Alfredo Camargo
Funeral Director Manager
Alfredo has been a resident and active community member of Manchester for nearly twenty years. He demonstrates his dedication by the way he cares for families day in and day out as well as the support he provides to many of the organizations in and around Manchester. With the help of numerous other volunteers, Alfredo helped to erect The Wall that Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Manchester in September 2024. He currently proudly serves as a Board Member for MARC, Inc, supporting our special needs community. Alfredo enjoys outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.
Alfredo is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) member of the CT Funeral Directors Association. He completed his professional training at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY. Alfredo has been a licensed funeral director since 2015, and he joined the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in 2021, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the funeral home.
Alfredo Camargo
Funeral Director Manager
Alfredo has been a resident and active community member of Manchester for nearly twenty years. He demonstrates his dedication by the way he cares for families day in and day out as well as the support he provides to many of the organizations in and around Manchester. With the help of numerous other volunteers, Alfredo helped to erect The Wall that Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Manchester in September 2024. He currently proudly serves as a Board Member for MARC, Inc, supporting our special needs community. Alfredo enjoys outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.
Alfredo is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) member of the CT Funeral Directors Association. He completed his professional training at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY. Alfredo has been a licensed funeral director since 2015, and he joined the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in 2021, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the funeral home.
Sarah Pruett
Managing Funeral Director
Sarah Pruett (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate funeral director who believes in putting families first. Sarah began her education at Mount Ida College, where she started her journey in mortuary science. After the college closed, she transferred to Lincoln College, which also eventually closed. Despite these setbacks, Sarah remained determined and ultimately graduated from Goodwin University in 2019 with a degree in Mortuary Science.
With a solid foundation in At Need services and experience in both corporate and privately-owned funeral homes, Sarah ensures that families receive the highest level of care and support during their most difficult moments. Known for strong communication skills and an exceptional ability to manage scheduling, she is committed to providing seamless and compassionate service.
Outside of funeral service, Sarah enjoys expressing creativity through painting, writing, and gardening—passions that provide balance and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
Sarah Pruett
Managing Funeral Director
Sarah Pruett (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate funeral director who believes in putting families first. Sarah began her education at Mount Ida College, where she started her journey in mortuary science. After the college closed, she transferred to Lincoln College, which also eventually closed. Despite these setbacks, Sarah remained determined and ultimately graduated from Goodwin University in 2019 with a degree in Mortuary Science.
With a solid foundation in At Need services and experience in both corporate and privately-owned funeral homes, Sarah ensures that families receive the highest level of care and support during their most difficult moments. Known for strong communication skills and an exceptional ability to manage scheduling, she is committed to providing seamless and compassionate service.
Outside of funeral service, Sarah enjoys expressing creativity through painting, writing, and gardening—passions that provide balance and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
Christopher Gromko
Managing Funeral Director
Chris first found his passion for helping others when, at a young age, he began working at a funeral home operated by his close friend’s family. A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, he’s been a licensed funeral director since 1995 and has been serving families at Potter for 30 years. Chris’s diligence and meticulous, thoughtful work ethic help guide grieving families in making decisions as stress-free as possible. He has been a loyal and reliable mentor for our newer funeral directors, while maintaining a cheerfulness that is key to helping employees and families deal with what can be an extremely difficult occupation. Chris grew up in Norwich and lives in Canterbury with his wife, Sue, of 29 years, children, Emma and Andrew, and their three labradors Trooper, Maisey, and Rosie.
Christopher Gromko
Managing Funeral Director
Chris first found his passion for helping others when, at a young age, he began working at a funeral home operated by his close friend’s family. A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, he’s been a licensed funeral director since 1995 and has been serving families at Potter for 30 years. Chris’s diligence and meticulous, thoughtful work ethic help guide grieving families in making decisions as stress-free as possible. He has been a loyal and reliable mentor for our newer funeral directors, while maintaining a cheerfulness that is key to helping employees and families deal with what can be an extremely difficult occupation. Chris grew up in Norwich and lives in Canterbury with his wife, Sue, of 29 years, children, Emma and Andrew, and their three labradors Trooper, Maisey, and Rosie.
Colton Schroder
Licensed Funeral Director
Colton Schroder
Licensed Funeral Director
Colton William Schroder has been serving the funeral industry for more than fifteen years. He pursued his education in Mortuary Science at Lincoln College of New England and graduated with a degree in Funeral Services from Goodwin College.
