JOHN LEADROOT, JR.

John came to Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funerals in 1992 as the first employee. John graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1988, and in his 16 years in funeral service, he is considered by his peers as one of the most talented embalmer and restorative artist in the Chicagoland area. While serving as a student at the Piser Chapels, John met Lloyd Mandel. When Lloyd opened his business, John quickly came onboard. In the early years with Lloyd, John was primarily focused on the care and preparation of the remains. In 2004, John was promoted to manager, overseeing the daily operations and supervising the staff.

I. IAN "IZZY" DICK

Joining Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funerals in 1993, Izzy Dick is no stranger to Jewish funerals or to the Jewish community. Associated with Piser-Weinstein Memorial Chapels for over 43 years, Izzy is a South-sider living in Homewood and is an active member of many organizations. He is a member of the Sam Neivelt Post of the Jewish War Veterans, South Suburban B’nai B’rith Chai Lodge, of which he was named “Man Of The Year” in 1985. His other affiliations include the Friendship Lodge of B’nai B’rith, the Junior Cancer League, and B’nai Yehuda Beth Sholom in Homewood.

During World War II, Izzy served in the European Theater of Operation with the 643rd Tank Destroyer Battalion Reconnaissance and Demolition Unit, and is a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. He and his wife of more than 59 years, Rose, have three children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Izzy spends the winters in Florida, but is always available to those families who are looking for him. During the time he spends up north, Izzy dedicates his time equally between involvement with the funeral business and improving his golf game which he works on in Florida the rest of the time.

DORAN J. PUCKETT, JR.

Doran Puckett joined the staff of Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funerals in 1992 after being associated with Piser Original Weinstein and Sons- Menorah Chapels for more than 23 years. Doran is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and received his Bachelors degree in psychology from Mundelein College in 1989.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Doran graduated from the Field Artillery Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Ft. Sill, OK and was awarded the Air Medal for adjusting artillery fire from a single engine aircraft. He is also the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for service overseas.

Doran and his wife of 37 years, Nancy, live in Park Ridge and are the proud parents of four children. Doran has been active in the Park Ridge Citizens Patrol, Park Ridge Youth Soccer, and the Jewish War Veteran of the United States.

RUDY LERNER, MA, LCPC, DAPA

A licenced funeral director for more than 33 years, Rudy became associated with Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funeral in July of 1995. Prior to joining the staff, Rudy was the Director of Community Outreach for Weinstein Brothers Memorial Chapels in Wilmette, where he ran bereavement support groups in addition to his role as a funeral director. Before being recruited by Weinstein Brothers, Rudy served as a funeral director with Levine Chapels of Brookline, Massachusetts. Maintaining a private counseling practice in Skokie, Rudy, who is also a licensed clinical psychotherapist, was the Senior Addictions Counselor in the Addictions Treatment Services at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, from 1993 through 1995. There he gained experience dealing with chemically addicted people and their families. Rudy has run hundreds of groups in the Intensive Outpatient Program. In addition, he developed and ran the Codependency program and as the family counselor at Resurrection Medical Center.

Rudy earned his Masters degree in Community and Family Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and his undergraduate degree in Small Business Management from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He has presented at numerous local and national conventions, including the National Hospice Organization annual conventions and the National Funeral Directors Association annual conventions. Currently Rudy is trying to complete his book which deals with complications in grief and mourning. He has had more than a dozen articles published locally and nationally on subjects dealing with death, dying, and the grieving process.

The recipient of the 1996 Community Service Award from SCI Great Lakes Region (the parent company of Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funerals), Rudy is a member of the Harold Cohen Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Congregation Etz Chaim, in Lombard, and North Shore Congregation Agudas Achim in Chicago.

IRINA KUSHNEROVA

Born in Belarus (part of the former Soviet Union), Irina Kushnerova emigrated to the Unites States in 1991, settling in Skokie with her family. Irina graduated from Niles North High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Loyola University.

While attending Loyola University, Irina began working at Lloyd Mandel Levayah Funerals, first as a secretary, and then as the Russian Liaison. Upon graduation, with honors, from Loyola, Irina abandoned her pursuit of the chemical field, and enrolled in Worsham College of Mortuary Science. After completing her studies and serving her apprenticeship, Irina received her funeral director license in October, 2001 and has since been serving the Jewish community with unparalleled excellence.

Fluent in Russian, Hebrew and several other languages, Irina serves the community outside of the funeral business. Irina helps Russian senior citizens by translating documents as well as helping them with Public Aid issues. In addition, Irina trains and tutors young people in preparation for their bar and bat mitzvah.