Meet Our Staff

Jeff Fischer

Funeral Director, Consultant-Marketing & Outreach FDR#205

Jeff is a former owner of Darling & Fischer and is still active in our business as a funeral director and consultant. His extensive experience and resources help us provide the best possible care and service for every family, every time.

Jeff is a 4th generation San Jose native.  He has served 32 years on the school board for the Evergreen School District.  He is a 35 year member of San Jose Rotary and past president of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.  He and his wife, Peggy have been married 42 years.  The have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren.

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Pam Wood

Funeral Director FDR#4338

Pam Wood joined Darling & Fischer over 16 years ago.  From the very first day, she knew this was “her calling” in life.  Before becoming a Licensed Funeral Director, Pam has been a funeral arranger, ambassador and trainer.  When asked what she does for a living, her first response will be “I am a final event coordinator.” She is always looking for special ways to honor the life that is being celebrated.

Pam has been married to Tim, her college sweetheart for more than 41 years. Tim & Pam have traveled to many countries speaking and helping the poor.  Locally, they volunteer in an after school program and many community events.  They have 2 married children and 1 granddaughter- just ask her, she will show you the pictures.   

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Geneva Gullion Chitty

Managing Partner FD 4377, EMB 9608, CM 793

Geneva was raised in Campbell, CA. before moving to Santa Cruz County where she graduated high school in 2008, in an effort to further her studies Geneva completed an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and History from Cabrillo College prior to earning her Bachelors of Science in Funeral Service from the University of Central Oklahoma. Geneva is a Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer, she also holds her Crematory Manager license, respectfully.

Her career in the funeral profession began with mortuary transport and soon progressed into a role as a funeral attendant, embalming apprentice and funeral arranger. She attributes her inspiration for helping others to her grandparents, who were lifelong missionaries in the Philippines. 

Her passion for helping others lead to volunteering in hospice caregiving along with peer-to-peer counselling, which furthered her desire to ensure families receive honor and respect during their time of need. Her priority is to the families she serves and the team of people it takes to successfully assist them. In her free time, Geneva enjoys working on self-health in the form of Hot Yoga, weight training, along with traveling, as well as exploring many of California's culinary gems.

Geneva says she has been blessed with many wonderful teammates and mentors and she credits her success to their continued support.

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Vanna Tran

Funeral Arranger

Vanna Tran joined the Darling & Fischer Team in early 2018. She and her husband are natives of Vietnam moving to the USA  5 years ago.  They started their own Dry Cleaning business, Art Cleaners in downtown San Jose.

Vanna  is one of the most caring and compassionate persons you will ever meet.  Her mission is to help families as they honor their loved one.

She enjoys reading, watching movies and weekly family gatherings.

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Maribel Avila

Funeral Arranger

Maribel is a first generation born in the United States with family from Zacatecas, Mexico.  Her heart is to help families in need during a very difficult time.  Her love for travel has helped her experience new sights, cultures and food. 

"Fuera un honor poderlos ayudar en tiempo de necesidad."

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Natasha Neves

Office Administrator

Natasha is a native of San Jose and graduated from James Lick High School. She began her career with Darling & Fischer in February, 2016.  She finds fulfillment in helping families in their time of need. When asked what she likes best about her job? She said "Families are so appreciative of all that we do for them."

She enjoys the beach, traveling or walking her corgi, Kali.

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Carrissa Knoblock

Lead Embalmer 9010 and Funeral Director 2704

A native Californian, Carrissa graduated Cajon High School in San Bernardino with High Honors in 1997.  She then graduated from the Cypress College School of Mortuary Science in Cypress, CA with an AS in Mortuary Science and on the Dean’s List in 2001. She moved to San Francisco in 2002 and started out working for Daphne Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley, CA and then went on to complete her embalmer’s apprenticeship and licensing at Roller, Hapgood & Tinney Funeral Home in Palo Alto.  In 2010 she moved to Santa Cruz and worked for Mehl’s Colonial Chapel and then Santa Cruz Memorial from 2013 - 2022. As an Embalmer Carrissa specializes in restoration and cosmetics.  She takes great pride in the exceptional care and compassion she gives to her families. To her, this is not a job… it’s a calling. She invests a little bit of herself in all the work she does.  Outside of work Carrissa is a self-taught baker and cake designer.  For friends and family she has done some amazing wedding cakes and some very unique birthday cakes.  Her pumpkin bread and bread puddings are favorites amongst her friends.  She also dabbles in costume and character design, dramatic and special effects make-up.  She also enjoys music, independent & scary movies and walks in the woods.     

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Carlos Fagundes

Ambassador

Faial, Azores was where Carlos met his wife, Rosa.  It still holds a special place in his heart.  He enjoys woodwork,  and hosting backyard BBQ's.  Carlos  provides exceptional care to all his families.  

Luis Amarante

Ambassador

If not in San Jose, you will find Luis and his wife on  Terceira, in the Azores.   Their granddaughter is the light of their lives.   Besides traveling and being avộ, Luis helps others and volunteers at Portuguese events.

Connie Oliveira

Ambassador

Connie was born in Pico, Azores. She has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years with her husband.  She has been active in the Portuguese community all of her life.   Connie came to know Darling and Fischer intimately when she lost first her father and then her mother years later.   She has always had a passion for caring for others so it made sense that she would choose to help people during the most difficult of times.  After her personal experience with Darling and Fischer, she was quite impressed with their level of dignity and kindness.  When the opportunity presented itself, she was delighted to become a part of the  Darling & Fischer team. 

Greg Trapp

Ambassador

Greg works with his wife Irene as fellow ambassadors, having worked at Darling Fischer since 2015. He is a retired police sergeant with San Jose PD and a volunteer pastor at Evergreen Valley Church. He is also active with the Police Chaplaincy and enjoys riding his motorcycle with the Patriot Guard - a group of riders who escort soldiers and their families for various events.  The Trapp's are parents to Ben and Rachael, both recently married. 

Irene Trapp

Ambassador

Irene works with her husband Greg as ambassadors for Darling Fischer. They've been with Darling Fischer for two years now. She is a musician - vocalist and violinist - an actress in local theatre and volunteers with Joni and Friends, a ministry to families affected by disability. Irene also enjoys singing on worship team at Evergreen Valley Church. The Trapp's are parents to Ben and Rachael, both recently married. 

Angelina Coates

Ambassador

Angelina is a native of California.  Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to the Bay Area about 15 years ago with her family.  Those who met Angelina would say that she is a kind soul with the energy level of a marathon runner.  

Angelina joined Darling & Fischer in July 2016 as an ambassador.  Now, she works with our care team to prepare loved ones for their eternal rest. Her love for people translates into her work as she diligently takes care to make sure that dignity is preserved for each and every person that we have the honor to care for. 

 Angelina is an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  When not at work, she enjoys jogging and spending time with her children.