Staff members of Lawry Brothers and Wheeler Funeral Homes 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.
Alyssa Brugger
Funeral Director
Alyssa Brugger
Regional Manager/Funeral Director
Alyssa grew up in Gardiner, the second eldest of five kids. She attended Briarwood College for Mortuary Science; after graduating in 2009 she moved back to her hometown and served at her local funeral home for years. Taking time off, she and her husband settled in Freedom where they built their dream home and raise their two daughters. She came back to the career she loves in 2021 serving Family First Funeral Homes. In her free time she loves her pets, the beach, crafting, fishing, and spending time with family.
Thomas C. "Tommy" Newhall
Staff Tacticain/ Licensed Funeral Director
Thomas C. "Tommy" Newhall
Funeral Director, Staff Tactician
Tommy joined the team of caring professionals at Family first Funeral Homes in Winthrop, Augusta, Gardiner, Oakland, Brunswick and Fairfield 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. As well, Tommy holds a special place in his heart for the men and women serving and those that served courageously and faithfully.
Tommy’s top priorities are to make families feel well cared for and to make sure all wishes and details for their loved ones are carried through 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, the Maranacook Lake Association, and the Hillandalers Snowmobile Club. He resides in Winthrop, Maine with his wife Robin and their three daughters, Teagan, Brigid “Bridie” and Rilee Kate. Tommy loves the mountains, lakes, rivers, and the seaside of Maine. Tommy is an avid hiker, kayaker, snowmobiler, and fishermen. He loves the local music scene, to cook and feed everybody 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
Valerie Wheeler
Office Manager
Valerie Wheeler
Office Manager
Guy M. Lawrence
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Guy M. Lawrence
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Eugene R. Marshall Jr
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Eugene R. Marshall Jr
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Leo P. Caron
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Leo P. Caron
Licensed Funeral Attendant
Ralph Butts
Maintenance/Grounds
Ralph Butts
Maintenance/Grounds