Our Staff
Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.
Joseph C. Parell, III, CFSP, NJ Lic # 3529
Owner & Manager
Email: poulsonvanhise@aol.com
Phone: 609-396-8168
Joe received his education at Lock Haven University where he majored in secondary education/biology and graduated with honors from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1978. He is a licensed funeral director in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and holds the title of a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner, CFSP, ( a designation for achieving a higher voluntary level of professional education in funeral service.)
He has been associated with the firm since 1978 and became co-owner in 1988. In the fall of 2012 he became the sole owner after the retirement of J. Gregory Smith.
He is a former President of the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association and served as board chairman of Thanexus, part of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, a cooperative of independently owned, family operated, community based funeral homes - providing excellence in funeral service.
He holds memberships in the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association, the NJ State Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Ethics Association. He was a past President of the former Lawrenceville Rotary Club, served as District 7510 Secretary and a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow. He also is a member of the Trenton Elks, B.P.O.E #105 and the Sons of the American Legion.
Joseph and his wife Donna have two children, Joseph IV is a police officer and a funeral director and he and his wife Lauren live in Yardley, PA. Jamie is a former school teacher and now a stay at home mom. She and her husband Steve live in Texas. They have two adorable grandsons Chase Penning and Joseph C. Parell, V and a beautiful granddaughter Collins Penning. They also have their rescue dog Max who brings joy to the entire family. In their spare time they enjoy traveling, golfing, snow skiing, Philadelphia Eagles football, boating, the Jersey shore and just relaxing with family.
Scott C. Larkin, N.J. Lic # 4447
Director
Email: poulsonvanhise@aol.com
Phone: 609-396-8168
Scott was born in Trenton to (Christopher-deceased 2023) and Kathleen Larkin. He is a longtime resident of Hamilton before moving Florence Twp. in 2024. Scott has two nephews Lorenzo and Sebastian who he loves spending time with them.
His career in funeral service began in 1994. Scott was a 1995 graduate of Steinert High School, Hamilton, NJ, and a 2000 graduate of Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ with an associate’s degree in applied science and a Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service.
He is certified by the National Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States and a licensed New Jersey Funeral Director. Scott is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association (NJSFDA). Scott is the former President of the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association. Scott is a former member of the Legislative and Law Committee, former trustee with New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation (NJSFDA). He is a Notary of Public in the State of New Jersey, member, volunteer, and former Trustee of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Monsignor Crean Div. #1, member of the Bordentown Elks Lodge BPOE #2085, and member of American Legion Post #458 in Lawrenceville. Scott is an active participant and donor with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, having walked in several events with his nephew Lorenzo who was diagnosed in 2012 at the young age of 2. He volunteered for many years with the Mercerville Lions, Medford Lakes Lions and Pemberton Township Rotary Clubs.
Scott is an avid dog lover and rescued three Chihuahuas, Joey, Levi and Charlie. Some of his hobbies include golfing, cruises, watching baseball, college football and the NFL. His teams include the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Penn State Nittany Lions, and most recently the Philadelphia Eagles.
Joseph C. Parell, IV, NJ Lic # 5340
Director
Email: poulsonvanhise@aol.com
Phone: 609-396-8168
Joseph was born in Trenton, NJ and is currently a resident of Yardley, PA where he resides with his wife Lauren, their son, Joseph C. Parell, V and their rescue dog Hank. As a young boy he was always a part of the funeral home working alongside his father from a young age. He is the third generation to join the family firm.
Joseph is a graduate of Pennsbury High School and received his B.S in Criminal Justice from Lock Haven University and served as a full time police officer in Bucks County prior to his attendance at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he received his Mortuary Science Degree and was a recipient of the Mu Sigma Alpha Award for outstanding academic proficiency. Joseph is licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Dedicated to serving others he serves part time as a police officer and has been a volunteer fireman for over 18 years and is involved with the fire company’s antique fire apparatus attending shows whenever possible.
He is a member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association the National Funeral Directors Association, Sons of the American Legion and is also an Eagle Scout BSA. He currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association.
Both he and his wife enjoy boating, jet skiing and attending Philadelphia Eagles football games in their spare time.
