About Us
The Boza & Roel Difference
Since 1928, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Tampa community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
1853
Boza & Roel Funeral Home has a rich history serving the Latin and Anglo community of Tampa and can actually trace its beginnings to Cuba with the 1853 founding of the very first Boza Funeral Home by Arturo P. Boza and his brother.
1889
In 1889, as more Cubans migrated to America to follow the cigar industry here, Arturo Boza, Jr. opened a funeral home in Key West.
1926
Arturo Boza, Jr.’s heir, Armando P. Boza introduced the first motor hearse there in 1926, and in 1928 moved the entire funeral home operations to Tampa in 11 trips with the hearse.
1999
In 1999, the A. P. Boza Funeral Home merged with the Roel & Curry Armenia Chapel, founded in 1975 by James Roel. Today it operates as the Boza & Roel Funeral Home, which proudly continues to serve the families of Tampa and surrounding communities.
Continuing the family tradition
Following the death of Armando P. Boza, Sr.,Gerald M. “Jerry” Boza and Armando P. Boza, Jr. succeeded their father and continued the Boza tradition of providing caring service to the Tampa community. Following Jerry’s death, Armando Jr. along with his wife Margaret “Maggie” Boza continued operating the Tampa funeral homes in the family tradition.
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47K+
Legacies Honored
169
Years in Business
2.6M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
Brian Zipter
Area Managing Partner, Operations
Brian is a stand out patriot who proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. He is passionate about being an American and serving veterans. Brianβs commitment to Boza & Roel Funeral Home is personal as his young daughter Brittany, who lost her battle with cancer is interred at our sister cemetery Sunset Memory Gardens. In 2016, he lost his 27-year-old son Stephen as well, who is also interred at Sunset. Brian has turned his adversities in life to fuel his unwavering desire to help families going through loss. Brianβs leadership has brought incredible upgrades and beautification to Boza & Roel. He has been married for 37 years to his lovely wife, Patty. They had two sons and a daughter, and 3 grandchildren.
LaNita Jackson
Funeral Home Office Manager
Transplanted from Illinois to Florida in 2012, and has been with Boza and Roel since 2014. Enjoys being of service to the families of Tampa.
Lupe Valdes
Funeral Home Manager
Lupe was born and raised in Queens, New York. While working part time in a morgue is where her funeral interests gave way. Throughout life's course of events, Lupe relocated to Tampa FL in 1990. Always having a passion to help others, Lupe worked as a 911 Dispatcher for over a decade. Her long overdue dream of becoming a funeral director led her to Boza & Roel where she began her internship and proudly now serves as a licensed Funeral Director.
Lupe is happily married to Juan and has 2 beautiful children, 2 dogs and a bird. In her spare time , Lupe enjoys traveling, arts and crafts and of course family time.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
María was so helpful, patient and clear on all information I needed! Her efforts went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable during our meeting. I am so grateful to have them for this difficult time my family will go through at some pointππ
Author: Yolanda I Allende Lind rated with 5 stars β β β β β
Everyone was not only extremely professional but genuine very nice people, very difficult time but they made it as smooth as could have been.
Author: Edward Pelaez rated with 5 stars β β β β β
Thanks for all your help.
Author: George Pelaez rated with 5 stars β β β β β
Going through a very hard time but they made me feel better for the excellent job they did taking care of my mom who passed last month. Very impressed and grateful for the attention to details, courtesy and professionalism. Thanks Boza&Roel Funeral Home π
Author: Ricardo Hidalgo-Gato rated with 5 stars β β β β β
Very professional, thanks
Author: Barbara Diaz rated with 5 stars β β β β β
MARLENE FERNÁNDEZ GRACIAS POR SU PRESENTACIÓN DEL SERVICIO UNA GRAN PERSONA PARA EXPLICACIÓN EN EL TEMA DE VENTA. FELICITACIONES.
Author: VíCtor Concha rated with 5 stars β β β β β
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News & Events
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Join us
We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Boza & Roel Funeral Home is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.