OUR STAFF
Meet Our Caring Staff
It is our purpose that all staff members, from grave crew to funeral attendants, strive to be professional and thoughtful with all interactions with you in order to help lighten your burden during your time of bereavement.
John M. Orlando
Funeral Director, Supervisor
John M. Orlando is a third-generation licensed funeral director, proudly continuing the legacy established by his grandfather and father. A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School, Gannon University, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, John has been serving families with care and compassion since becoming licensed in 1995—now celebrating 30 years in the profession.
He is married to the love of his life, Michele Brugger Orlando, and together they have two children. John is an active member of both the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Association.
John M. Orlando
Funeral Director, Supervisor
John M. Orlando is a third-generation licensed funeral director, proudly continuing the legacy established by his grandfather and father. A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School, Gannon University, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, John has been serving families with care and compassion since becoming licensed in 1995—now celebrating 30 years in the profession.
He is married to the love of his life, Michele Brugger Orlando, and together they have two children. John is an active member of both the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Association.
Michele Brugger Orlando
Funeral Director
Michele Brugger Orlando, a licensed funeral director with over 28 years of experience, was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and attended West Virginia University and Penn State Behrend before earning her degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Michele is married to John Orlando, and together they have two children, Kailey and Michael. She is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association as well as the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Associations.
Michele Brugger Orlando
Funeral Director
Michele Brugger Orlando, a licensed funeral director with over 28 years of experience, was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and attended West Virginia University and Penn State Behrend before earning her degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Michele is married to John Orlando, and together they have two children, Kailey and Michael. She is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association as well as the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Associations.
Stephanie N. Hinkson
Certified Preplanning Specialist & Funeral Director
“It is so fulfilling to know that by assisting people as they plan ahead, I am helping their surviving family members have time to focus on what’s most important when experiencing the loss of a loved one…time to grieve.”
Stephanie is a 2013 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where she received a Diploma in Embalming and Funeral Directing and an Associate in Specialized Business Degree in Funeral Service Management. During her time at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, she served on the student senate for three terms, finishing her last term as Secretary/Treasurer. In recognition of outstanding academic proficiency, she was presented the Mu Sigma Alpha Award, also known as the Mortuary Science Award, by the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science. Stephanie is a Certified Crematory Operator through the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). She became a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Pennsylvania on July 1, 2014, following the completion of a 12-month internship.
In March of 2015, she became a Resident Producer in Accident and Health, Life, and Fixed Annuities, to assist families in their preplanning funeral needs. Stephanie has also been trained as a Certified Professional in Funeral Planning through Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Center for Loss and Life Transition in partnership with Funeral Directors Life.
Stephanie was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. After graduating from high school, Stephanie and her family moved to western Pennsylvania, as most of her mother’s side of the family resides in the area. In October 2020, Stephanie married Dustin Jay Hinkson. Stephanie and Dustin enjoy working on their new home and spending time with friends and family.
Stephanie N. Hinkson
Certified Preplanning Specialist & Funeral Director
“It is so fulfilling to know that by assisting people as they plan ahead, I am helping their surviving family members have time to focus on what’s most important when experiencing the loss of a loved one…time to grieve.”
Stephanie is a 2013 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where she received a Diploma in Embalming and Funeral Directing and an Associate in Specialized Business Degree in Funeral Service Management. During her time at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, she served on the student senate for three terms, finishing her last term as Secretary/Treasurer. In recognition of outstanding academic proficiency, she was presented the Mu Sigma Alpha Award, also known as the Mortuary Science Award, by the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science. Stephanie is a Certified Crematory Operator through the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). She became a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Pennsylvania on July 1, 2014, following the completion of a 12-month internship.
In March of 2015, she became a Resident Producer in Accident and Health, Life, and Fixed Annuities, to assist families in their preplanning funeral needs. Stephanie has also been trained as a Certified Professional in Funeral Planning through Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Center for Loss and Life Transition in partnership with Funeral Directors Life.
Stephanie was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. After graduating from high school, Stephanie and her family moved to western Pennsylvania, as most of her mother’s side of the family resides in the area. In October 2020, Stephanie married Dustin Jay Hinkson. Stephanie and Dustin enjoy working on their new home and spending time with friends and family.
Michael Orlando
Funeral Director (Retired)
Michael enjoyed a 52 year career in funeral service. Drawn to his father's profession, Michael became licensed and joined him in the business in 1968. He worked side by side with him for 16 years providing personalized, dignified, compassionate care to families. Now his son, John and his wife Michele, both licensed funeral directors, carry on their tradition of care for Erie families.
Michael Orlando
Funeral Director (Retired)
Michael enjoyed a 52 year career in funeral service. Drawn to his father's profession, Michael became licensed and joined him in the business in 1968. He worked side by side with him for 16 years providing personalized, dignified, compassionate care to families. Now his son, John and his wife Michele, both licensed funeral directors, carry on their tradition of care for Erie families.
