Eric Lee Fithyan is the owner and director of Chambers and James Funeral Homes, which he purchased in 2011. The firm operates in both Follansbee and Wellsburg, West Virginia. A lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley, Eric was born in Wheeling and is a proud 2002 graduate of Brooke High School. He holds an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Funeral Service Management from Point Park University.

In addition to his work in funeral service, Eric served as Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Social Services at Cedars Community Hospice from 2008 to 2011. He later founded Beacon Casket Company in Wellsburg in 2016, specializing in the import of funeral products.

Civic engagement is a cornerstone of Eric’s life. He is a dedicated member and multi-term president of the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club, where he has received multiple honors including the Distinguished President, Outstanding Service, and Ruby Awards. He also served as Governor of the West Virginia District of Kiwanis International in 2020–2021.

Eric is active in the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as President following the merger of the Follansbee and Wellsburg Chambers. He previously served as President of the Follansbee Chamber beginning in 2022 and has chaired numerous community events for both organizations, including the annual Christmas Parade and Concert Series.

Professionally, Eric and his firm have received numerous accolades, including Funeral Director of the Year, Young Gun WV, nine consecutive National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Awards. Chambers and James Funeral Homes have also been recognized by the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily Times for Best Funeral Home, Friendliest Employees, and Best Monument Company.

A man of deep faith and a gifted musician, Eric serves as staff organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Steubenville and has provided music for many services throughout the region. He was baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in 1984 and confirmed in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2008.

Eric remains committed to serving the Ohio Valley with compassion, integrity, and a strong belief in community-focused leadership.