Our Caring Staff
Alfredo Camargo
Funeral Director Manager
Alfredo has been a resident and active community member of Manchester for nearly twenty years. He demonstrates his dedication by the way he cares for families day in and day out as well as the support he provides to many of the organizations in and around Manchester. With the help of numerous other volunteers, Alfredo helped to erect The Wall that Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Manchester in September 2024. He currently proudly serves as a Board Member for MARC, Inc, supporting our special needs community. Alfredo enjoys outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.
Alfredo is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) member of the CT Funeral Directors Association. He completed his professional training at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY. Alfredo has been a licensed funeral director since 2015, and he joined the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in 2021, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the funeral home.
Alfredo Camargo
Funeral Director Manager
Alfredo has been a resident and active community member of Manchester for nearly twenty years. He demonstrates his dedication by the way he cares for families day in and day out as well as the support he provides to many of the organizations in and around Manchester. With the help of numerous other volunteers, Alfredo helped to erect The Wall that Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Manchester in September 2024. He currently proudly serves as a Board Member for MARC, Inc, supporting our special needs community. Alfredo enjoys outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.
Alfredo is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) member of the CT Funeral Directors Association. He completed his professional training at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY. Alfredo has been a licensed funeral director since 2015, and he joined the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in 2021, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the funeral home.
Christopher Gromko
Funeral Director
Chris first found his passion for helping others when, at a young age, he began working at a funeral home operated by his close friend’s family. A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, he’s been a licensed funeral director since 1995 and has been serving families at Potter for 30 years. Chris’s diligence and meticulous, thoughtful work ethic help guide grieving families in making decisions as stress-free as possible. He has been a loyal and reliable mentor for our newer funeral directors, while maintaining a cheerfulness that is key to helping employees and families deal with what can be an extremely difficult occupation. Chris grew up in Norwich and lives in Canterbury with his wife, Sue, of 29 years, children, Emma and Andrew, and their three labradors Trooper, Maisey, and Rosie.
Christopher Gromko
Funeral Director
Chris first found his passion for helping others when, at a young age, he began working at a funeral home operated by his close friend’s family. A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, he’s been a licensed funeral director since 1995 and has been serving families at Potter for 30 years. Chris’s diligence and meticulous, thoughtful work ethic help guide grieving families in making decisions as stress-free as possible. He has been a loyal and reliable mentor for our newer funeral directors, while maintaining a cheerfulness that is key to helping employees and families deal with what can be an extremely difficult occupation. Chris grew up in Norwich and lives in Canterbury with his wife, Sue, of 29 years, children, Emma and Andrew, and their three labradors Trooper, Maisey, and Rosie.
Sarah Pruett
Licensed Funeral Director
Sarah Pruett (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate funeral director who believes in putting families first. Sarah began her education at Mount Ida College, where she started her journey in mortuary science. After the college closed, she transferred to Lincoln College, which also eventually closed. Despite these setbacks, Sarah remained determined and ultimately graduated from Goodwin University in 2019 with a degree in Mortuary Science.
With a solid foundation in At Need services and experience in both corporate and privately-owned funeral homes, Sarah ensures that families receive the highest level of care and support during their most difficult moments. Known for strong communication skills and an exceptional ability to manage scheduling, she is committed to providing seamless and compassionate service.
Outside of funeral service, Sarah enjoys expressing creativity through painting, writing, and gardening—passions that provide balance and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
Sarah Pruett
Licensed Funeral Director
Sarah Pruett (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate funeral director who believes in putting families first. Sarah began her education at Mount Ida College, where she started her journey in mortuary science. After the college closed, she transferred to Lincoln College, which also eventually closed. Despite these setbacks, Sarah remained determined and ultimately graduated from Goodwin University in 2019 with a degree in Mortuary Science.
With a solid foundation in At Need services and experience in both corporate and privately-owned funeral homes, Sarah ensures that families receive the highest level of care and support during their most difficult moments. Known for strong communication skills and an exceptional ability to manage scheduling, she is committed to providing seamless and compassionate service.
Outside of funeral service, Sarah enjoys expressing creativity through painting, writing, and gardening—passions that provide balance and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
Amber M. Ditomasso
Funeral Director, CPC
“One of the most rewarding feelings is knowing I have helped my families plan meaningful, thoughtful, and personal funeral arrangements in advance, either for themselves, family members, or friends. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment knowing that they are not leaving loved ones with this very personal task, and I am honored to guide them through it.”
As an advanced funeral planner, Amber assists families through the planning process, including educating them on the process of prefunding in order to protect assets for Medicaid qualification, or simply because they want to keep the emotional and financial burden from loved ones. As a former at-need director, Amber knows firsthand the importance of having final arrangements in order. “It’s much easier on family members when they are certain that their loved ones are being honored exactly as they chose to be.”
Amber is a graduate of New England Institute of Funeral Service, earned a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University, and a master’s degree from Cambridge College. In her spare time, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding with her husband and two adult daughters, and spending time with her beloved Italian greyhound.
