Staff

Staff members of Staples Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.



Brock M. Thomas

Location Manager/Licensed Funeral Director

Brock is a Managing Funeral Director and Embalmer with an unwavering passion for supporting families during their most challenging moments. Since officially stepping into the role in 2017, he has built upon a solid foundation gained during his apprenticeship, which began in 2002. An alumnus of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, Brock's journey reflects his dream of becoming a funeral director, a dream realized through heartfelt dedication and professional integrity. A proud Gardiner native with ties to Pittston and Litchfield, he lives by the motto, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” inspiring others through his commitment to compassionate care in the funeral service industry.

A passionate and proud homeowner who built his house in 2003 on the street where his journey began in Gardiner. Alongside his partner Cameron and three active dogs Willow, River, and Finn, he embraces the perfect blend of family life and personal interests. A globetrotter at heart, Mexico is his happy place, where he finds inspiration and relaxation. Whether he’s by the pool with family or hosting friends for an exquisite culinary experience, Brock’s passions encompass cooking, fashion, art, and antiques, reflecting his vibrant personality. As an active member of the Riverside Cemetery Committee, he merges his love for community with his artistic talents, honoring the past while shaping the future.

“Just when a caterpillar thought it’s life was over; it became a butterfly” ~Unknown author~


Danny Hatt

Location Manager & Licensed Funeral Director

Danny R. Hatt is a Maine Native who was raised in a small town in Downeast Maine. He graduated from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College and has been working in funeral service for more than 27 years. Becoming a licensed funeral director was a lifelong dream that came to life with determination and a lot of hard work.

Danny loves serving the families of Mid Coast, Central and Southern Maine, helping families plan meaningful and dignified services celebrating the life of their loved one. “It is an honor and a privilege to assist families during these difficult times.”

Danny is also active in the community, a past member of the board of directors for the RBPA, a current trustee on the board of the Victoria Mansion and a longtime volunteer designer and decorator for Christmas at Victoria Mansion. Danny is also a longtime supporter of the Arts in Maine.

In his spare time, he enjoys the theatre, traveling, decorating for the holidays, interior design, gardening, home remodeling, and cooking and entertaining for family and friends. He lives in Portland with his partner Don and their dog Dozer the Frenchie. They especially enjoy the time spent with their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter and spending time at their lakeside cottage in Downeast Maine.

Danny is very excited to be the newest member of the Family First Team and looks forward to caring for the families of Gardiner, Augusta, and surrounding communities.


Thomas C. "Tommy" Newhall

Funeral Director, Staff Tactician

Tommy joined the team of caring professionals at Family First Funeral Homes in Winthrop, Augusta, Gardiner, and Brunswick in March of 2020. He has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1993 and has had more than 25 years of funeral service experience. He graduated from New England Institute at Mount Ida College. During the span of Tommy’s funeral service career, he has managed several funeral homes and owned and operated his own in Massachusetts.

Tommy is passionate about helping and supporting families create a memorable celebration honoring the life of their loved one. He is devoted most to helping all who may need it during this difficult process.

In addition to the families he supports, Tommy also holds in high esteem the greater communities in which they come from. Through volunteering and holding days of appreciation, he recognizes and honors the work put forth by Police, Fire, and Rescue as well as other public safety providers that keep us safe. Additionally, Tommy holds a special place in his heart for the men and women serving, and those who have served, courageously and faithfully.

Tommy’s top priorities are to make families feel well cared for and to ensure all wishes and details for their loved ones are carried out with the utmost dignity and respect.

Outside of work, Tommy enjoys participating in various local organizations. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Abnaki Council 334, the Augusta Elks, and the Maranacook Lake Association. He resides in Brunswick, Maine with his wife Robin. They have three grown daughters who also reside in Maine. Tommy loves the mountains, lakes, rivers, and the seaside of Maine. He is an avid hiker, kayaker, and fisherman. He loves the local music scene, enjoys cooking and feeding everyone, and is a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox.

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou



Dale Van Deusen

Licensed Funeral Attendant


Angie Franks

Robin Newhall

Licensed Funeral Attendant

Robin is a retired Public School Teacher who has worked for Family First for one year. She enjoys helping families and supporting them through their time of grief. When at home, she enjoys reading, learning about history, gardening, kayaking, hiking , spending time with her daughters and her little dog Pixie.

Ralph Butts

Maintenance/Grounds




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