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.
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.
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.
Cory Sturm
Funeral Director, Supervisor, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant, Licensed Life Insurance Agent
Cory Sturm is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, and 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. Cory lost his father to cancer in May of 2021 and now fully understands what every family is going through in their time of need. Now happily residing in downtown Beaver, Cory married the love of his life, Katelyn (Bartus) Sturm, on May 20, 2023.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Cory Sturm
Funeral Director, Supervisor, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant, Licensed Life Insurance Agent
Cory Sturm is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, and 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. Cory lost his father to cancer in May of 2021 and now fully understands what every family is going through in their time of need. Now happily residing in downtown Beaver, Cory married the love of his life, Katelyn (Bartus) Sturm, on May 20, 2023.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Jim Todd
Funeral Director
Jim has been a resident of Beaver since 1948, is a 1964 graduate of Beaver Area High School, and later, Youngstown State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. While in college he worked at J & L Steel in Aliquippa to help with college expenses. Jim started working with his father at Todd Funeral Home while in junior high ,helping on ambulance calls and other projects at the funeral home. He ran the funeral home from 1971 until 2023 when it became a part of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and is pleased he will be able to continue working for them serving families.
In 1988 he started the 5 year restoration of the Todd House Victorian Bed and Breakfast and has been running it since. He retired after 45 years from the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department. With his wife Linda, their blended family has 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys spending time on his boat in the summer, spending time with family and friends, antiquing, traveling to ride steam engines and puttering on various projects.
Jim Todd
Funeral Director
Jim has been a resident of Beaver since 1948, is a 1964 graduate of Beaver Area High School, and later, Youngstown State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. While in college he worked at J & L Steel in Aliquippa to help with college expenses. Jim started working with his father at Todd Funeral Home while in junior high ,helping on ambulance calls and other projects at the funeral home. He ran the funeral home from 1971 until 2023 when it became a part of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and is pleased he will be able to continue working for them serving families.
In 1988 he started the 5 year restoration of the Todd House Victorian Bed and Breakfast and has been running it since. He retired after 45 years from the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department. With his wife Linda, their blended family has 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys spending time on his boat in the summer, spending time with family and friends, antiquing, traveling to ride steam engines and puttering on various projects.
Nautica Goe
Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant
Nautica Goe is a licensed funeral director with a deep commitment to compassionate care and service. She joined Gabauer Family Funeral Homes in May 2024 as an intern and became fully licensed in 2025. A native of New Brighton, Nautica graduated from New Brighton High School in 2019 and went on to earn her degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2024.
In addition to her licensure, Nautica is a certified funeral celebrant and a certified crematory operator, allowing her to provide a wide range of personalized services to the families she serves. She is passionate about helping individuals and families create meaningful tributes that reflect the life, values, and spirit of their loved ones.
Outside of her professional work, Nautica enjoys crafting, spending time with her family, and exploring new experiences. She is also the proud owner of Rocket, her energetic and loyal pitbull-husky mix.
Nautica Goe
Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant
Nautica Goe is a licensed funeral director with a deep commitment to compassionate care and service. She joined Gabauer Family Funeral Homes in May 2024 as an intern and became fully licensed in 2025. A native of New Brighton, Nautica graduated from New Brighton High School in 2019 and went on to earn her degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2024.
In addition to her licensure, Nautica is a certified funeral celebrant and a certified crematory operator, allowing her to provide a wide range of personalized services to the families she serves. She is passionate about helping individuals and families create meaningful tributes that reflect the life, values, and spirit of their loved ones.
Outside of her professional work, Nautica enjoys crafting, spending time with her family, and exploring new experiences. She is also the proud owner of Rocket, her energetic and loyal pitbull-husky mix.
