Our Staff

James P. Magner

James (Jay) was born and raised in Norwalk, CT and now resides in Wilton, CT with his wife Lisa (Lombardo) Magner. He graduated from Norwalk High School and then continued his education at The American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service where he graduated Cum Laude. After graduating, Jay followed his father’s footsteps and joined the family business to help the members of his community in their time of need. Jay has two daughters,  Michelle and Jessica, who are both married and have made Jay and Lisa very proud grandparents. Jay and his wife are members of St. Jerome Church, Shore & Country Club, and The South Norwalk Boat Club. In his spare time, Jay enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, boating, and attending charitable events.

Telephone: 1-203-866-5553

Email: 

Melissa Heaphy

Melissa resides in Monroe. A licensed funeral director since 1994, she attended Housatonic Community College and Fairfield University, before graduating  with high honors from Briarwood College. She also holds a CT Life Insurance license.  Past-president of AARP-Widowed Persons Service of Greater Bridgeport and recipient of their "Rose of Hope" Award, Melissa is a member of  the American Legion Auxiliary-Unit 176, and volunteers with CT Emergency Response Teams and local animal rescue groups. She enjoys guest-speaking and community education, as well as cats, music and travel. 

Telephone: 1-203-866-5553

Email: 

Maribeth Magner Hemingway

Maribeth, our office manager and bookkeeper, is Michael and Jay's sister. She is a valuable resource to Magners and the first caring voice you will hear if you call on a weekday morning. Maribeth lives in Sandy Hook and has been married to her husband Joe for 38 years. They have two daughters, Sarah and Maggie who are married. Maribeth graduated from Central Catholic High School and  St. Michael's College in Vermont. She is member of the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs, and volunteers with The American Red Cross and Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity, where she is an active events coordinator for her community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, playing tennis, gardening, and loves animals. Highly family oriented, Maribeth will be there to help as your first contact with our firm. 

Telephone: 1-203-866-5553

Email: 

William D. Tiani

Will resides in Norwalk, CT with his wife Michelle Magner Tiani and his daughters Scarlett Jo and Cora Jean. He grew up in Norwalk graduating from Norwalk High School in 2005, attending The University of Tampa, then continuing his education at The American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2011. Will enjoys being a member in the family business and working to help others within the community.  He is the fifth generation serving our community.  In his spare time you can find Will out on the boat, making furniture in his workshop or spending time with his girls.

Will and his family are members at Shore and Country Club and St. Jerome Church.

Telephone: 1-203-866-5553

Email: 

Michael J. Magner

Retired

Mike resides in Weston, CT with his wife Leslie. They have two children Steven and Julie. He is a 1975 graduate of Fairfield Prep and a 1979 graduate of Georgetown University.  In the fall of 1979, he enrolled at the American Academy-McAllister Institute of Funeral Directing to earn his Funeral Director's License. He joined his father Jim full-time in the fall of 1980, and when his father passed suddenly in 1982, assumed running the business.  In his spare time, Mike enjoys bike riding, kayaking in Long Island Sound, live music, helping out with community services and most of all, spending time with his family and walking his dog at Cranbury Park.