Our Staff

Charles P. Brewer: Founder

Affectionately known as “Pat” Brewer, he was born in Campbellsville, KY, and brought up in Palatka, FL. In 1965, Pat started his funeral business in Brooksville as “Brewer Memorial”. He has been married to his lovely wife Yvonne for over 50 years, has 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Pat graduated from Cincinnati College of Embalming, and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and Federal and State Disaster Responder. He and Yvonne both enjoy retirement in RV traveling and re-building antique cars, and his hobbies include cooking and traveling.

Barry K. Brewer, Sr.: President

Barry was born in Daytona Beach, FL. Before moving to Brooksville, Barry spent several summers working as a Life Guard on the beach. Barry joined Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes, Inc. in 1984, becoming Executive Vice President in 1992 and advancing to the Presidency of the company in 1994. A licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Barry began his career as a Funeral attendant at a Tampa, Florida Funeral Home.

His corporate management skills were fine-tuned while associated with Equity Corporation International (ECI, a funeral and cemetery consolidator). He joined ECI in 1994 after negotiating the merger of Brewers with ECI. He was area manager and a member of the ECI Corporation Development Team.

Prior to joining Brewer, he was the General Manager and Director of Diversified Concrete Products, Inc., in Hudson, Florida. He sold the business to begin his career in the Funeral Industry. Mr. Brewer holds other business interests in funeral industries. He holds degrees in Business Management and Funeral Science from the University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando Community College and Miami-Dade Community College. Barry is very active in many civic and social organizations, donating his time, energies and philanthropy.

Marisa Urso Brewer: Creative Director

Marisa was born and raised in Brooksville, FL. She graduated from Hernando High School and went on to PHCC where she received an Associates Degree. She continued her education at the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

Marisa has managed to successfully build a highly respected and profitable real estate business during one of the most difficult times in the industry. PPA Realty (Preferred Property Associates) has two locations in Hernando County, and Marisa is a hard working owner and licensed Broker. A licensed Realtor, she is also a member of the Hernando County Association of Realtors, the Florida Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Marisa feels strongly about both supporting and giving back to the community, and is involved in many activities and groups. Some of her recent affiliations include graduating from “Leadership Hernando” courses through the Chamber of Commerce; an active and involved member of the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce; Big Brothers and Sisters; YMCA; Business & Professional Women; Habitat for Humanity; the Humane Society; Easter Seals; and the Hernando County Visitation Center. In addition, Marisa continues to be involved with several committees throughout the County including Business Assistance, Leadership Hernando, Teen Leadership, Education, Summit for Youth, Junior Achievement, Hernando County Beach Bash and the annual New Resident’s Event at Weeki Wachee.

Marisa frequently assists the Brewer & Sons marketing team with her creativity and marketing expertise. Aside from her busy professional career and community activism, Marisa enjoys spending time with her husband, Barry and son, Dylan. The Brewer family lives in Spring Hill.

Ryan Brewer: Trust Administrator

Just like his older brother J.R., Ryan was born in Brooksville. He also spent his childhood in both Brooksville and Miami, and equally gained a hands-on knowledge of the funeral industry with his Dad, Barry and Grandfather, Pat.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a minor in Business Communications from Florida International University in Miami. Ryan has assisted in many facets of the funeral home industry, including administrative functions and assisting families during funeral services.

Ryan enjoys trading stocks and spending time with family and friends in his spare time.

Dylan Brewer: Funeral Attendant in Training

Dylan was born in and is currently being raised in Brooksville. He attends elementary school and enjoys building with Legos and watching movies, his favorite being “The Titanic”.

Dylan loves spending time with his family and friends, and often brings a much needed smile to the funeral home staff when he visits.

Kathleen E. LaSala: Funeral Director in Charge, Seven Hills Chapel

Born and raised in Middle Village, Queens, NY, Kathleen attended Dominican Catholic High School in Jamaica, Queens. She graduated from the State University at Farmingdale in Long Island, NY, and achieved an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Being one of five children brought up in their family owned funeral home, Kathleen was basically raised in this business, learning much about the industry at a very early age. As a fourth generation family owned funeral director, she started her career with her family in their Heritage Funeral Home, Hess Miller, in Queens. In addition, Kathleen performed trade work with other funeral homes in neighboring counties until relocating to Spring Hill, FL in 1990. Taking a hiatus from the funeral business, she and her husband co-owned and operated the first Carvel Ice Cream store in Spring Hill. In 1996, she obtained a FL Funeral Directors License and returned to the industry working for a corporate owned funeral home in Pasco County.

