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.
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 just about 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 to be part of our team.
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 Fire Chief at Dickinson Township for seven years. Charley is a happy man when he is helping others.
Harold Heller was born and raised on a family dairy farm in Upper Adams County. He has spent his life serving others. As a young man, he served as a Hospital Corpsman and Operating Room Technician in the US Navy. He is a Vietnam veteran and retired from Knouse Foods Cooperative with 30 years in Human Relations and as a Safety and Security Coordinator. He has served various churches as an organist and has over 58 years of experience. He has served the Valley of Harrisburg Scottish Rite Masons and is a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
For Harold, it's all about helping others and he has been helping the families we serve since 2018.
Mary grew up in Cumberland County, surrounded by younger siblings, cousins, and grandparents. She married her fruit grower husband, Ron and has an adult son. She has retired from her career as a Secretary. Attention to detail was always important as was helping others.
Mary is active in the Adams County community, volunteering at both the Bendersville and Biglerville Community Fire Companies and the National Apple Harvest Festivals. She is active in her Church.
Mary is happy to be part of the Dugan Family. Simply put, Mary likes to help people.
Wayne Mickley has been helping people in the funeral business for over 20 years. He is retired from Conewago Valley School District where he taught biology and served as head baseball coach. Wayne is married with two children and four grandchildren.
“I have found the people at Dugan Funeral Homes to be the most professional and people-friendly place I have worked. They are people genuinely looking to help others in time of need."
