Our Staff

Our Caring Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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Mary Ferfolia Lansky

Licensed Funeral Director / President of Ferfolia Funeral Homes

Mary is a third generation Ferfolia family member to serve families at Ferfolia Funeral Home. A graduate of Ursuline College, Mary earned her license in 1991. Mary enjoys speaking out in the community on topics related to the changing world of funeral service. Currently, Mary serves as a board member on the Concord Downs Homeowners Association of Walden and is an active member of both Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish & St. Martin of Tours Parish where she is a Lay Minister. In her free time, she loves to exercise and cook.

Mary resides in Aurora and has four children. Allyson Newell who is the Business Manager for the funeral home, Megan Flyer who works as an accounts receivable/administrative assistant at Ferfolia Funeral Home, Colleen Newell, and Jeffrey Lansky, Jr. who heads up the multi-media department at the funeral home. Mary is the proud Grandma of Donna who works in the catering department at Ferfolia Funeral Home, Madelyn, Jasper, Gianni, Mila, and Dominic.

In 2025, Mary accomplished a longtime dream of establishing the charitable foundation, The Light Remains, which holds an annual 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk to celebrate life and raise money to help a local charity. The Light Remains seeks to honor the lives of those we have lost and to share their light with others by helping each other "neighbor to neighbor" journey through life.

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Donald B. Ferfolia, Jr.

Licensed Funeral Director / Board Vice President

Don is the fourth generation of the Ferfolia family to serve families at Ferfolia Funeral Home as a Licensed Funeral Director. He is a graduate of John Carroll University and earned his license in 2001.

While caring for families at the funeral home, Don continued his education at the University of Akron and earned his Law Degree in 2007. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2007 and focuses his legal work on assisting families when settling a loved ones’ affairs, adding a unique dimension of service to families served by Ferfolia Funeral Home. Don also enjoys speaking to the community on topics that deal with funeral service and the legal questions surrounding the death of a loved one.

Don and his wife Dawn are active members of St. Basil the Great Catholic Church in Brecksville. When not at the funeral home, Don and Dawn enjoy spending summer evenings and weekends following the Cleveland Guardians and trying to figure out whether they rescued their two dogs or their dogs rescued them!

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Allyson Newell

Business Manager/Treasurer

Allyson is the business manager and treasurer at Ferfolia Funeral Home. She’s worked every job in the company from coffee service in the catering department up to her current position now. She loves to travel, has lived in NYC and Europe, is heavily involved in the web3 community and likes to split her time between Cleveland and Miami.

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Walter J. Bednarz

Licensed Funeral Director

Better known as “Wally” is a Licensed Funeral Director at Ferfolia Funeral Home since 1999. Wally began working at the funeral home in 1994 as a funeral assistant and became a funeral director’s apprentice in 1997. Prior to working at the funeral home, Wally worked with his father at Economy Floor and Wallcovering on Broadway in the Slavic Village neighborhood. He also taught English and Philosophy at Chanel High School in Bedford, Ohio. He attended St. Therese Grade School in Garfield Hts. where he grew up with his parents Walter and Eleanor, sister Patricia and brother Ralph. He attended Chanel High School and graduated from John Carroll University.

Wally has been involved in music most of his life singing at St. Therese Church as a youngster, then the band at Chanel High School. He led his own band performing at many weddings, dances, and parties for nearly 40 years before retiring from the band. He previously served as the Director of Music and Liturgy, Choir Director and Cantor at Ss. Cosmas & Damian Catholic Church in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Wally presently lives in Twinsburg with Darlene, his wife of over 40 years. Darlene has been a Pastoral Minister in the Cleveland Diocese for 37 years and is presently ministering at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Wally and Darlene’s family consists of two daughters Melissa with her husband Scott Gardner, their daughters Mackenzie and Isabelle of Ravenna Twp., and Sara with her husband Jason Clancy with their sons Liam and Quinn of Fairlawn. Wally and Darlene enjoy cruising wherever the boat takes them. They also share a deep love of liturgical music often ministering together musically at masses, weddings and funerals throughout the Cleveland Diocese.

