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.”
In her spare time, Gabriella enjoys hiking at National Parks with her family and spending time with her boyfriend Anson and little 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.
