About Us
We invite you
to review some of the ways we are unique.
Family Owned and Operated: In a time when many death care businesses are owned by huge chains and multi-national conglomerates, we proudly remain independent. Funeraria Borinquen and our staff believe that we are accountable to you, not far-away stockholders. We believe that the most valuable thing we own is our reputation. The owners and staff of Funeraria Borinquen are your neighbors, and we are the ones who live and are active in your community.
Personalized Services: Our staff is specially selected and trained to facilitate services that reflect your needs. Our goal is to listen, suggest, organize, and carry out ceremonies that will be comforting and full of meaning.
Price and Value: We understand we have only one opportunity to serve you and your family sensitively and correctly, and we have always voluntarily adhered to high standards. We encourage families to carefully compare price and value when selecting a funeral provider. Other advertised prices may not reflect complete services, and many firms that advertise low prices do so by cutting corners with procedures, facilities, and staff. When comparing Funeraria Borinquen to other funeral homes in the area you will find we offer the best value and the best price.
One Location for All of Your Needs: Since Funeraria Borinquen owns and operates its own funeral home, crematory, and is associated with Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery and St. Cloud Florist, we can offer you “one-stop” service. This enables you to work with one firm, allowing all your funeral, cemetery, cremation and floral arrangements to be cared for in one convenient location. Click here for more information regarding Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Why having our own Crematory is important to you: Funeraria Borinquen owns and operates its own Crematory. This gives us the ability to control and oversee every aspect of the cremation process. As a result, we can ensure families’ ultimate security and the most dignified handling of every cremation. You’ll take comfort knowing that your loved one never leaves the shelter of our expert care. Our highly trained and certified personnel perform all cremations following a strict and secure process with our state-of-the-art equipment. Click here for more information.
Returning Home to Your Country of Origin: Repatriation services is a process of helping families bring their loved one home after a death has occurred. We can help. With our multi-cultural community, it's important for a funeral home to be properly equipped to help families get their loved one home. The process of repatriation can be difficult and complex. We have years of experience in helping families through this process. We have relationships with consulates across the globe and can handle the entire process for you.
Our Veterans: Funeraria Borinquen is honored to serve the veteran and military community and we offer a wide range of service plans and Veteran specific merchandise to the families we serve.
Research has shown that many Veterans do not receive all the benefits that they are entitled to. One call to Funeraria Borinquen and we handle all the details. Our licensed staff is trained to assist with every detail of making burial and cremation arrangements for Veterans. We will help you in obtaining all VA benefits available, social security benefits, life insurance and arrange for military honors and burial in a National Cemetery, Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery or the cemetery of your choice. It is important that you know that all Veterans, and possibly their spouses and children, are entitled to free cemetery spaces, grave opening/closing, grave liner and headstone at any VA cemetery.
Our Guarantees to you: Our staff is courteous and understanding. Our services are handled with dignity and respect. If you are not completely satisfied with any of our services we will reduce or eliminate the charge.
Funeraria Borinquen would like to thank you for extending to us the privilege to serve you. Through our experience, we understand the importance of our role and are dedicated to providing you the best possible service in order to create a meaningful, appropriate, and affordable tribute.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at (407) 653-8670 or by email at [email protected] or go to the "Contact Us" page. Thank you.
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Terry Roberts, General Manager
Terry moved to Kissimmee in 1960, a week after Hurricane Donna came through. He graduated from Osceola High School in 1965. Married Annette Gorski in 1966 who was the stepdaughter of Horace Phipps, founder of Osceola Memory Gardens in 1958. Terry graduated from the University of South Florida in 1970 with a Bachelors degree in education and a minor in accounting. He has been employed with Osceola Memory Gardens since 1972 where he started in cemetery maintenance and was a grave digger. Terry was appointed General Manager in 1984 and became a partner in 1996. Terry served as past President of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee as well as past President of Florida Cemetery Association.
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Tom D. Hanneken, Operations Manager/Licensed Funeral Director
Tom has been a licensed funeral director since 1987. He has been with Funeraria Porta Coeli for over 10 years and with Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Homes (we are affiliated) since 1997. Tom enjoys helping families through a difficult time. He is married to his lovely wife, Julie and has four wonderful children. He is a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Kissimmee Elks Lodge, and Knights of Columbus. Tom enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.
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Abigail Bermudez, Licensed Funeral Director / Funeral Home Manager
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Idannys Bauzo, Licensed Funeral Director
Idannys was born is Puerto Rico and she is a licensed Funeral Director who graduated from St. Petersburg College. Prior to that she also graduated from Valencia College and went to University of Central Florida. She’s been in the funeral environment most of her life as her mother worked in a cemetery in Puerto Rico while she was growing up, and in 2005 they relocated to Kissimmee FL where her mother also worked in a funeral home. At the age of 17, right before graduating from Gateway High School, Idannys started working in a funeral home, since then that has been her passion until this day. Currently she is our youngest funeral director but very well experienced in the business, loves to serve her families with compassion and empathy. Has a beautiful daughter, her name is Katalina, and Lexie who is her fur baby, a 5-pound Black Chihuahua. Idannys enjoys going to the movie theater, trying out new restaurants and traveling with her family on her free time.
