and was employed by the former John O. Park Funeral Home, purchasing the firm in 1983. He then moved the firm from it's former location in downtown Chambersburg to the present Falling Spring Road location in 1993.He is a member of the National Funeral Director's Association, a member and Past President of the Capital City Funeral Director's Association, member of the George Washington Lodge # 143 F & AM, and numerous other local organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Hospice, the Shook Home, M & T Bank, the former Financial Trust Company, and the former Keystone Financial. He resides in Chambersburg with his wife Kay.
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Thomas L. Geisel
Vice President & Supervisor
The third generation and sixth member of the Geisel family to work in funeral service, Tom was raised with funeral service having a great influence on his life. He attended Hagerstown Junior College and served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University and went on to graduate in 1978 from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.Tom moved to Chambersburg in 1980 and was employed by the former John O. Park Funeral Home, purchasing the firm in 1983. He then moved the firm from it's former location in downtown Chambersburg to the present Falling Spring Road location in 1993.He is a member of the National Funeral Director's Association, a member and Past President of the Capital City Funeral Director's Association, member of the George Washington Lodge # 143 F & AM, and numerous other local organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Hospice, the Shook Home, M & T Bank, the former Financial Trust Company, and the former Keystone Financial. He resides in Chambersburg with his wife Kay.
Jeremy R. Shoemaker
Funeral Director
Jeremy is originally from Amberson, Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife, Erin. He is a graduate from Fannett-Metal High School. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Grand Forks, ND. He attended Park University and the University of North Dakota (Lake Region) while in the Air Force. Jeremy graduated from mortuary school at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2002 with an embalming diploma and an Associates Degree in Specialized Business. After mortuary school, he attended Penn State University, studying Turfgrass Science. He has been licensed as a funeral director/mortician in the state of Maryland, since 2002, where he practiced until he joined the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home in October 2008, Jeremy now holds licenses in Maryland and Pennsylvania, since 2009. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, American Legion Post 232, Dry Run, PA, Orrstown Lodge #262 F. & A.M., and the Hub City Club, Shippensburg, PA. He enjoys hunting, especially archery hunting, being outdoors, landscape design, and seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers win.
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Jeremy R. Shoemaker
Funeral Director
Jeremy is originally from Amberson, Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife, Erin. He is a graduate from Fannett-Metal High School. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Grand Forks, ND. He attended Park University and the University of North Dakota (Lake Region) while in the Air Force. Jeremy graduated from mortuary school at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2002 with an embalming diploma and an Associates Degree in Specialized Business. After mortuary school, he attended Penn State University, studying Turfgrass Science. He has been licensed as a funeral director/mortician in the state of Maryland, since 2002, where he practiced until he joined the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home in October 2008, Jeremy now holds licenses in Maryland and Pennsylvania, since 2009. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, American Legion Post 232, Dry Run, PA, Orrstown Lodge #262 F. & A.M., and the Hub City Club, Shippensburg, PA. He enjoys hunting, especially archery hunting, being outdoors, landscape design, and seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers win.
Erika McKissick
Funeral Director
Erika grew up in Chambersburg, PA, where she graduated from the Chambersburg Area Senior High School with the Class of 2010. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Natural Sciences from Juniata College in 2014. Upon graduation from Juniata, she attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2015 with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service. Erika joined the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home in August 2020 with five years of experience as a licensed funeral director. She attends Grand Point Church with her family and she is also a member of Rotaract of Franklin County.
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Erika McKissick
Funeral Director
Erika grew up in Chambersburg, PA, where she graduated from the Chambersburg Area Senior High School with the Class of 2010. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Natural Sciences from Juniata College in 2014. Upon graduation from Juniata, she attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2015 with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service. Erika joined the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home in August 2020 with five years of experience as a licensed funeral director. She attends Grand Point Church with her family and she is also a member of Rotaract of Franklin County.
Adam Winegardner
Funeral Director
Adam is our second 4th generation funeral director. As Tom's nephew, he grew up working in the Geisel family funeral homes in Bedford County where he was born and raised. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and then went on to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September 2009 with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service. Adam is a member of the Chambersburg Noon Lion's Club, George Washington Lodge #143 F&AM, and the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club. His interests include history, hunting, golf, and Penn State football. He resides in Chambersburg with his wife Kelly and son Lucas.