Wally has a sincere desire to help those in need, especially people who have suffered a deep loss in their lives by helping them through the difficult days following the death of a spouse, a parent, a child or a friend.

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Victorio Fragapane

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Victorio has an affinity for family business. Prior to the funeral industry, Victorio worked as a baker for his family-owned Bakery in the western suburbs of Cleveland. For 28 years, he was an integral part of the workday, designing and producing bread and pastries while becoming the face of the bakery. He is proud of the relationships he formed with customers and clients throughout his tenure.

Victorio takes great pride in forming a legacy at St. Edward High School, graduating in 1992, and seeing his sons graduate in 2017, 2018, and 2020. After nearly a 30-year hiatus from schooling, Victorio enrolled at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2021. Meanwhile, he began working for Ferfolia Funeral Home as an assistant in 2022. Upon graduating in 2023, he started his apprenticeship and became a licensed funeral director and licensed embalmer in 2024.

In 1996, Victorio married his soulmate Stefni and together they began their family. While having three children of their own, they opened their hearts to a bonus kiddo. Enduring long days and nights gave rise to a great appreciation for time well spent with the kids. Through adventures, sports, physical work, and teaching moments, the children have become well-adjusted adults. Now, Victorio spends his free time with Stefni enjoying dinners and movies out, going on extended road trips, and experiencing a new chapter in life.

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Justin Kaszowski

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Justin R. Kaszowski, CFSP, completed his education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Spring of 2004. After serving his apprenticeship under Walter G. Sinn, he received his license as both a funeral director and embalmer in September 2005. In January 2009, Justin was awarded the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He has been working in funeral service since he was in the seventh grade working with the former Sinchak & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Ohio. Since becoming licensed, Justin has worked for various funeral homes before calling Ferfolia Funeral Home his home in January 2023.

Justin is very active in his community. He is a lifelong member of St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary’ Church in Warren, where he is chairman of the Cemetery Board. Justin is also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hudson. He is a 3rd degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council of the church. Justin is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Director Association, Ohio Embalmers Association, Cleveland Embalmers Association, and British Institute of Embalmers.

In his free time, Justin enjoys model railroading, bowling, and playing golf. He is the proud and dedicated father of two sons.

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Paul Thomas

Pre-Need Specialist

Paul was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois and moved to Copley, Ohio in 1994. He attended the University of Iowa and Kent State University. Paul has a Life/Health insurance license with over 20 years of serving families with Life Insurance and Medicare needs. He enjoys helping families make sure their insurance needs are met along with making sure their final wishes are honored.

Paul and his wife, Angela reside in Copley, Ohio along with their 3 children, Sarah, Abigail, and Jacob, and Dog, Max. He is involved with Boy Scout Troop 385, and kids Soccer Clubs. He enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with his kids.

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Megan Flyer

Accounts Receivable/Administrative Assistant

Megan is a fourth generation Ferfolia family member at Ferfolia Funeral Home and works in the business office in Accounts Receivable and backs up as Administrative Assistant. She lives in North Royalton with her husband Zack of 11 years. She has 2 daughters Donna (fiancé John) and Maddie and 3 beautiful Grandbabies Gianni, Mila, and Dominic. Her family is her whole world.

Aside from her family… she enjoys all things true crime and is a super fan of Horror movies. Her favorite holiday is Halloween, sounds about right, doesn’t it?! At the funeral home, she’s known as the office internet sleuth. She truly should have been a detective. She loves the cul-de-sac she resides on and enjoys summer nights with her family, friends, and neighbors. Putting all of that aside, Megan has always been a loving soul that has known struggle and pain herself and feels it’s been her life’s mission to help those in need, in any capacity that she’s called to, in every area of life. She will always strive to be the light in the dark for others.

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Jeffrey Lansky, Jr.

Multimedia Specialist

Jeff is a fourth generation Ferfolia family member at Ferfolia Funeral Home. He graduated from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. As multimedia specialist, Jeff serves families by editing photographs, creating stationery, and assisting with the creation of memorial videos and slideshows. He also manages the digital signange in the building as well as the funeral home's social media accounts.

Jeff is an avid sports fan, spending much of his free time at Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, and Guardians games. He also loves listening to his favorite music on his record player and watching the latest movies on the big screen.

