OUR STAFF

John M. Orlando is a third generation licensed funeral director. He married the love of his life Michele and together they have two children. John is a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory, Gannon University and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association along with the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Association.

Michele Brugger Orlando is a licensed funeral director born and raised in Erie, PA. She is married to John Orlando and they have two children, Kailey and Michael. Michele attended Villa Maria Academy, West Virginia University, Penn State Behrend and graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, along with the Erie and Crawford County Funeral Directors Association.

“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 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.