Past Presidents

"Leadership," according to famed management consultant Peter Drucker, "is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations." Here at the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association, we recognize the critical importance of ensuring our organization is guided by leaders with insight, commitment and confidence. Here are the names and biographical details of the men and women who have served as president in the past.

Brian Clymer, Past President 2020-2021 Email: brian@parsellfuneralhomes.com Toll Free Phone: 3026459520 Brian joined the Parsell Funeral Homes & crematorium  in September 2013 as a licensed funeral director. A graduate of Old Mill Senior High School in Millersville, MD, Brian then attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Business in Mortuary Science in 1997. Prior to joining the firm, he had served the Annapolis area for the past 15 years. Brian lives in Bridgeville, DE with his wife, Kimberley and their 3 West Highland White Terriers, Skipper, Sterling and Archer. Brian is a member of the Masons and enjoys attending local sporting events, NASCAR and life on the Chesapeake Bay and at the beach.

Michael Platt, Past President 2019/2020 Website: www.delawarefuneral.com Office Phone: 302-328-9300 Michael was born and raised in Chester, PA., and was a graduate of St. James High School.  He moved to New Castle, DE after marrying his wife Amy Smiley, a native Delawarean. They have three daughters, Holly, Jessica, and Sophia.  Michael and his family have been members of St. Peter the Apostle Church, in New Castle for over 25 years, where he had been a member of Parish Council and an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Currently, Michael proudly serves as a councilman for the City of New Castle and holds the position of Vice President for the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association.  After 20 years of being a production supervisor, he had the opportunity to step in to the funeral business where he discovered his true passion.  He attended American Academy McAllister Institute to obtain his degree in Mortuary Science.  After serving his internship at Krienen-Griffith, he received his funeral directors license in May of 2011.   Michael also holds a life insurance license in the state of Delaware for pre-need funeral arrangements.  He finds a deep appreciation for creating a meaningful funeral for the families being served.

Joshua Schoenberg, Past President 2016-2018 Office Phone: 302-762-0334

Andrew Parsell, Past President Email: andrew@parsellfuneralhomes.com Website: www.parsellfuneralhomes.com Office Phone: 302-645-9520 Andrew T. Parsell is the son of the owner, Keith Parsell. He is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 2010 he became a Delaware Licensed Funeral Director, after completing his resident internship with the firm. He now serves as a director on staff and is Chief Networking Officer President for the funeral home. He is a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church; Lewes, DE; former member of the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department, Inc; served as President of the Delaware Funeral Directors Association for the 2015-2016 term. He is an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter.

Matthew Smith, Past President Website: spicermullikin.com Office Phone: (302) 368-9500 Matthew Smith is the owner of Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory. While growing up in New Castle County, Matthew observed his father Harvey’s deep commitment to his family, business and community. When Harvey Smith wasn’t being a dad or leading a service at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Odessa. So, at a very young age, Matthew learned how families and businesses thrive in tight-knit communities. He developed a deep appreciation for community involvement that inspired his dedication to volunteer service. At 14, Matthew earned scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award, which was testament to his love of service. He now supports the Delaware community in a number of ways. Currently, Matthew C. Smith serves as a member of the board for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Delaware. He is a past president of the Delaware State Funeral Directors’ Association. He is also a charter member and past president of the Southern New Castle County Rotary Club. Matthew supports the Wounded Warrior Project, and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution as well as the Delaware Anglers and Gunners Club. After graduating from William Penn High School in New Castle and the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville where he earned a degree in mortuary science, Matthew C. Smith joined the family business. He now lives in Middletown with his wife, Sandi, and their three children. Matthew is very active and enjoys playing sports, hunting, fishing, trips to the Caribbean and, most of all, spending time with his family.