Our Staff

James F. Rafferty - Manager and Funeral Director

Jim is a second generation funeral director following in the footsteps of his mother and uncle. Having been involved in funeral service for most of his life, he has experience in many facets of the profession. Jim learned from an early age the value and reward of helping families during one of the most difficult times of life.

Jim grew up in New York City, and now resides in Manhasset.

He is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association as well as the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association, where he served as a board member for seven years. He is also a member of the New York Athletic Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Catholic Cemetery Guild and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset.

Steven Trent, CFSP - Funeral Director

strent@fairchildsons.com

Steven has been a licensed funeral director since 1992. He has been with Fairchild Sons since 1993.  He enjoys working closely with families to arrange meaningful, personal tributes.

He is a graduate of State University of New York in Mortuary Science and is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. He is a member of the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association, The New York State Funeral Directors Associations, The American Society of Embalmers to promote excellence in the 21st century practice of mortuary arts and sciences, The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association.   Steven is also a member of the Sons of Italy, The National Italian American Foundation and has his dual citizenship with Italy and is a Notary Public in Nassau County.  He is a parishoner of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church and also attends mass at St. Mary’s Church in Manhasset.

In his spare time he enjoys  Animals, Hockey,  Baseball,  Racquetball and  playing the piano.

LeighAnn Paolicelli - Funeral Director

LeighAnn has been with Fairchild Sons since 1994. In her role as a funeral director, she is committed to serving community families and to providing the quality service they deserve.

LeighAnn grew up in Levittown, New York and attended SUNY Farmingdale College where she graduated with an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1992. She is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association.