Katie Guerrieri
Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant
Katie Guerrieri is a lifelong resident of New Castle and is a 2020 Graduate of Mohawk High School. Katie continued her education at Thiel College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2024. She received both her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology and her Associate's Degree in Specialized Technology in funeral service arts and science. Katie has recently become licensed upon completing her internship in late September of 2025. She takes pride in making the families she cares for feel comfortable, supported, and truly welcome during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
In her free time, Katie enjoys listening to various podcasts, taking walks, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
Katie now resides in Chippewa Township and is excited to expand her knowledge in funeral service at Gabauer Family Funeral Homes.
Katie Guerrieri
Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator, Certified Celebrant
Katie Guerrieri is a lifelong resident of New Castle and is a 2020 Graduate of Mohawk High School. Katie continued her education at Thiel College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2024. She received both her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology and her Associate's Degree in Specialized Technology in funeral service arts and science. Katie has recently become licensed upon completing her internship in late September of 2025. She takes pride in making the families she cares for feel comfortable, supported, and truly welcome during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
In her free time, Katie enjoys listening to various podcasts, taking walks, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
Katie now resides in Chippewa Township and is excited to expand her knowledge in funeral service at Gabauer Family Funeral Homes.
David Sedon
Certified Crematory Operator
David Sedon graduated from Clarion University of PA, earning a B.S. in Psychology. He retired after 20 years of public service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He continues his public service serving the residents of Beaver County as a Deputy Coroner. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations at the funeral home, and is a Certified Crematory Operator.
He enjoys the outdoors, mentoring youth, volunteering in the community and spending time with his family. He resides in Patterson Township with his wife and children.
David Sedon
Certified Crematory Operator
David Sedon graduated from Clarion University of PA, earning a B.S. in Psychology. He retired after 20 years of public service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He continues his public service serving the residents of Beaver County as a Deputy Coroner. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations at the funeral home, and is a Certified Crematory Operator.
He enjoys the outdoors, mentoring youth, volunteering in the community and spending time with his family. He resides in Patterson Township with his wife and children.
Jane Little
Funeral Assistant
Jane has been a resident of Ohioville, PA, all her life. She graduated from Western Beaver High School in 1977. She retired after 29 years from Heritage Valley-Beaver. She is married, has one son and daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter and one grandson. She enjoys working in her yard and loves giving her time to help out family and friends when needed.
Jane Little
Funeral Assistant
Jane has been a resident of Ohioville, PA, all her life. She graduated from Western Beaver High School in 1977. She retired after 29 years from Heritage Valley-Beaver. She is married, has one son and daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter and one grandson. She enjoys working in her yard and loves giving her time to help out family and friends when needed.
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.
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.
Beryl Zalmanek
Funeral Assistant
Beryl A. Zalmanek lives in Chippewa Township. She has 2 adult sons and a daughter-in-law; three grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She worked at D.B.S. Steel Corp for 39 years as the office manager. After retiring, she started to work at Gabauer Funeral Homes in 2017. She has been a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church since 1972. Her hobbies include knitting, needlepoint, baking, cooking, and helping others.
Beryl Zalmanek
Funeral Assistant
Beryl A. Zalmanek lives in Chippewa Township. She has 2 adult sons and a daughter-in-law; three grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She worked at D.B.S. Steel Corp for 39 years as the office manager. After retiring, she started to work at Gabauer Funeral Homes in 2017. She has been a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church since 1972. Her hobbies include knitting, needlepoint, baking, cooking, and helping others.
Gary Rombold, Sr.
Funeral Assistant
Gary graduated from Freedom High School in 1963. He has been a resident of New Brighton for 50 years. He retired from Bayer Corporation as an outside contractor for their IT department. A member of New Brighton United Methodist Church, his hobbies include ballroom dancing and golf. He has 2 sons, four grandsons, and one granddaughter.
Gary Rombold, Sr.
Funeral Assistant
Gary graduated from Freedom High School in 1963. He has been a resident of New Brighton for 50 years. He retired from Bayer Corporation as an outside contractor for their IT department. A member of New Brighton United Methodist Church, his hobbies include ballroom dancing and golf. He has 2 sons, four grandsons, and one granddaughter.
