Staff Team
John O'Brien, Director
- John is a third-generation cemeterian for The Catholic Cemeteries
- He has a Bachelor of Arts (Hon) degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Western Ontario
- John began working at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at age 15 as part of the grounds crew. Today he is Business Administrator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in addition to his role as Director of Cemeteries
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email John O'Brien
"We are an organization that is very contemporary even though we operate with a historical and traditional perspective," John says. "We consider it our special privilege to serve the Catholic community and we’re grateful for the trust that is placed in us."
John Foster, Manager
- Manages the family services team and meets with families and individuals as needed
- Holds a degree in Philosophy, University of Waterloo
- Attended post-graduate studies in Theology at St. Peters Seminary, London
- Part of the team since 1989
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email John Foster
"It's my job to ensure our staff team is well trained and they have the resources they need to do their jobs. The core skills our counsellors need are to be compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable."
Dwayne Cahill
- Studied at St. Peter's Seminary in London before joining The Catholic Cemeteries
- Part of the team since 1998
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email Dwayne Cahill
"Listening, compassion and patience are three skills that are very important when helping families. You need a solid combination of all three, and sometimes you need more of one than the other. It's my job to ensure families feel comfortable and have the right information to make these very important decisions."
Most rewarding part of the job: "Knowing when I've helped a family through a very difficult time. It can be as simple as a 'thank you,' or a handshake that lets me know I've done my job."
Nanda Cozzi
- Speaks fluent Italian
- Graduate of McMaster University
- Part of the team since 1999
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email Nanda Cozzi
"It is important to listen to a family’s needs or requests and sometimes, just listening when they like to share their story with you. In our case, it’s not about making a sale but ensuring people are aware of their options."
Leanne Fischl
- Holds a Bachelor of Science degree, McMaster University
- Began in 2001 as a summer student before becoming a full-time counselor in 2006
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email Leanne Fischl
"I always think about the families at the end of each day. I review the day to ensure I did my best for them, that I met their needs and price points. I want to make sure I made it as easy as possible for people during a difficult time."
Most rewarding part of the job: "I enjoy speaking with families and having that direct one-on-one interaction with people. Knowing that I have helped an individual or family through a difficult time can be quite gratifying."
John Perrotta
- History graduate, McMaster University
- Speaks fluent Italian
- Began in 1998 as a summer student before becoming a full-time counselor in 2003
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email John Perrotta
"Each and every day is different for me. Individuals and families bring forward a different scenario and they all have unique needs - this is what keeps me on my toes. My job is very interesting and extremely rewarding."
Skills needed for the job: "Patience and understanding. These are skills that I've learned along the way and will continue to refine. Listening is also very important. Sometimes families just need my ear."
Jessica Devine
- Holds a degree in English, McMaster University
- Began working at the cemetery as a summer student in 2005
- Part of the team since 2008
- Can be reached at 905-522-7727
- Email Jessica Devine
"Many families come in with different and unique needs and the most important part of my job is to understand what these needs are and helping them in whatever way possible."
Skills needed for the job: "Working with families on a daily basis. I enjoy meeting new people and this is something I have the privilege of doing every day."
Ross Hutchison
- Manages Our Lady of Peace Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Holy Cross Catholic Cremation Centre
- Began working with The Catholic Cemeteries in 2003
- Can be reached at 905-690-7547
- Email Ross Hutchison
"I enjoy it; I like dealing with people. I feel good when someone says: ‘You've made this so much easier to deal with. You’ve explained everything.’ It's a nice feeling."
Most rewarding part of the job: "It's about listening and understanding families' needs. It's important they get what they want."
Alice Puma
- Responsible for Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum, Resurrection Cemetery in Ancaster
- Speaks fluent Portuguese
- Part of the team since 1995
- Can be reached at 905-304-9138
- Email Alice Puma
"It can be difficult working with families who have suddenly lost a young child. But that's why our jobs are so important. We help people through these difficult situations by making the process easy to understand and as smooth as possible."
Most rewarding part of the job: "When people come back to me and say 'thank you, you've made it all so easy for us.' Knowing that a family has felt comfort at a time when they needed us most…that's the best feeling."
Angela Schon
- Responsible for Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery and mausoleum in Stoney Creek
- Speaks fluent Hungarian
- Part of the team since 2002
- Can be reached at 905-643-0189
- Email Angela Schon
"People are often surprised when I tell them what I do. I'm quick to tell them it's about a lot more than death. It's all about people and families, and I love helping people – it's the best part of my job."
Most challenging part of the job: "Sometimes families arrive in very large groups and have difficulty making decisions together. It's my job to simplify things for families so their options are easy to understand."
William (Bill) Templeton
- Responsible for Holy Cross Cemetery, Our Lady of the Assumption Mausoleum, and St. Joseph Cemetery, both located in Brantford
- Part of the team since 1982
- Can be reached at 519-442-2608
- Email William (Bill) Templeton
"I take great pride in my job. I know what it's like to lose a family member, so I treat families just as I would my own."
Most rewarding part of the job:"It's the relationships I build with families that make this job so satisfying. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. I absolutely love what I do."
Dominic Tersigni
- Responsible for Marymount Cemetery and Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, and St. Joseph Cemetery, both located in Guelph
- Spent 23 years as a funeral director before becoming part of The Catholic Cemeteries team in 1995
- Speaks fluent Italian
- Can be reached at 519-836-8814
- Email Dominic Tersigni
"Being a cemeterian can be challenging - but it all adds up to experience. Every day I learn something new about my job and myself. This is what makes our work so unique and exciting."
Skills needed for the job: "Patience is a virtue. I always treat people as I would my own family, beginning with patience."