Staff
Our dedicated staff members are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Darryl Frank is the Managing Funeral Director of J. Verne Wood Funeral Home, where he brings compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving families of the Seacoast. A lifelong resident of the area, Darryl felt called to funeral service after a successful 30-year career in the telecommunications industry, seeking a more personal way to support his community during life’s most meaningful moments.
He is an honors graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services and is dedicated to providing thoughtful, personalized care to every family he serves.
Darryl resides in South Berwick with his wife, Kimberly, their two children, and their family dog, Leo. Outside of work, he hosts the podcast “Frankly Speaking: People and Stories of the Seacoast,” where he highlights local voices and stories. He also enjoys golfing and taking advantage of New England’s many outdoor activities.
Tom is a seasoned professional in the field of funeral service, having dedicated nearly four decades to supporting families during their most challenging times. Tom is married to Deborah "Deb" LaBerge, the daughter of Fred G. Jr. and Dorothy L. Ward. Tom has been an integral part of the funeral service community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he has served.
A proud graduate of Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tom continued his education at New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences at Mt. Ida College. There, he not only excelled academically but also earned the prestigious Founder's Award for his outstanding achievements in academics and humanitarianism. This recognition speaks volumes about Tom's dedication to not only his professional growth but also his commitment to serving others with compassion and empathy.
Tom's comprehensive understanding of all facets of funeral service positions him as a trusted guide for families navigating through their options. Tom now serves in a semi-retired position as the senior funeral director and advisor.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tom is a family man at heart. Alongside his wife Deb, they are proud parents to two children and grandparents to three grandchildren. Tom and Deb make their home in New Durham, NH.
Tom holds licenses in both New Hampshire and Maine
Debbie was raised in Portsmouth and takes immense pride in her roots and the community she continues to serve. A graduate of Portsmouth High School, Class of 1983, she is the daughter of the late Fred G. Jr. and Dorothy L. Ward, both of whom instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and responsibility. Shortly after graduation, Debbie began her career at the funeral home .
Debbie now works in a semi-retired position though she continues to work for the funeral home in the back office assisting with executive administartive duties.
In 1983, Debbie married her high school sweetheart, Tom LaBerge. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared values. They are the proud parents of two children and doting grandparents to three grandchildren, who are the light of Debbie’s life.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Debbie enjoys spending time immersed in a good book, tending to her garden, and relaxing on camping trips with Tom.
Kate is the administrator at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home and has been excelling in the role since the end of 2025. She is local to the Seacoast, where she resides with her husband, kids, and two dogs.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, listening to music, a good podcast, or watching a movie. During the warmer months, she especially enjoys spending time outdoors camping, gardening, or simply enjoying summer nights in the backyard with her family.
Though new to funeral service, she has already become a vital part of the team. She is truly passionate about serving the families of the Seacoast with kindness, compassion and the utmost empathy.
A native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Mary Carey is a retired Portsmouth High School English teacher who also works as Concierge at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle. Her mother, Eileen Dondero Foley, and her grandmother, Mary Carey Dondero, both served as Portsmouth mayors.
Mary Carey is happy here at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home and loves to provide warm smiles and comforting hugs to our guests.
Originally from Massachusetts, Karyn attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology. She began her career working in the environmental science field followed by many years in the biopharm industry. Ready for a change in direction, Karyn joined our team in May of 2024 as a funeral attendant, assisting the team and families however needed.
Karyn has been a resident of the Seacoast since college and currently lives in Portsmouth with her husband Bill and their dog Sammy Davis.
Michael B. Le Vasseur a 15 year resident of Kennebunk, grew up in the small town of Grand Isle situated in the St. John Valley in northern, Maine. A 1982 graduate of Van Buren High School, he then pursued his undergraduate studies at St. Anselm College and received his bachelor's degree in 1986. He received his Mortuary Science Degree from Mt. Ida College in 1995. Two years ago, Michael retired from full time service as a funeral director and remains active in the profession. Michael enjoys assisting the team at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel as they proudly serve the families of the Greater Portsmouth area.
Rev. Linda Hirst is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and has served churches in southern Maine and NH. She enjoys helping families provide a service that both honors their loved ones and offers comfort to family and friends. Linda offers traditional religious services as well as services for those who aren’t particularly religious but would like prayers as their loved ones are laid to rest. She and her husband, Rev. Brad Hirst (pastor of Second Christian Church in Kittery) live in Kittery with their dog, Lola.
Carol has been assisting families to prepare funeral services for their loved ones for over 30 years, the last 20 of which, she has been the Pastoral Minister at Corpus Christi Parish in Portsmouth NH. It has always been an honor and a privilege for her to assist families in creating a service that is truly reflective of the life and legacy of their loved one. Carol has officiated at Catholic, Christian, Interfaith, and non-religious funeral services.
Rick LaBerge is a life-long resident of the Seacoast area and is the brother of Tom LaBerge. He is a graduate of PHS class of 1968, USCG 1969-1973, and electrical and logic electronics technical schools. After over 40 years in the telecommunication industry, he retired and served as a wedding photographer in the Seacoast area for 25 years. His hobbies include digital photography, golf, and skiing.
