Our History
On February 1, 1834, Thomas F. Keeler extended a helping and necessary hand to the community of Mount Holly and the surrounding area when he started a funeral service in conjunction with his furniture business at 107 High Street in this historic town.
Thomas F. Keeler was also one of the founders of the Burlington County Funeral Directors' Association in New Jersey. He served as the organization's first secretary in 1877. Six generations of Keelers and Perinchiefs have guided the destiny of the funeral business in Mount Holly and each of the six generations has served as president and secretary of the Burlington Association. In addition two have served as president of the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science: Morris Keeler Perinchief From 1938-1942 and Harry Tuttle Perinchief 1942-1952.
The patriarch of the business, Thomas F. Keeler, died in 1885. He was succeeded by his son Morris H. Keeler, who headed the business until his death in 1914. Morris K. Perinchief, a grandson of Morris H. Keeler joined the firm in 1905 as the third generation to be engaged in the family enterprise. Morris K. Perinchief introduced modern embalming to Burlington County in 1906. The firm was the first in the area to utilize motorized equipment in its service, replacing its horse drawn vehicles in 1912. In 1937 their Chapel became the first fully air-conditioned funeral home in the vicinity.
Harry T. Perinchief joined his father in 1933 and upon the death of his father in 1945 became head of the firm. In 1949 Harry completely remodeled the existing facilities. The remodeled home served the community for over 20 years, but in 1961, after 127 years of operation at the original location, Harry purchased a beautiful 60 year old Victorian mansion with very attractive gardens that were well known throughout that area of the state. A newspaper account, written at that time about the opening of the new funeral home, said that visitors came far and wide to see the gardens. So, the local showplace, located two blocks from the original location, became, in 1961, the Perinchief Chapels today. One addition to the mansion was erected in 1971 to provide more space for funeral chapels.
David T. Perinchief joined his father in 1966 after his graduation from Dartmouth College and American Academy-McAllister Institute. His father died in 1968 and at that time he assumed the reins of leadership as the fifth generation serving the family business. Dave was very active in the Mount Holly Community, served as Past President of the Mount Holly Rotary Club and served on both the Mount Holly Township Board of Education and the Rancocas Valley Board of Education. David passed away on July 31, 2013.
David's son Patrick joined the business in 1994 after graduating from Randolph Macon College and American Academy-McAllister Institute. Patrick was the six generation of the family working in the business. He also served as President of the Burlington County Funeral Directors' Association. Patrick died suddenly in October of 2007.
Alison Perinchief Reinhard assumed the role of President of Perinchief Chapels after the death of her father. She is also part of the six generation of the family to serve in the family business.
The entire Perinchief family and staff remain committed to serving the greater Mount Holly area community for generations to come.
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Alison Perinchief Reinhard, Manager
My life changed completely 13 years ago when my brother suddenly died. I couldn't put together a coherent thought for months. It made me want to step out of the office and help families experiencing a loss. My father, David passed away in 2013. I am proud to be a sixth generation funeral director, but I want to continue to earn your trust. In addition to serving families at the funeral home, I am a mom to 3 busy children, wife to George, and "mom" to our black lab, Gale and our red lab, Ruby. I spend time helping to coach my daughter's soccer team and keep busy getting my children to all their activities. I am also a member of the Mount Holly ProDay Committee and the Mount Holly Rotary Club. I am a member of the Burlington County Funeral Directors Association and am currently serving as President for the NJ State Funeral Director's Association. Feel free to call the funeral home at 609-267-0399 to speak to me.
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Donald Capelli CFSP, Funeral Director
Don is longtime resident of Westampton, a graduate of Hammonton High School, attended Glassboro State College then matriculated and graduated in 1974 from the American Academy, McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in New York City. Don has been a licensed funeral director for over 30 years. He has always been active in the local community by serving as a volunteer coach for Sacred Heart and a member of the Mount Holly Elks. He is an avid golfer. Don is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). For over 15 years, Don, along with his family, has proudly been a part of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure. Don’s compassion and professionalism have well-served the many families he has assisted.
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Damian M Bordell, Funeral Director
Damian grew up in Shamokin, PA. He earned his funeral director's license in 2005 after graduation from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA. The following year, he came to New Jersey and received his NJ funeral director's license. He resides in Deptford and attends Trinity Christian Chapel in Washington Township. Damian enjoys spending his free time with his son Samuel.
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Thomas A LaBianco, Funeral Director
Thomas was raised in Manahawkin where he graduated from Southern Regional High School. He attended Rowan University, graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. In 2017, Tom received his degree in Mortuary Science form Mercer County College, and his Funeral Director's license later that year. Tom currently resides in Tuckerton with his wife Maggie and three children. He is proudly a member of the Mount Holly Elks and the Burlington County Funeral Directors Association.
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Gary Potts CFSP, Funeral Director
Gary grew up on a farm in Chesterfield and lived there for many years before moving and working in Highland Park for 23 years. In 2018, he moved back to the area and settled in Mansfield Township. He is a graduate of Northern Burlington County Regional High School, Mercer County Community College and Rider University. Gary is the father of two children and has one grandson. He is a member of the Hedding Cantata Singers and is a funeral celebrant. In 1999, he became a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) and is now serving on the Academy Board of Trustees. Gary has been a licensed funeral director for over forty years and is very passionate about his work. He is ready to serve your family during a most difficult time with compassion and care.
