Book of Memories™

Order a Book of Memories™ Memorial Website and share the memory. Learn More

Pre-arrangement

Pre-arrangement is a gift to your family, sparing them from hard decisions at an emotional time. Learn More

Licensed Staff

All of our licensed directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.

 


Dennis D. Schmidt, Licensed Director, President / Supervisor
Email: Schmidtfuneral@aol.com
Office Phone: 814-824-5000
Fax: 814-824-5006

Dennis D. Schmidt is a third-generation funeral director. Born and raised in Erie, Dennis is a 2000 graduate of Cathedral Prep where he played water polo and was a member of the swim team. Following graduation from Penn State University in 2004 where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology he went on to mortuary school at the Funeral Institute of the North East (FINE) in Boston, MA and graduating with honors with an Associates of Art Degree in 2005.  Dennis was past President of the Erie Crawford County Funeral Directors Association and the Western Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. He is the funeral home's third-generation president of WPFDA, following his grandfather, Russell C. Schmidt and his father, David C. Schmidt.  Dennis is a current member of the Greene Township Lions Club - District 14-F Lions. Dennis is married to Leslie VanTassel and they have a daughter, Nora Emily & a son, Henry David.


John J. Hersch, Licensed Director
Email: Schmidtfuneral@aol.com
Office Phone: 814-824-5000
Fax: 814-824-5006

Born and raised in Erie, John is a 2003 graduate of Cathedral Prep where he played football and was a member of the track team.  John attended the College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing in 2007.  After some time working in the business sector, John went on to mortuary school at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated with a Funeral Service Arts and Sciences Degree and an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in 2009.  John was past President for the Erie Crawford County Funeral Directors Association.
John married Megan Schmidt in October of 2009 and they are current members of St. Luke Roman Catholic Church where he is a member of the Knights of Columbus - Msgr. Goodill Council #11229.They have a son, Matthew David and three daughters, Addalyn Marie, Julia Elizabeth and Kailey Ann.

Jerry L. Braden, Licensed Director
Email: Schmidtfuneral@aol.com
Toll Free Phone: 814-824-5000
Fax: 814-824-5006

Born in Titusville and raised in surrounding areas, Jerry is a 2012 graduate of Titusville Area High School. For two years, he studied Human Services at University of Pittsburgh at Titusville. During high school and college, he worked as an assistant at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home and later, the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in Titusville. Jerry graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September 2015 with an Associate’s degree in Funeral Service Arts & Science. He completed his internship with Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in October 2016 before moving to Erie to begin his funeral directing career. He is a member of Erie/Crawford County Funeral Directors Association in which he is also served as President in 2022. Jerry actively supports and volunteers in many ways in the Wesleyville community and at The Caring Place for grieving families. Jerry is also the proud father of his son, David. Jerry married Rachael Arce on July 31, 2021.

5000 Wattsburg Road | ERIE, PA 16504 | Phone: 814-824-5000 | Fax: 814-824-5006 | Email: schmidtfuneral@aol.com