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Kimberly Eskut-Woodburn

Administrative Assistant

Kimberly resides with her husband David and 2 rescue pups in Brecksville. They’re officially known as the Halloween house during October!! By day you’ll find her in the business office at Ferfolia Funeral Home.

In her spare time Kimberly directs for The Brecksville Theatre and performs in community theatre throughout the Cleveland area. Kimberly also volunteers at Whispering Acres Animal Farm where she cares for and loves all the rescues.

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Debbie Politi

Administrative Assistant

Deborah Politi has been an Administrative Assistant at Ferfolia Funeral Home for the past 14 years. With her warm personality and commitment to compassionate service, Debbie is committed to supporting the funeral home staff and the families they serve. She's reliable and is always willing to help others.

Debbie is dedicated to taking care of families that want to use insurance policies to cover the funeral bill. She works closely with the insurance companies to ensure all necessary forms are completed and submitted. She follows up to make sure funds are released in a timely manner. Her role brings peace of mind to the families during some of their most difficult times.

Over the past few years, Debbie has lovingly cared for family and friends that are dealing with health challenges like stroke, kidney disease etc. She finds comfort in being there for them, listening with compassion, offering support and always leaving with a warm smile and a gentile kiss, reassuring them that she'll be back soon.

Outside of work, Debbie enjoys spending time gardening, where she finds peace and relaxation tending to her plants. She also loves traveling to Las Vegas to visit her son, cherishing those special moments together. Whether at home or away, Debbie brings the same sense of care and dedication to everything she does.

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Angie Sabol

Administrative Assistant

Angie has been a friendly face at Ferfolia Funeral Home for the past 26 years, currently as an Administrative Assistant in the Accounting Office. She handles a myriad of tasks from accounting to greeting folks on the phone and at the door.

Angie was born and raised in Cleveland and attended St. Catherine Grade School and Ursuline Academy Sacred Heart High School. She and her husband, Ron raised four wonderful daughters in Maple Heights and were active parishioners of St. Monica's Catholic Church. She now resides in Sagamore Hills and volunteers at St. Barnabas as a Eucharistic minister to the homebound. She is also a member of the Padre Pio Prayer Group.

Angie cherishes her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and finds great joy in their closeness. She enjoys sports, music and cooking for family and close friends.

Her giving nature and long tenure with Ferfolia Funeral Home speaks to her commitment and understanding of the compassionate service we provide to families in our community.

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Gary Howieson

Death Certificate Clerk

Gary joined the Ferfolia family in 2004 as a part-time assistant and transitioned to full-time in 2012.

As a death certificate clerk, he is the liaison between the funeral directors, doctors, hospitals, and county registrars, ensuring that each certificate’s information is correct and that it is properly filed and given to the family in a timely manner.

Gary is a Kent State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in 19th Century American Liberal Studies.

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Corky Glasko

Catering Manager

With over 20 years of experience in school food service as both a cook and manager, Corky has spent her career dedicated to serving others. Since June 2021, she has worked as the Catering Manager at Ferfolia Funeral Homes, bringing leadership, organization, and a strong work ethic to every event- committed to providing comfort and care to families during their time of need.

After many years in Maple Heights, she now lives in Seven Hills with her husband, Kevin. She is a proud mom to four boys, Jared, Troy, Dilon and Luke, and “Gigi” to a growing generation of grandchildren sharing that same spirit of love and care with the families she supports at Ferfolia Funeral Homes.

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Doug Gretta

Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Assistant

Doug has worked at Ferfolia Funeral Home for over 30 years. He and his wife, Heather, are the proud parents of three. A Kent State graduate, Doug loves animals, sports, and spending time with his family.

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Joseph Mosinski

Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Assistant

Joseph has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of Ohio for 58 years after graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1968. Before joining the Ferfolia family in 2024, he was a third-generation owner of Mosinski Funeral Home. After the closing of Mosinski Funeral Home, he worked at Walter Martens Funeral Home.

