Our Staff

David J. Gabauer

Owner/Funeral Director

David was born and raised in New Brighton. He was a 1987 graduate of Quigley Catholic High School and continued his education at Robert Morris University. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and was the former owner of Gabauer Funeral Home, Inc. at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Inc. in Rochester, PA.  David is also currently the Beaver County Coroner.

He married Lisa Lesinski in 1995.  They currently reside in Chippewa Township

Lisa Lesinski-Gabauer

Owner/Funeral Director

Lisa graduated from New Brighton High School in 1983. After staying home to raise her two children she decided it was time to get back into the workforce. She obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management from CCBC and then continued on to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. She graduated from there in January of 2014 and became a licensed funeral director in April of 2015. She then went on to become a Certified Crematory Operator and Licensed Insurance Agent

She and David reside in Chippewa Township.

Alan Terlizzi

Funeral Assistant

Alan joined our staff in June of 2011 as a Coach Driver and Funeral Assistant.  Originally from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, he graduated from Carrick High School in 1974 and attended Robert Morris College. He relocated to Beaver County in 1995 when he married his wife, Millie (Morelli) of Beaver Falls.  He retired from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in 2011.  Alan and Millie now reside in the Patterson Township area.

Ron Schollaert

Funeral Assistant

Ron was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and then went on to graduate from Duquesne University with a degree in Human Resources.  He used that degree to become the Manager of Human Resources at Babcock and Wilcox for over 40 years, retiring in 1994. Ron has been a faithful employee of the funeral homes since 1997, where his duties include driving the hearse and limousine and sometimes working visitations.  

Devon Gabauer

Funeral Assistant

Gracyn Gabauer

Secretarial Assistant

Leslie Bellia

Funeral Assistant

Beryl Zalmanek

Funeral Assistant

Stacy Ralph

Administrative Assistant

Stacy Ralph is the Administrative Assistant at Gabauer Funeral Homes. She unknowingly began her career in 2003 bringing years of experience and vast knowledge of the industry to her position.

Stacy was raised in Beaver County, is a graduate of New Brighton High School, and resides in Ohioville Borough.

Stacy has been with Gabauer Funeral Homes since 2017.  Before joining the company, she worked within the funeral industry at cemeteries in both Florida and Pennsylvania in an administrative capacity and designing headstones. Stacy received her Pennsylvania Notary Republic commission in 2014.  

In her free time, Stacy, or “The chicken tender” as she refers to herself, enjoys raising her small flock of chickens, gardening, and relaxing boat rides on the lake. During the winter months, her interests turn to snow tubing, cooking, and building puzzles.  Stacy is actively involved with several animal rescue groups and volunteers at a farm animal rescue facility. 

Stacy believes the best way to honor your loved one, is to be the things you loved most about them.

Stacy aspires to make every grieving family feel they are the only family being assisted, serving them with dignity, compassion, and paying attention to detail.  

Stella Rose

Greeter (by request)

Emily Kirsch

Funeral Intern, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant

Emily Irene Kirsch is a Funeral Intern, Certified Celebrant, and Certified Crematory Operator at Gabauer Funeral Homes, starting with the company in 2020.

She attended Point Park University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Funeral Service, with a concentration in business and a Psychology minor. Emily also graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where she earned an Associate degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences. 

While attending Point Park, Emily was a member of both the competitive dance team and competitive cheer team. She earned two NAIA Dance All-American awards, the Daktronics NAIA scholar-athlete award, and was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athlete Honor Society.

In her spare time, Emily represents the Elite Cheerleading Organization, where she helps put together the halftime performance, along with ESP Productions at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. 

Emily believes her strong, artistic background can really bring something creative to the families she serves. Making every service special, in its own way, to honor and care for each person during the most difficult time. 

Cory Sturm

Funeral Intern, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant

Cory Sturm is a Funeral Director Intern, Certified Crematory Operator, as well as an InSight Certified Celebrant.  Born and raised in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, Cory has nearly 10 years of experience in the funeral industry.  He began his career at 14 years old with a successful funeral home in Oakland, Maryland before obtaining his education credentials from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  Cory also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a dual minor in Economics and Accounting.  He has a deep-rooted passion for caring for families that have experienced a loss.  In his free time, you can find Cory on his boat at Deep Creek Lake, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.  

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31