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Adam Winegardner
Funeral Director
Adam is our second 4th generation funeral director. As Tom's nephew, he grew up working in the Geisel family funeral homes in Bedford County where he was born and raised. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and then went on to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September 2009 with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service. Adam is a member of the Chambersburg Noon Lion's Club, George Washington Lodge #143 F&AM, and the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club. His interests include history, hunting, golf, and Penn State football. He resides in Chambersburg with his wife Kelly and son Lucas.
Chad E. Starliper
Funeral Director
A native of Franklin County, Chad was raised near Mercersburg and graduated from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem in June of 1992 with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education. He served a one year internship with this firm from June 1992 until June 1993 and was licensed by the state as a funeral director in September of 1993. He is the firm's Director of Funeral Service Operations. Chad is a licensed insurance agent. A member and Past Vice President of the Capital City Funeral Directors Association, he is former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Franklin County Crime Solvers and is a former member of the Exchange Club of Chambersburg. He and his wife Amy reside in Chambersburg and love spending time with their daughters, Kacie, Kylie (Josh), and Madison, as well as their grandsons, Scott and Tanner.
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Chad E. Starliper
Funeral Director
A native of Franklin County, Chad was raised near Mercersburg and graduated from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem in June of 1992 with an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education. He served a one year internship with this firm from June 1992 until June 1993 and was licensed by the state as a funeral director in September of 1993. He is the firm's Director of Funeral Service Operations. Chad is a licensed insurance agent. A member and Past Vice President of the Capital City Funeral Directors Association, he is former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Franklin County Crime Solvers and is a former member of the Exchange Club of Chambersburg. He and his wife Amy reside in Chambersburg and love spending time with their daughters, Kacie, Kylie (Josh), and Madison, as well as their grandsons, Scott and Tanner.
Vicki Airey
Administrative Assistant
Vicki Airey
Administrative Assistant
Charles Custer
Funeral Director
Charles “Charlie” E. Custer, II was born and raised in Marion, Ohio. Even at a very young age, he wanted to work with the public. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Musical Education, taught music, delivered mail for the Postal Service, and even briefly ventured into preaching, social work, and fast-food management. However, he still yearned for an occupation for geared for public service. To forge his dream, he and his wife moved their children to Texas, where Charlie graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2010 and became a funeral director. He now has his faith rewarded with a gratifying career that provides his desire to help people in need. He has been licensed in Pennsylvania since 2014. Charlie lives in the surrounding Chambersburg area with his wife, Tammie, and his special-needs son, Chuckie.
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Charles Custer
Funeral Director
Charles “Charlie” E. Custer, II was born and raised in Marion, Ohio. Even at a very young age, he wanted to work with the public. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Musical Education, taught music, delivered mail for the Postal Service, and even briefly ventured into preaching, social work, and fast-food management. However, he still yearned for an occupation for geared for public service. To forge his dream, he and his wife moved their children to Texas, where Charlie graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2010 and became a funeral director. He now has his faith rewarded with a gratifying career that provides his desire to help people in need. He has been licensed in Pennsylvania since 2014. Charlie lives in the surrounding Chambersburg area with his wife, Tammie, and his special-needs son, Chuckie.
Taylour Hammond
Family Service Associate
Taylour was born and raised in Chambersburg. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Shippensburg University, he pursued his mortuary science degree, graduating from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2018. Taylour has enjoyed growing as a professional with guidance from his coworkers, and is grateful to have the opportunity to assist the families he works with daily. His interests include rooting on the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Orioles and watching true crime documentaries. He and his wife, Kelsey, reside in Chambersburg with their two cats, Clarence and Vera.
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Taylour Hammond
Family Service Associate
Taylour was born and raised in Chambersburg. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Shippensburg University, he pursued his mortuary science degree, graduating from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2018. Taylour has enjoyed growing as a professional with guidance from his coworkers, and is grateful to have the opportunity to assist the families he works with daily. His interests include rooting on the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Orioles and watching true crime documentaries. He and his wife, Kelsey, reside in Chambersburg with their two cats, Clarence and Vera.
