Our Staff's Commitment to You
Our staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.
Allen grew up in Adams County in the family funeral business which has been in continuous operation since the mid-1800’s. Allen attended Penn State Mont Alto and Shippensburg University before earning his degree in Mortuary science from Catonsville Community College in 1985.
Considering the funeral profession their calling, Allen and his wife, Kitty feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work together doing something they find very meaningful; offering comfort for people at a difficult time. They feel privileged to guide and provide support to families at this sensitive and meaningful time in life. They have four children and reside at their Shippensburg location.
Allen has been a member of Bendersville Fire Company since he was 16 years old and is also a member of Vigilant Hose Company. He was a member of Union Fire Company in Carlisle where he served 10 years as Deputy and Assistant Chief. A member of Rotary Club of Shippensburg and Masonic Lodge 336, Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 F.&A.M, Gettysburg, Allen has previously served as a Deacon at Middle Spring Presbyterian Church.
Kitty grew up in Chambersburg and attended Goucher College in Towson, MD before entering the field of advertising. Later, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Fine Arts: Studio Art at Wilson College. She worked as a licensed financial advisor helping Allen with the funeral business during evenings and weekends. In 2009 she left her business to work with Allen full-time.
Kitty has served as an Elder on Session at Middle Spring Presbyterian Church. She is a member of Rotary Club of Shippensburg, Adams County End of Life Committee, The Franklin County Art Alliance, Shippensburg Township Zoning Board, Caring Continuum, and PEO (a women’s philanthropic organization).
Kitty loves the role of motherhood and sees her work, caring for others, as an extension of that. She enjoys travel, cooking, writing letters, reading, and artistic endeavors. Her favorite thing of all is spending time with their four adult children, and her new role of "Grammie". Not to worry, she continues to lavish their "baby", brindle boxer, Chappo with love and cuddles.
Death and burial became very personal to Gabriella after one of her best friends, Mark, took his own life. During Mark’s viewing, Gabriella had a realization that she would like to help others who are grieving. By becoming a funeral director, she could comfort others as she had been comforted at that difficult time. Gabriella graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service Management and from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Funeral Service.
When asked, “What do you enjoy most about working at Dugan Funeral Homes” Gabriella replied, “Dugan Funeral Homes truly is a family funeral home, drastically different from those in previous communities I have served. I feel appreciated and part of the family and the people we serve are so appreciative as well. It is an honor to walk with families through a trying time as they plan a tribute to their loved ones and to reward their trust with dignity, knowledge, and respect. A funeral service career is something to be proud of. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my personal experience to help people who have also experienced the loss of a loved one, and to serve the greater Shippensburg community.”
Gabriella is a member of Caring Continuum and the End of Life Committee, which are local community groups focused on educating the public and families faced with end of life decisions and providing resources to help local seniors and their families. Gabriella is passionate about educating the community on these topics and empowering them with knowledge so that they can make the best decisions for their family.
In her spare time, Gabriella enjoys hiking at National Parks with her family, playing in adult recreational kickball leagues and spending time with her boyfriend, Anson and cat, KitCat.
Allen grew up on a small farm in Cambria County. As a junior in high school, he lost a cousin to cancer at a very young age. He watched the funeral director walk his uncle and aunt through the worst time of their lives, sparking a passion in Allen’s heart. As a graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, he has a passion for providing the families he serves with a peaceful memory. Allen brings over 20 years of experience with, an emphasis on restorative art.
Allen lives in Shippensburg and is a member of the Shippensburg Lion's Club. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.
At work Allen appreciates being treated like part of a family. He says that it means a lot to know that your opinions and ideas are valued and considered as decisions are made.
Meagan grew up in the Mercersburg area and married her high school sweetheart, Randy, in 2003. She attended Penn State Mont Alto University and then started a 20-year career in the Banking and Financial Services Industry. Meagan and Randy started a family shortly after getting married and then moved to the Shippensburg/Newburg area in 2005. After many years in corporate banking, she decided to make a change to something more personal and meaningful and closer to her home and community.
When asked about changing careers Meagan said, "I am proud to help support the people I work with at Dugan Funeral Homes and the families I indirectly assist each day. A lot of the work I do is behind the scenes, but I know it helps make people smile and brings them comfort when they are hurting. I'm good with details, so that's a skill I bring to the table when people don't have the time or energy left to deal with the details! It is a great honor to know you've made a difference in someone's life, especially at a time when they are overwhelmed with emotions."
Meagan and Randy have two teenage daughters and an adult son who are their pride and joy. Meagan volunteers as the Treasurer for Little Daisy's Closet in Chambersburg, a local, non-profit, Christian based community outreach program that helps to create fair and equitable access to clothing and food. Spring and Summertime are her favorite seasons as she enjoys spending time outdoors in her flower and vegetable garden and greenhouse, relaxing in the backyard, going for motorcycle rides with her husband and travelling to new places.
Denise grew up in Greencastle, PA. Early in life Denise lost several family members, it was during this time that she had a curiosity about death care. After graduation of high school, Denise had her children and decided to receive her education and license for Massage Therapy and Esthetics. She went on to open her own spa in Greencastle.
In 2017, Denise suffered a stillbirth and through that proceess realized she had the desire to go back to school to become a Funeral Director and change the way death care surrounding infant loss is handled. Denise is currently enrolled at American Academy McAllister Institute earning her degree in Mortuary Science.
Denise is thankful for Dugan Funeral Home giving her an opportunity and showing and teaching her the ways of funeral directing in a caring manner. She is excited to continue to grow, learn, and be a part of the Dugan family.
As a teenager, Charley wanted to be a firefighter or a funeral director, and he’s basically done both. Charley has served as a firefighter, in paid and volunteer positions, for 55 years. The day he retired from his paid firefighter position at Carlisle Barracks, in 2005, was the day he came to Dugan Funeral Home asking to be part of our team. He started just a few days later.
Charley Westcott grew up in Newville and graduated from Big Spring High School. When he’s not assisting families at Dugan Funeral Homes, he can often be found at the fire station. He has served as the fire chief at Dickinson Township for seven years. Charley is a happy man when he is helping others.
