Our Staff

President of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1989 he graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science. Jim and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have two sons, Simon Cameron and James Elijah and a daughter, Justine Virginia.

Jim says, “Being a part of the Altmeyer Funeral Home organization is a great experience. This is because of the excellent group of individuals who make up our team. These people strive to give the same service they would expect for their own family. This is why we believe our standard of service is so high.”

Chris Sisler is the Vice President and General Manager of the Altmeyer Funeral Homes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Williamsburg and Newport News, Virginia; as well as our locations in Northeastern North Carolina and Tampa, Florida. Chris has been a Virginia licensed funeral director with the Altmeyer Funeral Homes since December of 2002. Chris is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. Chris and his family attend the Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. He is a member of the Mens Club of Ohef Sholom Temple. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Berger-Goldrich Beth Sholom Home. Chris is native of Hampton Roads and resides in the Virginia Beach area with his family.

Diane Compagnone-Twist, a Gloucester native and animal lover, joined the Altmeyer family in May 2015. Diane graduated Cum Laude from Tidewater Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2015. She then completed her internship with Altmeyer in June of 2017. Diane’s specialty is personalizing every aspect of a funeral service; making each service unique and special. Diane lives in a mini zoo filled with dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and her husband, Matthew. In her free time, Diane loves to save animals and go to Disney World; her favorite ride is Tower of Terror

Lindsay Shelton, a local to Williamsburg, joined the Bucktrout family in October 2016 as a funeral attendant. She has completed her degree in Mortuary Science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where she was consistently on the Dean’s List. During her time at Bucktrout, Lindsay has been able to connect with wonderful families and help them memorialize their loved one with honor, dignity, and respect. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her partner Bobby, their 6 children, traveling, and living life to the fullest. In addition to her human family, Lindsay has two English bulldogs and is the primary caregiver for our emotional support dog Benji.

Angela George is a Funeral Director and Certified Crematory Operator who joined the Altmeyer family in the fall of 2019. She graduated Cum Laude from Tidewater Community College with an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Funeral Service in 2014. Angela started her Funeral Service career at Norfolk's oldest  continually operating funeral home and even became the first female director in their history.  Originally a Norfolk native, she is a recent transplant to Newport News. Angela has brought her care, compassion, and dedication to the families, serving every family as if they are her own. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, and family.

Marcella, who joined the Altmeyer team in 2015, is a Licensed Funeral Director who serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for our Newport News and Williamsburg locations. Born in Norfolk, she was raised in Virginia Beach and has now lived on the Peninsula for over 15 years. An alumni of Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College, she is also the current Chair of the Peninsula Task Force on Aging and the Vice Chair of the Peninsula Agency on Aging Advisory Council. In addition, Marcella is a Certified Aftercare Specialist.  She is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in the community as well as educating others on topics related to grief and bereavement.

Bob's professional experience began in 1969 after 4 years with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was hired by the IBM Corporation and spent the next 30 years in various positions before his retirement in 2000. At this time he created the FCE Yacht Corporation to assist boat owners in North Florida. Having been a boater for years, he saw the need to help new boaters gain experience and to support existing boaters.

He and his family moved to Williamsburg, having lived there for a time during his IBM career. Bob worked at St. Olaf Catholic Church as Facilities Manager, and is currently the head minister for funerals held there. Bob and his wife Pat have 3 children and two cats, and live in James City County. In his spare time he volunteers for Jamestown Settlement guiding visitors.

Kyle Hvizdash, born in Manassas and a current resident of Williamsburg, VA, joined the Altmeyer family in 2018. When not working at Altmeyer, Kyle also works as a pianist at Petsworth Baptist Church in Gloucester, VA.

In his spare time, Kyle enjoys playing music, especially the organ, and creating films. He is an avid birdwatcher and coin collector.

Matthew Twist became a member of the Bucktrout team in December 2019. Matthew graduated from Regent University with a Bachelors Degree in Cinema Television in 2015. He has worked full time at WAVY TV 10 in Portsmouth since October of 2015 as an Assignment Editor, where he assigns reporters stories, and finds news stories for air and online content. Matthew is a big New York Yankees fan. He enjoys spending time with his wife Diane, who is a full time Funeral Director at the location. They like going on different trips throughout the year, especially Disney World, and being around their mini zoo of animals at home in Gloucester.

Robert and his wife were married June 28, 1968. They have a daughter, Leigh Anne, who is married to James Roberts, who have one son, Andrew. Robert’s son, Timothy and his wife Christine have two sons, Justice and Jayden.

He worked at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens as a horticulturist and with the Chrysler Museum as Assistant Curator of Fine Arts. After moving to Williamsburg, he worked for Colonial Williamsburg for thirty-five years and retired as Director of Landscape Services.

Currently, he is a Minister of Visitation for Kings Way Church and a Funeral Assistant with Bucktrout Funeral Home.

Brenda has been a part time funeral attendant at Bucktrout Funeral home for over two years. She is a native of Suffolk, Virginia and relocated to Williamsburg in 1993. She and her husband Robert have been married for 40 years and have one son. She is retired from the Williamsburg James City County Public School System where she worked for over 32 years. She spends her days caring for her granddaughter and loves every minute of it. She enjoys people and being able to help her family and community.