About Us
The Boza & Roel Difference
Since 1853, 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.

Yesenia Ulloa
Funeral Director

Lupe Valdes
Funeral Director Intern
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Shane Lacey
Location Manager
Shane is a compassionate licensed funeral director & location manager, who has been working in the profession since 2003. Shane's desire is to serve families who have lost loved ones by making the process of funeral planning as smooth as possible. He is passionate about honoring the memory of loved ones and helping to provide closure during the most difficult time of people's lives.
Shane was born and raised in Ohio, moved to Massachusetts in 2003, and then relocated to Florida in 2019. In his free time, Shane enjoys spending time at his church, watching Wrestling, playing with his kids and puppy, swimming in his pool, and grilling/smoking food. He is happily married to his wife of 18 years, Christyn, and has 4 children.

LaNita Jackson
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.

Brian Zipter
Area General Manager
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.

Bill Popovski
Area Sales Manager
Bill V Popovski
Began his career in the funeral and cemetery profession with North Star Memorial Group Fort Myers location in 2014. He is passionate about serving others in their time of need and is committed to integrity, dignity, and excellence. Born and raised Up State Buffalo NY Bill has been serving families for over25 years at his family-owned Country Market in a farm Town of Hamburg NY. ( Home of the Erie County Fair).
Accompanying families and working with wonderful and dedicated colleagues keeps me committed and engaged every day it is a privilege to serve others. Bill has two daughters and Son he is devoted to his family and committed to his faith. When Bill is not working ,he can be found in the outdoors fishing and spending time with family.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
















What Families Are Saying
They handled this tough situation so well for us. Never thought i would have to say goodbye to my son so shortly after he was born. All the staff is so dignified and professional but so heart warming at the same time. I would recommend this place to many people! Thank you for all that y'all have done for us!
Elizabeth Hertel 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My mother, father, neice, sister, were all taken good care of by Boza.
Michael Garcia 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff was kind, caring and compassionate. They were professional and accommodating to our family and they have a nice facility. Thank you for assisting us in honoring and celebrating our loved one.
R Sierra 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very nice and very helpful and polite to people.
Rita Cagina 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
They handled my friends funeral with dignity and care.
Vanessa Wilkins 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kindest people make the biggest difference.
Florida Frank Schmitz 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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.