Kathy Starcher
Funeral Assistant
Kathy became a member of the Gabauer Funeral Homes “family” after the tragic loss of her only son, Sam, at the age of 22. Driven by the deep understanding of what it means to lose someone dear, she channeled her grief into helping others navigate the difficult journey of loss. As a result, not only does she work at the funeral home, but she is also an author of 4 books and is also a local grief share leader. It is her personal mission to give love and empathy to everyone she meets.
Kathy is a wife of 44 years and a mother of 4 children.
Kathy Starcher
Funeral Assistant
Kathy became a member of the Gabauer Funeral Homes “family” after the tragic loss of her only son, Sam, at the age of 22. Driven by the deep understanding of what it means to lose someone dear, she channeled her grief into helping others navigate the difficult journey of loss. As a result, not only does she work at the funeral home, but she is also an author of 4 books and is also a local grief share leader. It is her personal mission to give love and empathy to everyone she meets.
Kathy is a wife of 44 years and a mother of 4 children.
Mary Mitchell
Funeral Assistant
Mary was born and raised in Beaver Falls, where she graduated in 1978. She remained in Beaver Falls until she and her husband moved to Florida. They lived there for over a decade and started a family, then moved back to Beaver County to be with their parents and extended family.
Family and friends are everything to Mary, and much of her time is spent with her husband of 46 years and their 2 children (4 if you count their children’s partners).
Mary ended her career at Beaver Valley and Clearview Federal Credit Unions after 27 years of service and joined the Gabauer Family in December of 2025.
Mary Mitchell
Funeral Assistant
Mary was born and raised in Beaver Falls, where she graduated in 1978. She remained in Beaver Falls until she and her husband moved to Florida. They lived there for over a decade and started a family, then moved back to Beaver County to be with their parents and extended family.
Family and friends are everything to Mary, and much of her time is spent with her husband of 46 years and their 2 children (4 if you count their children’s partners).
Mary ended her career at Beaver Valley and Clearview Federal Credit Unions after 27 years of service and joined the Gabauer Family in December of 2025.
Kathy Murphy
Funeral Assistant
Kathy is a graduate of Carlow University in Pittsburgh with a BS Degree in Business Management and a minor in Human Resources. She retired with 47 years of service with Heritage Valley Health System. After retirement, she worked at Macy’s and JCPenney.
She lives in Beaver, where she and her late husband shared their lives. She has a son, a stepdaughter, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandsons. Family is her number one priority.
She is an avid volunteer at Twelve Loaves Soup Kitchen in New Brighton and the Beaver Area Heritage Museum.
She is a lifelong member of Vanport Presbyterian Church, where she serves as an Elder and is a member of Christian Education and Missional Church committees. She also provides pulpit supply as needed.
Kathy is happy to be a part of the Gabauer team.
Kathy Murphy
Funeral Assistant
Kathy is a graduate of Carlow University in Pittsburgh with a BS Degree in Business Management and a minor in Human Resources. She retired with 47 years of service with Heritage Valley Health System. After retirement, she worked at Macy’s and JCPenney.
She lives in Beaver, where she and her late husband shared their lives. She has a son, a stepdaughter, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandsons. Family is her number one priority.
She is an avid volunteer at Twelve Loaves Soup Kitchen in New Brighton and the Beaver Area Heritage Museum.
She is a lifelong member of Vanport Presbyterian Church, where she serves as an Elder and is a member of Christian Education and Missional Church committees. She also provides pulpit supply as needed.
Kathy is happy to be a part of the Gabauer team.
Stella Rose
Greeter, 2018 - 2022
Stella Rose lost her battle with Lymphoma on 6/20/22. She was loved by many, and she was the best companion anyone could have asked for. We are grateful that she has been with us for the past 4 years, keeping smiles on grieving families' faces in our funeral home.
Stella Rose
Greeter, 2018 - 2022
Stella Rose lost her battle with Lymphoma on 6/20/22. She was loved by many, and she was the best companion anyone could have asked for. We are grateful that she has been with us for the past 4 years, keeping smiles on grieving families' faces in our funeral home.
