Our Valued Staff
When you need to turn to someone…it is comforting to know something about that person. Our professional staff represents many years of experience and care giving.
James A. Gustafson, Manager
License: N.J. Lic. No. 4205
James began his career in funeral service at the age of 12 after the sudden death of his father in 1986. At that time, James was an ambitious young man helping elderly neighbors with small yard work tasks. Rich McCriskin, who was of great support to his family, had heard of James' endeavors and asked if he would like to help in the same capacity around the funeral home. From there, his tasked and responsibilities grew to where he is today.
A 1991 graduate of South Plainfield High School, he continued his education at Kean University were he earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Management Science and furthered his education at Mercer County Community College, where he earned an Associates of Science Degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Services. After successful completion of his National Boards Exam, State of NJ Law Exam and a Practical Examination, Jimmy was awarded his Practitioner of Mortuary Science License from the State of New Jersey in July of 1996.
Born and raised in South Plainfield, Jimmy continues to reside in the borough with his wife Jessica and their two sons, Jack and Cole. He is currently a member of the South Plainfield Italian American Club, The South Plainfield B.P.O.E. Elks #2298, the Sons of American Legion Chaumont Post # 243, South Plainfield Knights of Columbus Council # 6203, South Plainfield Education foundation and is a current member of the South Plainfield Zoning Board of Adjustments, . He is a long time communicate of Sacred Heart Church and is an active member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and the Middlesex and Somerset Counties Funeral Directors Association. He has served on various boards, committees and board positions over the past 13 years and is slated to serve as the President of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association in September of 2012.
In his youth, James was active with local sports, continued playing in high school and later played softball in several recreational leagues.
On January 1, 2007, a monumental accomplishment was granted when he and Richard McCriskin’s son, Rick, where given the opportunity to begin the succession of the McCriskin Home For Funerals to the next generation.
Today, he enjoys being a proud husband and father as well as devoted to both his family and professional career,carrying on the values and traditions instilled by many over the years.
Richard W. McCriskin II, Vice President
License: N.J. Lic. No. 4564
A Life long resident of South Plainfield, Rick grew up in the family business. Throughout high school and college he was often around offering assistance while at the same time learning the family trade.
A 1996 graduate from S.P.H.S., Rick graduated from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City in the spring 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. The following fall he enrolled in the Funeral Service Education program at Mercer County Community College and in the Spring of 2003 he graduated earning both his A.A.S. degree and his Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service.
After successfully completing his National Board Exam in Funeral Service and the NJ State Board of Mortuary Science Examination, he became a Licensed Practitioner of Mortuary Science in the fall of 2003.
Back during his senior year in college, Ricky suffered a tragedy with the loss of his mother Kathy, who passed away at the age of 48 after a lifelong battle with aneurysms. Although her passing was difficult to deal with, it was also a learning as well as an understanding experience for him. Her passing provided Ricky with the knowledge and understanding of what it means to lose someone such as a parent but at the same time, also provided him with the profound truth of what it means to assist families in their time of need because he has been there himself.
Active locally, he is a member of the South Plainfield Business Association, an Auxiliary member of the South Plainfield VFW Post # 6763, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2298, the South Plainfield Lions Club and sits on the committee of Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church annual Feast of St. Anthony.
In addition Rick is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association; the N.J. State Funeral Director’s Association and the Middlesex & Somerset County Funeral Director’s Association.
Outside of work he enjoys skiing during the winter, fishing, playing softball and golf, spending time with family and friends, following the local youth sporting programs and is an avid fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees.
As of January 1, 2007 Rick, along with James Gustafson - aka "Jimmy from McCriskin’s" reached a prestigious achievement when they were presented with the opportunity to begin the succession of the McCriskin Home For Funerals to the next generation.
Kerri-Anne Krapf, License:
License: N.J. Lic. No. 5045
Kerri started her career with McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals in February 2012 as an apprentice.
Under the guidance of Jimmy and Ricky, Kerri was enrolled in the Funeral Service Education Program at Mercer County Community College. In the Summer of 2013, she graduated from the program earning her A.A.S. degree and Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service. After successfully completing her National Board Exam in Funeral Service, Mortuary Jurisprudence Examination and Practical Examination, she became a Licensed Practitioner of Mortuary Science in the Winter of 2014.
Kerri was offered a full time position with the funeral home which she was happy to accept.
Born in Brooklyn, Kerri and her family relocated to East Brunswick when she was in Middle School. A 2004 graduate of East Brunswick High School, Kerri currently resides in South Plainfield with her growing family. She is eager to be involved in the community in which she has grown to care for.
Her personal goal, as she continues her career with the funeral home is to fulfill the expectations the community has in the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals and foster relationships with families to instill confidence that their loved ones are memorialized with all the care and precision they deserve.