John L. Izzi
Family Service Associate
John joined our staff in October, 2015 and serves in a number of roles here at the funeral home. He finds that providing care and compassion to our client families is the most rewarding aspect of being a part of our funeral home family.
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John L. Izzi
Family Service Associate
John joined our staff in October, 2015 and serves in a number of roles here at the funeral home. He finds that providing care and compassion to our client families is the most rewarding aspect of being a part of our funeral home family.
Dalton Paul
Head Groundskeeper
Dalton joined our staff on February 15, 2003. A retired school administrator, he had worked in the Chambersburg Area Senior High School as a teacher of Agriculture and Landscaping Horticulture, and as the Executive Director of the Franklin County Career and Technology Center. His educational experiences cover a span of 37 1/2 years all in Franklin County. He is a 1965 graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Master in Education degrees in Landscaping and Horticulture and School Administration where he was named to the Dean's List. A member of the First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg; Past District Governor and Chaplain of the Pennsylvania Lions, and holds membership in over three dozen local, state, and national service and civic organizations. His leadership and people skills is a great asset to the funeral home. Dalton resides in Chambersburg with his wife Julie.
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Dalton Paul
Head Groundskeeper
Dalton joined our staff on February 15, 2003. A retired school administrator, he had worked in the Chambersburg Area Senior High School as a teacher of Agriculture and Landscaping Horticulture, and as the Executive Director of the Franklin County Career and Technology Center. His educational experiences cover a span of 37 1/2 years all in Franklin County. He is a 1965 graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Master in Education degrees in Landscaping and Horticulture and School Administration where he was named to the Dean's List. A member of the First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg; Past District Governor and Chaplain of the Pennsylvania Lions, and holds membership in over three dozen local, state, and national service and civic organizations. His leadership and people skills is a great asset to the funeral home. Dalton resides in Chambersburg with his wife Julie.
Brad Helfrick
Family Service Associate
Born in Chambersburg, raised in Greencastle, I live with my Wife, Stacey and three kids - Carson, Caden and Addison in Chambersburg. I feel that God has me here at Geisel for a purpose, to help Families in one of their darkest days be a little "lighter", whether through providing a smile, encouragement, help, or just being there when someone needs me. A member of Refuge Tabernacle, Waynesboro, I play the electric bass guitar, follow all the Washington D.C. sports teams, rooting mainly for the Commanders and Nationals. Hobbies include sports card collecting, hunting, and fishing. I love spending time with Family and Friends.
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Brad Helfrick
Family Service Associate
Born in Chambersburg, raised in Greencastle, I live with my Wife, Stacey and three kids - Carson, Caden and Addison in Chambersburg. I feel that God has me here at Geisel for a purpose, to help Families in one of their darkest days be a little "lighter", whether through providing a smile, encouragement, help, or just being there when someone needs me. A member of Refuge Tabernacle, Waynesboro, I play the electric bass guitar, follow all the Washington D.C. sports teams, rooting mainly for the Commanders and Nationals. Hobbies include sports card collecting, hunting, and fishing. I love spending time with Family and Friends.
Tay Jones
Family Service Associate
Tay joined our staff on January 2024. He is a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, a veteran of the Army after 10 years of service. After the military he pursued his career in corrections/law enforcement. He is currently a Pennsylvania State Parole Agent. He is active member in the community as a coach for the last 20+ years. He has enjoyed his professional career but has a true passion for sports and developing character in youth and is thankful for the opportunity to assist the families he works with in the community in which he grew up in. His coaching, education, work life and volunteer experiences have made him well rounded in life. A member of the VFW Post 1599 and the Fraternal order of Police criminal investigators post 92. Tay sees how God may have lead him to the Geisel family as a continuation of assisting families in their time of need. Tay resides in Chambersburg, father of Zierra, Karter and Jayden Jones. Tay is also an avid Washington fan.
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Tay Jones
Family Service Associate
Tay joined our staff on January 2024. He is a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, a veteran of the Army after 10 years of service. After the military he pursued his career in corrections/law enforcement. He is currently a Pennsylvania State Parole Agent. He is active member in the community as a coach for the last 20+ years. He has enjoyed his professional career but has a true passion for sports and developing character in youth and is thankful for the opportunity to assist the families he works with in the community in which he grew up in. His coaching, education, work life and volunteer experiences have made him well rounded in life. A member of the VFW Post 1599 and the Fraternal order of Police criminal investigators post 92. Tay sees how God may have lead him to the Geisel family as a continuation of assisting families in their time of need. Tay resides in Chambersburg, father of Zierra, Karter and Jayden Jones. Tay is also an avid Washington fan.