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Ludmila De Oliveira, Licensed Funeral Director
LUDMILA DE OLIVEIRA, Licensed Funeral Director
Ludmila De Oliveira was born in São Paulo, Brazil where she was raised through her teenage years. In 1996 she moved to Florida with her family and started working in the funeral industry at the age of 18. Besides working in a funeral home she was also a Monument Sales Agent for many years. In 2007 she decided to go back to school and study to become a Licensed Funeral Director, and in 2010 she graduated from the Mortuary Services Program at the Miami-Dade College and became licensed in 2011. With over 20 years in the industry, Ludmila has gained a vast experience working with persons from various cultural backgrounds and have developed good relationships with Consulates from many Countries, becoming an International Shipping Specialist. She is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese and became part of our team in December 2017. Ludmila is a proud mother of her son Giovanni, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading and fishing. -
Vernon Dorsey, Licensed Funeral Director
Vern was born in Brunswick, Maine and moved to Florida as a young boy. After many years working in the Funeral Business, He attended Miami Dade Community College earning an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education in 1991. He Worked for the Kraeer Funeral Homes until 1996 when he relocated his family to Ocala, FL. where he worked at the Page Theus Funeral Home. In 2002 he joined the staff of the Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home and Funeraria Porta Coeli. Vernon has participated in the Kissimmee Bay and Poinciana Rotary Clubs and The Poinciana area Chamber. Vern and his wife Carol reside in St. Cloud.
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C. Thompson Dorsey, Licensed Funeral Director
Tom was born in Brunswick, Maine and moved with his family to Pompano Beach, FL in 1969. Upon graduation from Pompano Beach Senior High School, Tom went to work part time at R. Jay Kraeer Funeral Home in 1976 and spent 20 years learning how to care for families at the premier funeral home in South Florida. Tom graduated in 1992 from Miami Dade Community College with a degree in Funeral Service Education. In September of 1998 Tom and his wife Kim moved to St. Cloud, FL to work for Funeraria Porta Coeli and Osceola Memory Gardens. Tom believes in the value of community service and is involved in the community in many ways; He is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Cloud and served as President in 2001 – 2002 and 2019 – 2020. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Greater Osceola St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce in 2014. In addition, he served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Osceola County Council on Aging in 2014 and is still an active board member as well as the St. Cloud Main Street Program. Tom expresses that, “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to call Funeral Service my profession.” Tom lives in St Cloud with his beautiful wife Kim and their fur babies, Katie and Hunter.
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Anthony Crowder, Licensed Funeral Director
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Michael R. Latore, Licensed Funeral Director
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Donald R Kraeer, Licensed Funeral Director
Don was born in McDonald, Pennsylvania and moved to Florida in 1988 to join the Kraeer Funeral Homes in the Ft. Lauderdale area. He attended Miami-Dade Community College earning an Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education in 1990. In 2001, Don relocated to St. Cloud, Florida to work at Osceola Memory Gardens as a Funeral Director and Fisk Funeral Home as the Funeral Director and Funeral Home Manager. For the last 25 years, Don has loved meeting with families in their time of need and assisting them with the funeral arranging process during their most difficult time.
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Julissa Melo, Office Manager / Human Resources
I was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where I lived my first years of life. In 1983 I moved to Manhattan, New York with my parents in New York City where I grew up and attended elementary school, high school, college, and University. In 2002 I moved to Connecticut where I lived with my husband and two wonderful and beautiful children for over 15 years. In 2015 we moved to Central Florida (Kissimmee). I have an Associate of Arts, Bachelor’s in Business Management and Business Administration, and a Master's in Human Resources. I like outdoor activities, traveling, shopping and spending time with my family. I like to watch and be in a baseball field watching a good game with my family. I like to help others, I think When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. I joined the Borinquen Funeral Home family in 2019.
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Digna Acosta, Office Administrator
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Susan Pena, Office Admonitor/Funeral Home Associate
Born and raised in New York City, NY. I Studied Criminal Justice and Police Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I worked as the personal Assistant and Administrator for The President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association in The Bronx, NY, and as an Administrative Assistant in the Emergency Department of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. I relocated to Osceola County, FL in 2010 with my late husband of 28 years and our son. In 2014 I joined the Osceola Memory Gardens Family as an Office Administrator. I strive to assist families in their time of need, expressing my care, empathy and support to them during their difficult times. It is a true pleasure to work amongst my peers.
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Ariany Calderon, Office Administrator
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Gladys L Beltran, Office Administrator
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Susan Piña, Officer Administrator/Funeral Home Associate
Born and raised in New York City, NY. I Studied Criminal Justice and Police Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I worked as the personal Assistant and Administrator for The President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association in The Bronx, NY, and as an Administrative Assistant in the Emergency Department of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. I relocated to Osceola County, FL in 2010 with my late husband of 28 years and our son. In 2014 I joined the Funeraria Borinquen Family as an Office Administrator. I strive to assist families in their time of need, expressing my care, empathy and support to them during their difficult times. It is a true pleasure to work amongst my peers.
