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.

A life long resident of Itasca, John was born in Chicago. His varied interests include the outdoors, funeral service history, and the breeding of Bulldogs. John is an avid snowmobiler, an accomplished fisherman, and rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Some of John’s activities include being, Vice-president of the Chicago Bulldog Club, a member of the Bulldog Club of American, three-time life member of the National Museum of Funeral History, member of DMORT (an organization dedicated to the recovery and identification of human remains in the event of a mass fatality), Kenyon International Services (a worldwide disaster management team responsible for the repatriation of deceased individuals involved in mass fatalities), member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, District 2A, member of the Northeastern Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the DuPage County Funeral Directors Association.

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 39 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.

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.