Kathleen joined Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in June 2000. She is married to her “…best friend for over 30 years” and has raised three children. She is a member of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and has established roots in the Spring Hill area. Kathleen enjoys having several family members live and work in Hernando County. She has developed relationships over the years with her children not only attending Hernando County Schools but also participating and supporting athletic teams such as the Hernando Heat and Springstead High School Soccer. Kathleen is very family oriented and is not only devoted to her family but is truly dedicated and privileged to lend her expertise and years of experience to assist all families with their funeral needs.

Tammy M. Tolbert: Funeral Director in Charge, Town N Country Chapel

Tammy was born in Lakeland, FL and was brought up in Brooksville. She is a life long Florida resident, and was formerly a Medical Transcriptionist prior to starting with Brewer & Sons as a Secretary more than 15 years ago.

Tammy lives in Brooksville with her family, including her “4 legged kids”, dogs Spanky and Ringo. She graduated from both Pensacola Christian College and St. Petersburg College, and is also a licensed insurance agent. Tammy enjoys crafting, horses, and cooking.

Ronda Gossage: Office Manager, Spring Hill Chapel

Ronda was born in Pinellas Park, FL and is a lifelong FL resident. She currently lives in Masaryktown where she enjoys spending time with the love of her life, Scott and her 2 furry humans, Buddy (Boxer/Pit) and Hopi (Springer Spaniel). Prior to Brewer & Sons, Ronda was in the auto parts business and is both a Notary and a sub-registrar. Ronda has been with the Brewer family as an office manager for the Spring Hill Chapel location for over 15 yrs. and lives to serve her families with the upmost love and respect that they deserve.

Ronda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, surfing the internet, hiking and is an avid Nascar and Greenbay Packers fan.

Debbie Layne: Office Manager, Seven Hills Chapel

Debbie Layne was born in Clarion, Pennsylvania and brought up in Erie, PA. In 1979, Debbie and her family moved to Florida, then to Arkansas, and finally back to Florida in 2003. Debbie enjoyed spending time during her childhood on her grandparents’ farm. She received an Associates Degree in Computer Accounting from Southern College in Orlando. Prior to working at Brewer & Sons, Debbie worked for a funeral home in Arkansas, and also worked for Glen Lakes Country Club in Brooksville, FL. Debbie is widowed, and lives in Spring Hill with her mother. She has one son, Garth that is married and lives in Spring Hill. Garth and his wife, Jennifer, are foster parents. Debbie is a foster grandmother and enjoys being with the children. When she’s not working, Debbie enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, crafts, crocheting, needlepoint, and reading.

Ami V. Ratliff: Office Manager, Brooksville Chapel

Ami was born in Tulsa, OK and moved to FL from Bristow, OK in 1986. Prior to working for Brewer & Sons, Ami was a real estate escrow closing agent. She lives in Brooksville with her husband Travis and 2 teenage boys, Trae and Dustin. Ami attended PHCC, is a Notary, and has been working with the public for over 20 years.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to her sons’ baseball games, going to flea markets, baking, and collecting cookbooks. Ami was a cheerleader in high school, on the homecoming court for football, basketball and wrestling, and in 1998 was chosen as “Employee of the Year” at Hernando County Bank.

Joy D. Robinson: Office Manager/Funeral Detail Specialist

Joy was born in Lansing, MI, and moved to Satellite Beach, FL with her family in 1965. Later moving to Largo in 1973 where she met her future husband Robby. He joined the US Air Force and they traveled for the next 20 years to 6 different bases and 2 different countries. Prior to Brewer & Sons, she worked for the Production Dept. at Hernando Today/Tampa Tribune Newspaper and the military MWR Dept. which produced base newsletters, facility menus, activity flyers and bulletins. During one of the overseas tours she learned to run a movie projector has a film projector license. Joy now lives with her husband Robby in Brooksville, FL. They have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. Joy is highly trained in graphic design, and enjoys long weekend getaway. Hobbies include painting, reading, crafts and historical sites and towns.

Robert “Bobby” Senecal: Crematory Operator

Bobby was born and raised in Schenectady, New York. He graduated from Schellmont High School in NY. In 1977, Bobby moved to FL and became the superintendent at Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson. He enjoys fishing and restoring antique cars and trucks. Bobby and his wife Cathy live in Spring Hill.

Thomas J. Derryberry: Senior Pre-need Sales Specialist

Tom was born in Memphis, TN and was brought up in both TN and FL. He moved to FL permanently from TN in 1961. Prior to working for Brewer & Sons, Tom was (and still is) a Pastor. He is married with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Tom lives with his family in Brooksville. He graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, AL with a BRE. His special training includes his insurance license and his Ordination.

