Associates

Benjamin S. Brody, Funeral Assistant

As the eldest son in the Ryave/Brody family, Ben has been working at the funeral home part time for a number of years now. Ben's passion for helping people and his compassion is evident in everything he does. In his spare time, Ben can be found working at his other favorite part-time job at Farmer x Baker, or spending time with friends and writing or playing music.

Joshua A. Brody, Funeral Intern

Josh is the youngest member of the Ryave/Brody family to join the family business. Josh brings a refreshing energy and enthusiasm to all aspects of running a funeral home. In his spare time, Josh can be found enjoying the great outdoors, his dogs, his friends and family, and writing and playing music.

Jon McAfoose, Funeral Assistant

Jon is currently an intern at Ralph Schugar Chapel Inc. Funeral Home, where he works alongside experienced funeral directors, learning the compassionate and intricate process of funeral services. Through his internship, he's gained hands-on experience and has developed a strong understanding of the emotional and logistical aspects of the industry. Jon takes pride in helping families during challenging times and is grateful for the meaningful connections he's formed with those he's assisted.

Before joining Ralph Schugar Chapel Inc., Jon worked part-time at a different funeral home, which sparked his passion for this field and guided him toward pursuing a career in funeral services. He graduated from PIMS in 2024, equipping himself with the knowledge and foundation needed to succeed in this line of work.

In addition to his professional aspirations, Jon is quick-thinking, dependable, and enjoys being of service to others. Outside of work, he loves spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, traveling, trying new foods and going to camp. Most importantly, he values quality time with his friends and family.

Judy Ryave McGuire, Director of Aftercare Services and Community Outreach

Judy Ryave McGuire has been working at Ralph Schugar Chapel since 2017. Prior to that she was a nutrition and fitness specialist, working at UPMC Presby and then the South Hills JCC. After completing 150 hours of training through the Center for Loss and Life Transition, she completed her Death and Grief Studies Certification. She is a grief companion and is available to help you navigate your grief journey. Judy and her dog Laney are a therapy team and are available to provide comfort during funerals.

Erica Stophel, Controller and Human Resources Coordinator

Erica Stophel is the Controller and HR Coordinator at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., where she has been an integral team member for the past four years. With a robust educational foundation from the University of Pittsburgh, Erica graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, alongside a minor in French Language. She later earned her Master of Science in Accounting from the same institution.

During her college years, Erica gained valuable experience as a student assistant in the Provost/Vice President's office, a Resident Assistant mentoring first-year students, and a teaching assistant, where she supported students in mastering course material. Additionally, she completed a rotational tax and audit internship with Aronson, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based accounting firm, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following her internship, Erica began her career at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., starting as a funeral assistant. Over time, she transitioned into her current dual roles in HR and finance, where she contributes her expertise to the operational and financial success of the organization.

Currently, Erica is preparing for the CPA exam, further solidifying her expertise in accounting and finance. She is proficient in a range of IT and accounting software, including Oracle and mySQL. Beyond her professional life, Erica enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, and cherishing time with friends and family.

Nolan White, Executive and Funeral Assistant

Nolan White hails from the Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington State. He first began working in the deathcare industry in 2022, at the age of 22, as an assistant for a funeral home in Skagit Valley. He had initially decided to pursue a job in the funerary industry after having befriended a funeral director while he was backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021, who spoke highly of this particular career. Nolan soon found himself enjoying his new job for its lack of monotony and for the rewarding feeling that comes from helping members of the community as they navigate the arduous hardship that is losing a loved one. Nolan relocated to Pittsburgh during the summer of 2024 with the intent of attending The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and very quickly found himself loving the city.

When he’s not poring over his studies or working Nolan can be found enjoying outdoor recreations, such as hiking and camping, as well as thrifting, attending concerts, running, watching schlocky B movies, or spending quality time with friends.