The Coroner’s chief duty is to investigate all sudden, unexpected, unexplained or violent deaths occurring within the County. In cases of deaths which have possibly resulted from a criminal act or neglect, the Coroner may conduct and Inquest and call witnesses. The Coroner may employ a physician to conduct autopsies.Term: 4 years. 2025 salary: $101,694Your ballot may contain more races than you see here.
Education, Experience
Washington Bible College, BA; Reformed Episcopal seminary, M.Div.; Temple University, MA (Linguistics); Temple University School of Law, JD
Qualifications
Attorney 32 years; Incumbent Coroner, 4 years
Campaign Phone
(610)406-2769
Having been the incumbent Coroner for the past 4 years, under my supervision, my office has handled all county deaths within its jurisdiction. We have waged a campaign to identify unidentified remains, and to return unclaimed remains to their next of kin, or, failing that, ensuring that they receive a dignified final resting place. I have an extensive background in management, evidentiary, and legal issues surrounding the proper reporting by and managing of my office.
1. Maintaining a cost-effective office and accountability to the taxpayers.
2. Continuing to identify the unidentified and returning the unclaimed to their appropriate final resting place.
3. Maintaining a sensitive response to the families and next of kin of the deceased loved ones.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education, Experience
1988 Holy Name High School, 1992 Wilkes University, 1993 Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science, with a degree in Applied Sciences. Owner of Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. Funeral Director for over 30 years. I've been available to the families I serve 24/7. I am fully prepared to lead this office and serve Berks County with the compassion and excellence it deserves. I am ready and I will deliver.
Qualifications
My experience as a funeral director for over 30 years allows me to bring a unique skill set to this office; as a former firefighter and treasurer with the West Lawn / Wyomissing Hills Fire Company, I learned what it means to act quickly, think critically, and collaborate seamlessly with other first responders. These experiences have given me a 360-degree perspective on death; from the emergency response to the final arrangements.
Campaign Phone
484-256-2207
Berks County deserves a coroner who understands not only the science of investigations but also the human side of loss. For over 30 years I have navigated the complexities of death-related services with empathy, while operating a successful funeral home and making myself available 24/7. In addition, I have served the community as a firefighter, and in this capacity have experienced tragic deaths, which allowed me to provide support, and manage complex operations with precision and care.
1 Bring leadership back to the office. I do NOT believe this is an administrative role. I will lead from the front.
2 Efficiencies-Switching the office to on demand billing.
3 Training- "good death experience" is ensuring families receive the right information at the right time, with respect and care. Knowing what to say, who to say it to and how to navigate difficult conversations with both families and the media. This is a critical missing piece in the office, and I am ready to fill that void