Extracurricular activities include fishing and spending time with family.

Alex Pierce

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Alexandra moved at the age of seventeen to Miami to pursue her studies in the Fashion Industry. She graduated from MIU with a Bachelors in Fashion Design; demonstrating a particular interest in Bridal & Evening Wear. Prior to Brewer & Sons, Alexandra worked in the high end luxury bridal industry. She is still very much involved in the industry, working as a designer & as wedding planner.

Alex lives in Brooksville with Ryan and their two “4legged kids”, Suri & Spike.

Steve Roosevelt: Funeral Director in Charge, Kurfiss Clermont Chapel

Born on a military base in Wurzburg, Germany, Steve has spent most of his life in the Central Florida area. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army, and was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, where he spent his time as a unit supply specialist. After the military, Steve was a Union Iron Worker in Orlando and New York City, before graduating summa cum laude at Hudson Valley in up-state New York, with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. He has been with Brewer & Sons since March 2013.

Steve lives in Leesburg, FL with his wife, Jaime. He has 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 Yorkshire Terriers.

Karen Vega

A Chicago native, Karen moved to the Orlando area in 1988. Prior to joining Brewer and Sons she was employed as Retail Development Director and Specialty Leasing Manager for GGP, one of the nation’s largest shopping center and real estate investment trusts, and worked for United Airlines at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters and six grandchildren, outdoor sports, cooking, the beach and competition training her two Belgian Malinois dogs.

Dennise Vandegrift

Originally from Morrisville, Pennsylvania, then Estell Manor, New Jersey, Dennise relocated to Spring Hill Florida in 1990. Prior to joining Brewer & Sons in 2012, she enjoyed a twenty year career in Hernando County as a real estate Broker/ Owner and Instructor.

An avid Tampa Bay Rays fan, Dennise likes to attend the games with her son, his wife, and two granddaughters, one of which is a newlywed. Dennise spends her time at home with her beautiful chow rescue dog, Ivy.

Charles Stanford

In 1994, Charles H. Stanford began a career in the banking and insurance industry after serving in the United States Navy. Charles seeing a need to help families and businesses navigate through the insurance markets, quickly became a licensed Florida 215 agent for licenses in Health, Life & Variable Annuity.

In 2004, Charles founded the Stanford Insurance Group, Inc., getting contracted with multiple insurance companies in the areas of Health, Life & Variable Annuity. Charles is able to tailor the special needs of his clients with the best variety of products available in the marketplace. Charles also provides a series of easy-to- understand public seminars and community events.

In 2013, Charles got licensed by the Funeral, Cemetery & Consumer Services Division, and a department of the Florida Department of Financial Services. This is a Pre-Need License which allows you to provide Pre-Need insurance services for Funeral Arrangements, Cremation & Cemetery Property. Charles also educates Veterans and Spouses on Burial Benefits, Medicaid Irrevocable Burial Plan, Cremation Services, Pet Funerals and cremations.

In 2016, Charles joined the Brewer & Sons team as a contracted licensed Pre-Need Advanced Planning Counselor. As a part of the Brewer & Sons team, we provide Pre-Need advance planning counseling for funeral arrangements and services. We also provide planning services for families and business’s with an At-Need immediate service. Stanford Insurance Group, Inc. provides other insurance services for individuals and groups. Stanford Insurance Group, Inc. can assist you in your Health, Life, Annuities and Long Term Care Consulting for retirement planning.

Charles is a Florida native, born and reared in Live Oak, a quaint yet historic town located in the nature preserve area of Suwannee County in North Florida. He has served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves. He volunteers as a board member on the financial and audit committee for the American Legion Post 138, Tampa Florida and loves volunteering his time working with local veteran’s sponsored events. He has two sons, William and Mathew. Certifications and awards include: 2001 AVMED President’s Award for Outstanding Performance and Allianz Masters Gold Club Producer in 2010.

He currently resides in Tampa, Florida.

Rosemarie Kardos

Rosemarie was born and raised in Brooksville, Florida. Yes a true native. Prior to working at Brewer & Sons, as a Pre Arrangement councilor, she was the owner of a limousine company for 13 years. Even then, she assisted Brewer & Sons, but with Limo’s. She has been in the customer service industry for over 35 years.

Rosemarie has 2 sons, 2 grandsons, 3 brothers and is a great caretaker of her mother. She loves and rescues dogs, which is her favorite hobby.