Amber M. Ditomasso
Funeral Director, CPC
“One of the most rewarding feelings is knowing I have helped my families plan meaningful, thoughtful, and personal funeral arrangements in advance, either for themselves, family members, or friends. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment knowing that they are not leaving loved ones with this very personal task, and I am honored to guide them through it.”
As an advanced funeral planner, Amber assists families through the planning process, including educating them on the process of prefunding in order to protect assets for Medicaid qualification, or simply because they want to keep the emotional and financial burden from loved ones. As a former at-need director, Amber knows firsthand the importance of having final arrangements in order. “It’s much easier on family members when they are certain that their loved ones are being honored exactly as they chose to be.”
Amber is a graduate of New England Institute of Funeral Service, earned a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University, and a master’s degree from Cambridge College. In her spare time, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding with her husband and two adult daughters, and spending time with her beloved Italian greyhound.
Karen Harper
Corporate Administrator
Karen joined the staff after 24+ years working for a Substance Abuse/Halfway House that worked with residents from the Department of Corrections. She is a Connecticut native, who proudly served in the US Air Force from 1978-1983. Karen’s conscientious manner and passion for helping others in need, provides the foundation for our seamless day-to-day operation. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Karen Harper
Corporate Administrator
Karen joined the staff after 24+ years working for a Substance Abuse/Halfway House that worked with residents from the Department of Corrections. She is a Connecticut native, who proudly served in the US Air Force from 1978-1983. Karen’s conscientious manner and passion for helping others in need, provides the foundation for our seamless day-to-day operation. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Mandi Chater
Assistant
I’m a mom of 2 boys who has worked in the field community service for over 20 years. I spend time at Manchester Memorial Hospital, working with private clients assisting with life skills in their homes and supporting all areas of service at Homes-Watkins Funeral Home. I enjoy being part of a compassionate team of employees who are dedicated to helping others during a difficult time of a loss.
Mandi Chater
Assistant
I’m a mom of 2 boys who has worked in the field community service for over 20 years. I spend time at Manchester Memorial Hospital, working with private clients assisting with life skills in their homes and supporting all areas of service at Homes-Watkins Funeral Home. I enjoy being part of a compassionate team of employees who are dedicated to helping others during a difficult time of a loss.
Shay Perone
Administrator
Shay is a Connecticut native whose career journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others with care, empathy, and professionalism. For 15 years, she worked as a cosmetologist, honing her skills in a fast-paced and client-focused environment. During this time, Shay developed strong connections with her clients, building relationships based on trust, compassion, and a keen eye for detail. She was known for her creative flair, attention to detail, and the ability to make others feel confident and beautiful.
However, Shay’s career path took a significant turn when she decided to pursue a different form of service. Seeking a way to have a more profound impact during life’s most challenging moments, she chose to return to school and in 2020, earned her Funeral Service degree from Goodwin University. This new chapter in her life allowed Shay to combine her passion for helping others with the knowledge and training needed to provide dignified and thoughtful care to those grieving the loss of a loved one. She quickly became known for her compassionate approach, ensuring that families are supported with both professionalism and heartfelt empathy.
She resides in CT with her husband and their lovable pup, Stella, Shay enjoys balancing her professional responsibilities with a rich personal life. When she's not working, she’s often found exploring new hobbies, volunteering within her community, or spending quality time with her family. Shay believes in the power of community and is dedicated to helping others navigate the toughest times with respect and understanding.
Shay Perone
Administrator
Shay is a Connecticut native whose career journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others with care, empathy, and professionalism. For 15 years, she worked as a cosmetologist, honing her skills in a fast-paced and client-focused environment. During this time, Shay developed strong connections with her clients, building relationships based on trust, compassion, and a keen eye for detail. She was known for her creative flair, attention to detail, and the ability to make others feel confident and beautiful.
However, Shay’s career path took a significant turn when she decided to pursue a different form of service. Seeking a way to have a more profound impact during life’s most challenging moments, she chose to return to school and in 2020, earned her Funeral Service degree from Goodwin University. This new chapter in her life allowed Shay to combine her passion for helping others with the knowledge and training needed to provide dignified and thoughtful care to those grieving the loss of a loved one. She quickly became known for her compassionate approach, ensuring that families are supported with both professionalism and heartfelt empathy.
She resides in CT with her husband and their lovable pup, Stella, Shay enjoys balancing her professional responsibilities with a rich personal life. When she's not working, she’s often found exploring new hobbies, volunteering within her community, or spending quality time with her family. Shay believes in the power of community and is dedicated to helping others navigate the toughest times with respect and understanding.
Rick Gauvreau
Assistant
Rick Gauvreau
Assistant
Michael Sheehan
Assistant
Michael Sheehan
Assistant
Michael Tupper
Assistant
Michael Tupper
Assistant
Deb Bassett
