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. Brian’s 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. Brian’s 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 Director
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
I want to thank Lupe Valdes and the staff at Boza & Roel Funeral Home for their professionalism demonstrated during the visitation and funeral services for my mom.
Author: Amy Lopez rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would like to spotlight Mr. Julio Tagliafico. He assisted me with an issue and it was flawless from the beginning to the end. He is a team player because he invited customer service to the act and they delivered. I found him to be professional, handsome and funny. A trifecta. God bless and keep you.
Author: Deborah K Skaggs rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would give them 20 stars if it was possible everything from start to finish was amazing. This company goes above and beyond to ensure you are happy. I will never use another funeral home.
Author: Kia Harris rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I highly recommend this Funeral Home. Having used it twice I can safely convey that they are very professional and have wonderful people skills at a time when you really need someone to be on top of everything.
Author: Maggie Feliciano rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Boza & Roel were attentive, responsive and were very helpful to our family.
Author: Linda Cacciatore rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Funeral arrangements were handled by Jacob every step of the way. Jacob showcased empathy and worked diligently on all our requests. He truly made this difficult process possible.
Author: Danny M rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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News & Events
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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.