Our Staff

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult time. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met.

Krystal Riddell

Owner/Manager
Class 1 Funeral Director (2007)



Krystal grew up living throughout the Niagara Region. Through her school years, she attended Orchard Park Public School, AN Myer and Thorold Secondary School. Immediately following high school, she moved to Toronto and attended Humber College, to become a Licensed Funeral Director. Krystal completed her internship and continued to work at the George Darte Funeral Home, in St. Catharines, for 10 years. During her time spent there, she had an invaluable experience, as she learned and developed an extraordinary level of standards and care that she was honoured to extend to the families she helped. Throughout the years, Krystal was involved in organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of St. Catharines- Thorold & District and she contributed to the Campaign for the United Way St. Catharines & District. In 2016, Krystal made a decision to join the Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, in Thorold. With Thorold being a special place to Krystal, she was honoured to be able to work in her small home town community. During her time there, Krystal was shown the responsibilities of operating a small family owned business, and the importance of community involvement. 

As Krystal grew into the role of being a funeral director, she proudly contemplated different ways she could effectively give back to her community. Currently, Krystal is Vice President of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association. She serves as Spiritual Development Chair and President-elect through the Catholic Women’s League, of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. Krystal is also proudly involved with the St. Catharines South Rotary Club, where she recently became a board member.

Through the years, Krystal has had a deep desire to be a leader in her profession and within her community. She is extremely passionate about helping families in their time of need, and is committed to serving all families with the highest level of professionalism and care.  For Krystal, this profession has never been “a business”, it has always been about helping and taking care of people in all capacities. Over the past 10 years, Krystal has seen first hand the change in economical times and funeral traditions. She believes in the importance and need to offer an effective and affordable death care service.

Krystal is married to her husband, David, and together they have two beautiful and mischievous boys, William (who wants to one day be a funeral director) and Alexander Riddell (who aspires to be a police officer). Also, not to forget our furry family member, our dog, Flynn.

We are proud to have created our family owned business, and consider it a great honour to have the opportunity to look after those in need of help. Our sole purpose is to always look after our community in any way possible.  

Staff Member Melania Gava.

Melaina Gava

Through her young life, Melaina grew up in Chippawa. She was raised in a family of seven, Phildean and Sergio Gava were the parents of five, David, Melaina, Andrea, Rick and Steven. Her time is spent with Gary Barkhouse (her partner in life) and being a mother of three; Krystal (David) Riddell, Brittany Rea and Xandinn Barkhouse. She is also very proud of her title “Nonna” to William and Alex.  It is with great pleasure she joins her daughter, Krystal in bringing our family owned business to life. 

Staff Member David Riddell.

David Riddell

Born and raised in Fort Erie, he graduated from Ridgeway Crystal Beach Highschool. Following secondary school, David graduated from Niagara College’s Culinary Skills Program and joined the Canadian Forces. Shortly after this time, David met Krystal. Throughout the years, Dave supported Krystal’s passion for her career, and began to admire her dedication and compassion for the families she served. David will partake in various roles at Essentials, such as assisting Krystal with day to day operations, marketing and bookkeeping. He is honoured to be part of our family owned business, and he looks forward to helping families and serving our community.