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Vanessa Roman, Community Relations Director
Vanessa was born in New York City and earned her BA from Fordham University in Media Studies. While a student, Vanessa represented her city in the National Latino Leadership Opportunity Program where she learned about issues affecting her community. This experience put Vanessa on the path of seeking innovative ways to help her community. She has since integrated her media background and her passion for serving people in every position she has held.
In 2003 she moved to Central Florida to work for Cox Media Group’s WPYO/WCFB as Marketing Director. After 7 years in broadcast marketing, she went on to work for the City of Kissimmee, where she was the Supervisor of Public Events & Venues overseeing the city’s largest events.
Vanessa Román has served as the Community Relations Director for Osceola Memory Gardens, Porta Coeli, Fisk Funeral Home and Funeraria Borinquen for over 5 years. She is responsible for building and maintaining community presence, sponsorships, donation programs and event organizing. Her current position allows her to be active in her community, while still finding ways to help.
Vanessa is also a certified yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner, two skills she uses to help others heal in her spare time. Vanessa lives in Saint Cloud with her family. -
Sandra Rijo, Licensed Family Service Advisor
Sandra was born and raised in Dominican Republic. She graduated from Eugenio Maria de Hostos University in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with a degree in Business Administration. She is bilingual. While living in the Dominican Republic, she worked at City Bank for more than six years.
During the years 2000-2005 she developed her own business importing tires from United States. She moved to Orlando, Florida with her family and started working at Starwood Vacation Ownership for almost four years. She obtained her License as Family Service Advisor in 2013 and she has been working at Funeraria Borinquen since its opening where she applies her customer service experience of over twenty five years by offering careful orientations with warm support and advice. -
AnaMaria Garcia, Licensed Family Service Advisor
Anamaria was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She worked at Banco de Reservas in Santo Domingo while pursuing a Marketing career at Eugenio Maria de Hostos University after which she moved to New Jersey in 1987. She started working at Pan American Airlines in the payroll department. After Pan American’s bankruptcy, she moved to Florida to explore new opportunities. Anamaria worked at Westgate Resort, Vistana Resort, Sunpass Operations and maintains a Florida Real Estate License. She is a bi-lingual, licensed Family Service Advisor which gives her the opportunity to take care of families in times of need as well as allowing her to help families make decisions in the best way.
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Oscar Hernandez, Family Service Advisor
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Rosanna Ramirez, Family Service Advisor
Rosanna Born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She graduated from Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) with a degree in Business Administration, also graduated from EAE Business School/Camilo Jose Cela University in Madrid, Spain with a Master’s degree in Image, Advertising and Corporate Identity. While living in the Dominican Republic, she spent more than five years working in Medical Sales. In 2017 she moved to Massachusetts. Then after living there for three years, in 2020 she decided to move to Kissimmee FL. On July 2021, she began working with Funeraria Borinquen.
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Jean C Colon-Gift, Licensed Family Service Advisor
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Jessica A Trinidad, Licensed Family Service Advisor
Jessica joined the Osceola Memory Gardens family in 2022. She was born in Kendall, Miami, FL. and moved at a young age to the Central Florida area. Jessica graduated with an Associates in Science for Business Management and Administration. She has a large family that she is very close to. She does not have kids, but she does have a miniature long-haired dachshund named “Neno” that she loves. Jessica also enjoys crocheting many different kinds of projects in her free time.
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Sheila M Ceballos, Detail Office
Sheila was born and raised in Puerto Rico and she got a degree in Computer Technology which then led her to get a degree in Graphic Design which she started to exert right away. Sheila has worked over 15 years in the Customer Service area and over 7 years as an administrator. She moved in 2022 to Saint Cloud, Florida and then started working for Porta Coeli as a Details Office Assistant. She has a daughter named Irialys and a son named Eilan. She has a passion for arts and on her free time she likes to paint.
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Karen L Foos, Funeral Home Associate/Crematory Operator
Karen joined the Funeraria Borinquen family in 2022. Born in Cleveland Ohio, Karen relocated with her family to Central Florida in 2003. Karen is a certified Crematory operator as well as serving families as part of our support staff.
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Mayra I Collazo, Funeral Home Associate
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William N Dieli, Funeral Home Associate
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William Bouret, Funeral Home Associate
William Bouret grew up in Queens, New York. William joined the staff of Osceola Memory Gardens in 2019 as a Funeral Service Assistant on the transfer team. William is currently a Funeral Director intern as well as a student at St Petersburg Community College where he is pursuing a Certificate in Funeral Services Director. He has also an A.S. Degree from Valencia College in Paralegal Studies. William is devoted to serve the families of our community and enjoys spending time with his family.
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Jeffrey T Coates, Funeral Home Associate
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Glenn Denshaw, Funeral Home Associate
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Juana López-Núñez, Funeral Home Associate