Jack Cochrane, Director
License: N.J. Lic. No. 5376
A lifelong resident of South Plainfield, Jack began his career at the McCriskin – Gustafson Family of
Funeral Homes during high School, helping out any way he could. Since then, his role and responsibilities
around the funeral home have grown and developed to where they are now.
A 2017 graduate of South Plainfield High School, he continued his education at Middlesex County
College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Business, before receiving his Bachelor’s in Business
Leadership and Management from Rutgers University in 2021. The following fall, Jack enrolled in the
Funeral Service program at Mercer County College where he was awarded an Associates of Science
Degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Services.
After successful completion of his National Boards Exam, State of NJ Law Exam and a Practical
Examination, Jack was awarded his Practitioner of Mortuary Science License from the State of New
Jersey in September of 2022.
Since joining the McCriskin – Gustafson family, Jack has been driven to build upon relationships in South
Plainfield, but also create new ones in the Middlesex and Piscataway Communities. His goal is to
ensuring that each family is met with the care and compassion he would expect for his own family.
Francisco J. Rodriguez, Director
License: N.J. Lic. No. 4662
Frank Rodriguez joined the McCriskin-Gustafson Family of Funeral Homes in September 2025, bringing with him more than two decades of dedicated service to families throughout New Jersey. Born in Secaucus and raised in West New York, Frank felt called to the funeral profession from a young age.
A graduate of Hudson Catholic High School, he began his academic journey studying Music Education and Performance at New Jersey City University. He later followed his long-standing passion for funeral service, earning his degree in Mortuary Science from Mercer County Community College in 2005. After successfully completing both the New Jersey State Board Exam and the National Board Exam, Frank was licensed as a Mortuary Practitioner. He went on to return to NJCU, completing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice.
Throughout his 20-year career, Frank has served families in communities across Jersey City, Union, Caldwell, Newark’s Ironbound, Cliffside Park, and Rutherford. His extensive experience working within diverse cultural and ethnic communities has shaped the compassionate, respectful, and personalized approach he brings to each family he serves. Fully fluent in Spanish, Frank is proud to provide an expanded level of service to Spanish-speaking families at McCriskin-Gustafson.
In addition to his work in funeral service, Frank is the longtime Director of Sacred Music at St. Mary of the Assumption R.C. Church in Elizabeth, a role he has held for over 13 years. He can often be found playing the pipe organ, piano, or serving as cantor during weekend liturgies.
Outside of his professional commitments, Frank enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their son. He is also an enthusiastic home cook who loves exploring cuisines ranging from traditional Cuban dishes to complex Indian flavors.
Frank approaches every family he serves with compassion, understanding, and a sincere commitment to guiding them through one of life’s most difficult moments.
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Frank Rodríguez se unió a la Familia de Funerarias McCriskin-Gustafson en septiembre de 2025, aportando más de dos décadas de servicio dedicado a las familias de todo Nueva Jersey. Nacido en Secaucus y criado en West New York, Frank sintió desde muy joven el llamado hacia la profesión funeraria.
Graduado de Hudson Catholic High School, inició su trayectoria académica estudiando Educación Musical y Ejecución en New Jersey City University. Más adelante, siguió su vocación por el servicio funerario, obteniendo su título en Ciencias Mortuorias en Mercer County Community College en 2005. Tras aprobar con éxito el Examen de la Junta Estatal de Nueva Jersey y el Examen de la Junta Nacional, Frank obtuvo su licencia como Profesional Funerario. Posteriormente regresó a NJCU, donde completó una Licenciatura en Ciencias con concentración en Justicia Criminal.
A lo largo de sus 20 años de carrera, Frank ha servido a familias en comunidades de Jersey City, Union, Caldwell, el vecindario Ironbound de Newark, Cliffside Park y Rutherford. Su amplia experiencia trabajando con diversas comunidades culturales y étnicas ha moldeado el enfoque compasivo, respetuoso y personalizado que ofrece a cada familia. Gracias a su fluidez en español, Frank se enorgullece de brindar un nivel ampliado de servicio a las familias hispanohablantes en McCriskin-Gustafson.
Además de su labor en el ámbito funerario, Frank es Director de Música Sacra en la iglesia St. Mary of the Assumption R.C. Church en Elizabeth, posición que ha ocupado por más de 13 años. Allí se le puede escuchar tocando el órgano tubular, el piano o sirviendo como cantor durante las liturgias de fin de semana.
Fuera de sus responsabilidades profesionales, Frank disfruta pasar tiempo con su esposa y su hijo. También es un entusiasta de la cocina, apasionado por preparar platos que van desde la comida tradicional cubana hasta sabores complejos de la gastronomía india.
Frank atiende a cada familia con compasión, comprensión y un compromiso sincero de guiarlos durante uno de los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas.
