Our Staff

Thomas Blackstone

Funeral Director

Tom is a third generation funeral director of his family owned business. He is a graduate of Girard High School and became a licensed funeral director in 1962 after graduating form Pittsburgh Mortuary School.  He is retired from the Girard Fire Department as a part-time firefighter having served for thirty-seven years. Tom is a member of the Girard First United Methodist Church where he was a former member of the administration board, a member of the IFH and the Saxon Club and has been on numerous golf leagues. He enjoys golfing and spending his time in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida several months out of the year.  Tom was married to the former Dianna Mackey for fifty eight years before her passing in August of 2015, and together they had three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Kathleen Blackstone-Tomasino

Funeral Director

Kathy is the fourth generation funeral director of her family owned business, working for the funeral home since 1981.  Kathy has lived in Girard all her life, graduating from Girard High School, Youngstown State University and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  She is a member of the Girard First United Methodist Church, trustee for the Girard Free Library, trustee for the Girard Historical Society, member of the Girard-Liberty Rotary, trustee for the former Girard Chamber of Commerce and former member of the Girard Junior Women's, and was a Sunday School Teacher. Kathy is married to Frank and together they have four daughters, one son and nine grandchildren.

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Danielle L. Altaffer

Funeral Director

Danielle is the fifth generation in the business. She is a graduate of Girard High School, with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Youngstown State University. She is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McDonald. Danielle is married to Robert C. Altaffer, and together they have two daughters, Addison and Scarlett and live in McDonald. 

Bucky Lewis

Bucky has been with Blackstone's since 2004.  He is retired from N&S Railway working there for 37 years. Bucky is a member of First United Methodist Church and William Farr Masonic Lodge #672.  He enjoys golfing and traveling.  Bucky is married to Barbara and together they have four children and nine grandchildren.

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Barbara Lewis

Barbara Lewis - lived in Girard for many years and now resides in Niles. She is a member of Girard First United Methodist Church and enjoys traveling and reading. Barb is married to Bucky and together they have four children and nine grandchildren.

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

James Ruschman

Jim resides in McDonald and has worked for Blackstone's since 2005.  He is retired from Otis Elevator Company after working there for 42 years.  He is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Knights of Columbus in McDonald and enjoys golfing and sports. Jim is married to Robin, they have two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Robin Ruschman

Robin Ruschman resides in McDonald and has been a hairdresser for Blackstone's since 1973. Robin also works for us part-time for visitation services.  She belongs to the McDonald Literary Guild, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where she is also a lecturer. She is a Yoga instructor and enjoys golfing and sewing.  She is married to Jim and together they have two children, three grandchildren and one great-grandson

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Tim Probst

Telephone: 1-330-539-5955

Tiffany Rutushin

Office Administrator

Tiffany is the office administrator and is a 2006 graduate of Girard High School. She has a license in cosmetology. She is married to Randall H. Rutushin II and together they have two daughters, Riley and Ronni and live in Girard.