Colton is a licensed embalmer and a certified cremation services provider, bringing a high level of technical expertise and professionalism to his work. He is dedicated to serving families with care, dignity, and respect during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In addition to his professional qualifications, He is known for being history buff, particularly ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Although he initially planned a career as a history teacher, he ultimately found his calling in funeral service, where he combines his respect for tradition with a commitment to compassionate care.
Karen Harper
Office Manager
Karen joined the Manchester Funeral Home after 24+ years as an Administrative Assistant II, House Manager, and Case Manager in a Substance abuse/Halfway house that serviced residents from the Department of Corrections. She is a Connecticut native, who served in the United States Air Force from 1978-1983. While in the Air Force, Karen worked in Transportation. She later cross trained and became an On-the-Job Training Manager. Karen’s conscientious manner and proclivity for attending to others in need, make her an asset to any team, but her tireless dedication provides the foundation for our seamless day-to-day operation. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Karen Harper
Office Manager
Karen joined the Manchester Funeral Home after 24+ years as an Administrative Assistant II, House Manager, and Case Manager in a Substance abuse/Halfway house that serviced residents from the Department of Corrections. She is a Connecticut native, who served in the United States Air Force from 1978-1983. While in the Air Force, Karen worked in Transportation. She later cross trained and became an On-the-Job Training Manager. Karen’s conscientious manner and proclivity for attending to others in need, make her an asset to any team, but her tireless dedication provides the foundation for our seamless day-to-day operation. When she is not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Shay Perrone
Administrator
Shay Perrone
Administrator
Mandi Chater
Assistant
I have worked for Holmes Watkins Funeral home since 2022 as an assistant and office staff. I also work PT for the State with mental health patients in their home as a cognitive behavior technician. When not working I'm busy at home with my 2 boys.
Mandi Chater
Assistant
I have worked for Holmes Watkins Funeral home since 2022 as an assistant and office staff. I also work PT for the State with mental health patients in their home as a cognitive behavior technician. When not working I'm busy at home with my 2 boys.
Rick Gauvreau
Assistant
Rick Gauvreau
Assistant
Michael Tupper
Assistant
Michael Tupper
Assistant
Annie Vazquez
Funeral Home Apprentice
Annie is a 2025 graduate of Fine Mortuary College and currently serves as an apprentice funeral director. She brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist into her work, with a diverse background that includes salon ownership, and teaching within a cosmetology academy. These experiences have given her a strong foundation in restorative hair and makeup, along with a deep appreciation for personal presentation, dignity, and care.
Over the recent years, Annie felt a profound inner shift toward work rooted in greater purpose and meaningful human connection. As she entered mortuary school, life presented experiences that further shaped her calling into funeral service, including personal loss, a professional work opportunity supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges and walking alongside others through many forms of grief and healing. Together, these moments have molded her approach to funeral service, allowing her to meet families exactly where they are with empathy, compassion, and presence. Annie looks forward to her continued growth alongside all her colleagues who also share a passion for deep human connection and providing the highest level of care during times of need.
Family is the foundation of Annie’s life. She cherishes time spent with her husband, their three daughters, and their goofy boxer who keeps them laughing. Outside of work, she is an avid painter and enjoys creative exploration of all kinds, as well as activities that keep her grounded and closely connected to nature.
Annie Vazquez
Funeral Home Apprentice
Annie is a 2025 graduate of Fine Mortuary College and currently serves as an apprentice funeral director. She brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist into her work, with a diverse background that includes salon ownership, and teaching within a cosmetology academy. These experiences have given her a strong foundation in restorative hair and makeup, along with a deep appreciation for personal presentation, dignity, and care.
Over the recent years, Annie felt a profound inner shift toward work rooted in greater purpose and meaningful human connection. As she entered mortuary school, life presented experiences that further shaped her calling into funeral service, including personal loss, a professional work opportunity supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges and walking alongside others through many forms of grief and healing. Together, these moments have molded her approach to funeral service, allowing her to meet families exactly where they are with empathy, compassion, and presence. Annie looks forward to her continued growth alongside all her colleagues who also share a passion for deep human connection and providing the highest level of care during times of need.
Family is the foundation of Annie’s life. She cherishes time spent with her husband, their three daughters, and their goofy boxer who keeps them laughing. Outside of work, she is an avid painter and enjoys creative exploration of all kinds, as well as activities that keep her grounded and closely connected to nature.