Joseph married his wife Miriam in 1970. They have 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

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Pam Franko

Funeral Director Assistant

Pam grew up in Cleveland and now resides in Northfield Center Township. She celebrated 50 years of marriage to her husband, Robert, shortly before becoming a widow. Pam is most proud of being the parent of Robert, Jr. and Holly Houlahan; a grandmother of ten, and the great-grandmother of four.

She is an active member of St. Barnabas Catholic Parish in Northfield where she is the head of the Funeral Ministry and Funeral Altar Servers and is a member of the Home Bound Ministry. 2025 marks her 10-Year anniversary as a St. Barnabas Altar Server.

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Jim Dzurilla

Funeral Director Assistant

As a Funeral Director’s Assistant, Jim is dedicated to providing comfort and assistance to families during their most difficult times. He finds profound meaning in helping individuals honor their loved ones with respect and dignity.

When he’s not at the funeral home, you can find Jim on stage with his band, Masterpiece. He started his music career playing in downtown Cleveland with Impetus, a horn group, playing the college clubs in the early 1970’s. Jim has since been in the acoustic rock Senior Class Band, and Boogie Nites, a Motown and Disco group. He has also been involved in music ministry at various churches around Northeast Ohio. Jim has been happily married to his wife Pat for over 50 years.

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Ryan Prosinski

Funeral Director Assistant

Ryan was born and raised in Seven Hills. He attended St. Columbkille School in his early years and is a graduate of Padua Franciscan High School. He currently resides in Parma, Ohio with his wife, Denise, and their four sons Lance, Luke, Leo, and Lewis along with two cats Lucy & Luna.

Ryan is devoted to taking care of people. From his previous automotive and current aerial lift customers and to everyone who walks through the door at Ferfolia Funeral Home. He is an avid baseball fan and enjoys listening to Cleveland Guardians games. Ryan enjoys collecting sports cards, memorabilia, and is a fan of all Cleveland sports.

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Mike Violi

Funeral Director Assistant

Mike joined the Ferfolia family following a 35-year career in public service.

He is a certified S.C.U.B.A. diver and former instructor with over 50 years of experience. He particularly enjoys exploring 19th Century Great Lakes shipwrecks. He has explored our coastal waters from Boston to Key West, as well as the exotic coral reefs of Mexico and Central America.

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Diane Rutherford & Lizzi Nagy

Housekeeping

Diane Rutherford has worked for Ferfolia Funeral Home for over 30 years. She enjoys helping others and is actively involved in a spiritual retreat which she has helped organize for over 20 years. Diane has a great love for animals, especially dogs, but mostly her dog Jesse.

Lizzi is dedicated to maintaining a respectful and comforting environment for families during their time of need. She is honored to contribute to a space where every detail is handled with care and compassion.

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Darlene Bednarz

Director of Bereavement Services

Darlene has served as the Director of Bereavement Services at Ferfolia Funeral Homes since 2018. She previously served for over a decade as the Music Director for the funeral home’s annual “Hope for the Holiday’s” program under her mentor, Alice Ferfolia. Darlene loves leading the funeral home’s Bereavement Groups and the “Hope for the Holiday’s” program

Darlene received her undergraduate and graduate degree from Ursuline College and became a Certified Pastoral Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland in 1994. She is currently a Certified Pastoral Minister at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Peninsula. Darlene has served as Director of Bereavement for the past 26 years in the last three parishes where she ministered. She began her career as a church musician and continues to play at various churches when needed.

Prior to working in ministry, Darlene owned a dance studio and danced for 30 years. She also taught music for 15 years in Catholic schools around Northeast Ohio.

Darlene presently lives in Twinsburg with her funeral director husband, Wally. Darlene and Wally’s family consists of two daughters, Melissa with her husband Scott Gardner, their daughters Mackenzie and Isabelle of Ravenna Twp., and Sara with her husband Jason Clancy with their sons Liam and Quinn of Fairlawn.

Eight women in black-and-white uniforms standing together indoors, smiling in front of a stone wall.

Catering Department (From Left to Right)


Pictured: Joan Berger, Pat Yama, Marianne Majewski, Ann Soukup, Angela Tomak, Gloria Szynar, Donna Newell, Corky Glasko, Norinne Garity


Not Pictured: Michelle Miladinovic, Carol Sitara, Katie Wesley, Mary Angel