About Us

Our Valued Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

William G. Harris

William G. Harris

President, Supervisor, Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Crematory Operator

William G. "Bill" Harris, the President and owner of Harris Funeral Homes, personally offers families over 50 years of experience and professionalism in the field of funeral management and planning. Receiving his Funeral Director License in 1972, Mr. Harris founded Harris Funeral Home in 1980 at 921 Scalp Ave.

In addition to the Scalp Avenue location, Harris also purchased the John A. Baker Funeral Chapel in East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania in 1986, now known as Baker Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services. Mr. Harris makes sure that the families served at this location receives the same level of attention and benefits that is offered at the main office in Richland. The present day location of Harris Funeral Home is located at 500 Cherry Lane, which was acquired by Mr. Harris in 1993. Since dedicating his life-service to helping families in need, words such as "commitment, dedication, and compassionate care" have become synonymous with the Harris name.

He proudly served for 10 years on the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors where he held the position of Chairman.

Deborah A. Harris

Deborah A. Harris

Corporate Secretary/Treasurer

Debbie Harris takes part in decisions of the business and is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, banking, mail, etc. and provides invaluable service for the smooth operation of service to our community. She is a past board member and former volunteer at the Cambria County Humane Society and spent 20 years of leadership working the flea market for the annual St. Benedict Parish Reunion. As a pet lover she has been instrumental in acquiring a separate and dedicated pet crematory on the funeral home property.

Daniel Kovacs

Daniel Kovacs

Supervisor, Licensed Funeral Director, Preplanning Consultant

Daniel Kovacs, Funeral Director at Harris Funeral Home has been involved with serving families in need since 1989. A graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Daniel joined the Harris Family in 1999. Daniel possess the ability to work with families of different ethnicities and cultures, and speaks Hungarian and Spanish fluently

Victoria L. Bense

Victoria L. Bense

Licensed Funeral Director

Victoria has been a Licensed Funeral Director for 21 years.

Michael Shuman

Michael Shuman

Licensed Funeral Director

Mike grew up in the West End of Johnstown and is a former member of
Christ the Savior Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church. He is a 1997
graduate of Greater Johnstown High School. After graduation, he
continued his studies at Penn Highlands Community College in
Richland. He is a 2013 graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary
Science He is a licensed Pennsylvania Funeral Director having passed
both the Pennsylvania State Boards and the National Boards. Mike
worked at Moskal-Reid Funeral Home for 16 years. He is now part
of the staff at the Harris Funeral Home location on Cherry Lane in
Richland where he is one of our certified crematory operators at the
Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home. Mike has very
skilled in assisting families during their time of need. He is very
compassionate and his vibrant personality and people skills make him a
valued part of our staff. Mike resides in Daisytown with his wife,
Melissa and their children, Skye and Andrew. He is a member of St.
Gregory’s Catholic Church and the West End Lions Club.

John J. Calka

John J. Calka

Funeral Assistant Emeritus

30 year employee

Paul Kalinyak

Paul Kalinyak

Funeral Assistant/Funeral Coach Maintenance

13 Year Employee...

Jim McCreary

Jim McCreary

Funeral Director Assistant

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