Who We Are
Who We Are
Our staff of professionals has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each comes to us because we are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.
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When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
Darling & Fischer Mortuaries was founded in 1931 by Rev. Roger Darling with Darling Funeral Home on the corner of 10th and Santa Clara streets in San Jose California. Clyde Fischer purchased the funeral home from Rev. Darling and Darling Funeral Home became Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel. Clyde was an active member of the community serving as San Jose mayor from 1932-1937 and on the city council in the 1960's. Clyde was instrumental in establishing Hands Across the Border providing school and medical supplies to Mexico. He adopted the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Mexicali, Mexico and provided funding and supplies for many years.
Clyde's son Jack joined the business in 1944. They expanded the family business by opening the Memorial Chapel in downtown Campbell in 1953 and Chapel of the Hills in downtown Los Gatos in 1954. In 1978 they purchased Los Gatos Memorial Park to provide burial and cremation options for the community. Jack Fischer's son, Jeff, joined the business in 1976 after graduating from Cal Poly. Jeff continued the family tradition of community involvement and serves on the Board of Directors of Good Samaritan Hospital, the San Jose/Evergreen Community College Foundation and the Board of Trustees of the Evergreen School District.
In 1998 Darling & Fischer merged with Carriage Services of California to provide added value to the families we serve. The Fischer family continues to be active in the business and community. Darling & Fischer cares about the families we serve and our community. Our staff of professional directors has experience compassionately caring for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. We ensure that each service reflects the unique life of the deceased and is meaningful and supportive for family and friends. We offer creative ideas and options to help tailor your arrangements to suit your family as you create a tribute to your loved one. Darling & Fischer offers a wide variety of choices for burial, cremation, entombment, services and ceremonies. Our staff will offer counsel and guidance as you consider arrangements and options. We take care of all the complex details for you. Please contact us so that we can answer your questions or arrange a time to meet.
Our Valued Staff
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Scott Henderson, Managing PartnerScott has over 25 years of professional service and management experience. He ensures the Darling & Fischer staff have the training, resources and tools necessary to provide each family with the best possible care and service.
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Jeff Fischer, Funeral Director, Consultant - Marketing & OutreachJeff is a former owner 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.
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Andrew Slakey, Funeral Director/EmbalmerAndrew is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who joined Darling-Fischer Chapel of the Hills in 2010. His background also includes management experience in the luxury hotel industry, Andrew is honored to serve all families in their time of need and is committed to providing the very best customer service.
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James Caldwell, Funeral ArrangerJames joined Darling & Fischer in 2009. He assists families by taking care of all the details related to their arrangements, whether they are considering burial or cremation, and the customized memorial services or ceremonies to memorialize their loved one.
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Phil Hudelson, Funeral DirectorPhil joined Darling & Fischer in 2004. He has 39 years of experience as a funeral professional. Phil is able to provide the care and guidance families need during a difficult time.
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Andrea Habing, Funeral ArrangerAndrea joined the Darling-Fischer team in 2010. She has years of experience serving families and caring for their loved ones through services, ceremonies and memorialization.
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Nicole Praisewater, Funeral ArrangerNicole joined the Darling & Fischer team in 2008. She is experienced at helping guide and counsel families in making the appropriate arrangements and assisting them in creating a service or ceremony to memorialize their loved one's life.
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Michelle Rupe, EmbalmerMichelle joined the Darling & Fischer team in 2006. She has a significant amount of experience caring for family's loved ones and helping families make their service or ceremony arrangements.
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Mark Comeau, EmbalmerMark has been a member of the Darling & Fischer team since 2007. He cares deeply for the families he serves, treating their loved one as if they were a member of his own family.
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William Hayden, Service DirectorWilliam is an experienced service ambassador guiding and assisting families with their services and ceremonies. As a pastor, William is also able to provide care for grieving families.
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Kendell Nagel, Administrative Assistant Death CertificatesKendell joined the Darling Fischer team in 2010. She brings extensive experience with EDRS, permits and family support. She insures that families are able to schedule their services and all of the necessary paperwork is complete.
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Gary Cayton, Service DirectorGary has 17 years of experience caring for families as a service director for Darling & Fischer. He is the service director for Little Treasures, providing burial services Darling & Fischer provide for abandoned infants. Gary also leads the Every 15 minutes programs in local high schools.
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Linda McCowan, Service DirectorLinda joined the Darling & Fischer staff in 2007. She serves and guides families during their memorial service or ceremony with the best care and nurture.
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Mai Pham, Support and Administrative StaffMai supports the arrangement and service staff by taking care of a wide variety of details so that we can provide the best possible service to all the families Darling & Fischer serves.