Richard l. Schoenleber
Family Service Associate
Rich is a friend to everyone who walks through our doors. He joined our firm in 2007 after retiring from UPS with 30 years of service. A Chambersburg native, he has a great interest in local history and enjoys sharing stories of how our town has grown and developed over the years. He and his wife, Linda, are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and are proud parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Always cheerful and smiling, he's always there to lend a helping hand to anyone he can.
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Richard l. Schoenleber
Family Service Associate
Rich is a friend to everyone who walks through our doors. He joined our firm in 2007 after retiring from UPS with 30 years of service. A Chambersburg native, he has a great interest in local history and enjoys sharing stories of how our town has grown and developed over the years. He and his wife, Linda, are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and are proud parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Always cheerful and smiling, he's always there to lend a helping hand to anyone he can.
Alan Witter
Family Service Associate
I am a Chambersburg native, retiring from the Chambersburg Fire Department in 1991. I then served with the Free Methodist Church USA, retiring after 32 years of service. I live in Chambersburg with my wife Barbara.
Being here at Geisel is a continuation of my service to God and the families who pass through here. My experience in ministry has provided me with the expertise to minister to people during their most challenging times. I am grateful for all opportunities I have here to assist in any way I can and to be compassionate and respectful to those I have contact with.
I enjoy collecting coins, reading, and studying in a variety of disciplines and enjoy using my skills helping others.
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Alan Witter
Family Service Associate
I am a Chambersburg native, retiring from the Chambersburg Fire Department in 1991. I then served with the Free Methodist Church USA, retiring after 32 years of service. I live in Chambersburg with my wife Barbara.
Being here at Geisel is a continuation of my service to God and the families who pass through here. My experience in ministry has provided me with the expertise to minister to people during their most challenging times. I am grateful for all opportunities I have here to assist in any way I can and to be compassionate and respectful to those I have contact with.
I enjoy collecting coins, reading, and studying in a variety of disciplines and enjoy using my skills helping others.
Lawrence Briggs
Family Service Associate
Always respectful and dependable, Lawrence and his devoted wife, Rose, help us in a number of difference roles, and always demonstrate the qualities that are essential to how we conduct our specialized field of service.
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Lawrence Briggs
Family Service Associate
Always respectful and dependable, Lawrence and his devoted wife, Rose, help us in a number of difference roles, and always demonstrate the qualities that are essential to how we conduct our specialized field of service.
Eric Peterman
Eric grew up in the Altoona, Pa region. He is 1990 graduate of the Altoona Area High School and attended Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pa. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1992 started his career as a Funeral Director under the direction of Tom Geisel in 1995.
While taking a hiatus from the funeral industry, Eric explored a career in HVAC and supply chain operations for a number of years. He has since returned to the Geisel team of funeral directors and is honored to be a part of our standard of excellence.
Eric resides in Chambersburg. He has two sons, Nathan, of Shippensburg, and Justin, who resides in Carlisle with his wife, Sarah. In his spare time you can find Eric hiking at Caledonia State Park or any of our states beautiful parks and beyond. A bit of a muscle car enthusiast, he enjoys sharing stories with other car enthusiasts.
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Eric Peterman
Eric grew up in the Altoona, Pa region. He is 1990 graduate of the Altoona Area High School and attended Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pa. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1992 started his career as a Funeral Director under the direction of Tom Geisel in 1995. While taking a hiatus from the funeral industry, Eric explored a career in HVAC and supply chain operations for a number of years. He has since returned to the Geisel team of funeral directors and is honored to be a part of our standard of excellence. Eric resides in Chambersburg. He has two sons, Nathan, of Shippensburg, and Justin, who resides in Carlisle with his wife, Sarah. In his spare time you can find Eric hiking at Caledonia State Park or any of our states beautiful parks and beyond. A bit of a muscle car enthusiast, he enjoys sharing stories with other car enthusiasts.
