Charles L. Passantino
Owner / Funeral Director
Charlie's journey in funeral service is deeply intertwined with his family's rich legacy, spanning three generations of the Passantino family. Having been immersed in the business from a young age, Charlie's licensing as a funeral director in 1981 marked a significant milestone in his career.
Beyond his professional duties, Charlie's commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in various boards and committees. As a founding member of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the local community.
Charlie's dedication to his faith is evident through his active participation as a parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Church and his membership as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. His involvement in organizations like the American Sons of Columbus and UNICO National reflects his commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering camaraderie within his community.
Furthermore, Charlie's role on the management team of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph underscores his reverence for sacred spaces and his commitment to serving the spiritual needs of his community.
As the proud father of his daughter Nina, Charlie's legacy extends beyond his professional and community endeavors, embodying a life dedicated to family, service, and faith.
Charles L. Passantino
Owner / Funeral Director
Charlie's journey in funeral service is deeply intertwined with his family's rich legacy, spanning three generations of the Passantino family. Having been immersed in the business from a young age, Charlie's licensing as a funeral director in 1981 marked a significant milestone in his career.
Beyond his professional duties, Charlie's commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in various boards and committees. As a founding member of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the local community.
Charlie's dedication to his faith is evident through his active participation as a parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Church and his membership as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. His involvement in organizations like the American Sons of Columbus and UNICO National reflects his commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering camaraderie within his community.
Furthermore, Charlie's role on the management team of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph underscores his reverence for sacred spaces and his commitment to serving the spiritual needs of his community.
As the proud father of his daughter Nina, Charlie's legacy extends beyond his professional and community endeavors, embodying a life dedicated to family, service, and faith.
Gary R. Bertoncin
Funeral Director / Embalmer
Gary's career in funeral service began at the young age of 17, showcasing his dedication and passion for the industry. Graduating from the Kansas City Kansas School of Mortuary Science and obtaining certification from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards underscore his commitment to professionalism and excellence in his field.
His extensive tenure with the Passantino family since 1996 speaks volumes about his reliability and trustworthiness as a funeral director and embalmer.
Beyond his professional life, Gary finds fulfillment in his family. Married to JoMarie, they've nurtured a family together with their two sons. Their involvement at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO, and St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, demonstrates their strong ties to their community.
Gary's story is one of dedication, professionalism, and a deep connection to both his work and personal life.
Gary R. Bertoncin
Funeral Director / Embalmer
Gary's career in funeral service began at the young age of 17, showcasing his dedication and passion for the industry. Graduating from the Kansas City Kansas School of Mortuary Science and obtaining certification from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards underscore his commitment to professionalism and excellence in his field.
His extensive tenure with the Passantino family since 1996 speaks volumes about his reliability and trustworthiness as a funeral director and embalmer.
Beyond his professional life, Gary finds fulfillment in his family. Married to JoMarie, they've nurtured a family together with their two sons. Their involvement at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO, and St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, demonstrates their strong ties to their community.
Gary's story is one of dedication, professionalism, and a deep connection to both his work and personal life.
Shannon Rife
Admin. Assistant & Apprentice Funeral Director
Shannon joined our staff in June of 2024.
Shannon's career trajectory showcases her versatility and dedication to continuous learning. Starting in early childhood education at St. Gabriel's demonstrates her passion for nurturing and guiding young minds. Transitioning to the food and beverage industry at the National Country Club suggests her ability to adapt and excel in different professional environments.
Her decision to pursue a degree in mortuary science while working underscores her commitment to personal and professional growth. Graduating from Kansas City Kansas Community College with this degree reflects her dedication to entering the funeral service profession.
Shadowing with Passantino Bros. and subsequently joining them as a team member in 2024 indicates Shannon's alignment with a respected institution in the field. It's evident that she values learning from experienced professionals and seeks to contribute her skills and expertise to the team.
Shannon's personal life reflects a balance between nurturing her family and friends, pursuing her interests, and finding solace in nature.
Shannon Rife
Admin. Assistant & Apprentice Funeral Director
Shannon joined our staff in June of 2024.
Shannon's career trajectory showcases her versatility and dedication to continuous learning. Starting in early childhood education at St. Gabriel's demonstrates her passion for nurturing and guiding young minds. Transitioning to the food and beverage industry at the National Country Club suggests her ability to adapt and excel in different professional environments.
Her decision to pursue a degree in mortuary science while working underscores her commitment to personal and professional growth. Graduating from Kansas City Kansas Community College with this degree reflects her dedication to entering the funeral service profession.
Shadowing with Passantino Bros. and subsequently joining them as a team member in 2024 indicates Shannon's alignment with a respected institution in the field. It's evident that she values learning from experienced professionals and seeks to contribute her skills and expertise to the team.
Shannon's personal life reflects a balance between nurturing her family and friends, pursuing her interests, and finding solace in nature.
Marta Mazzuca Kaufmann
Family Services / After-Care
Marta joined our staff in May of 2024.
Marta is a proud lifelong resident of Kansas City, where she graduated from Rockhurst University with a degree in marketing. With over three decades of marriage and homemaking experience, Marta embodies a deep commitment to nurturing those around her.
In 2019, driven by her passion for serving others, Marta became a certified mindfulness trainer, embarking on a journey of personal and professional development. She hopes to use her expertise to support families during their time of need.
Marta and her husband, Jerry, reside in the Northland and cherish spending time with their children, their spouses, two grand dogs, and their precious granddaughter. In their spare time, they explore the world through travel.
Marta Mazzuca Kaufmann
Family Services / After-Care
Marta joined our staff in May of 2024.
Marta is a proud lifelong resident of Kansas City, where she graduated from Rockhurst University with a degree in marketing. With over three decades of marriage and homemaking experience, Marta embodies a deep commitment to nurturing those around her.
In 2019, driven by her passion for serving others, Marta became a certified mindfulness trainer, embarking on a journey of personal and professional development. She hopes to use her expertise to support families during their time of need.
Marta and her husband, Jerry, reside in the Northland and cherish spending time with their children, their spouses, two grand dogs, and their precious granddaughter. In their spare time, they explore the world through travel.
Carol LaBruzzo
Bookkeeping
Carol joined our staff in 2021.
Kathleen Bax
Visitation Associate
Kathleen supervises our contributions desk during visitations.
Julie Arena Swope
Visitation Associate
Julie joined our staff in 2016 and assists with visitations.
David Sherpy
Funeral Associate (emeritus)
David has assisted with visitations and funeral ceremonies for more than 50 years. He retired from the Kansas City, MO Fire Department in 1996 after 30 years of service, and retired from an active position with the funeral home in 2017.
