Elizabeth Orosco
Northeast News

Passantino Bros. Funeral Home was opened by brothers Charles, George, and Rosario Passantino in January of 1930.

Nearly nine decades later, the family-owned business is still faithfully serving the Northeast community.

Located at 2117 Independence Boulevard, the funeral home has undergone many changes, but Funeral Director Gary Bertoncin, who joined the family over 20 years ago, said he is proud to be a part of it.

The Passantino brothers saw a need in the community for a funeral home and bought the building in 1929.

Opening on January 1, 1930, the business has stayed in the Passantino family for three generations – currently with Charlie Passantino, grandson of one of the original brothers.
“We’re still family-owned, which allows us the flexibility to meet any family’s wishes,” Bertoncin said. “We don’t need approval from a corporate office to serve a family.”
In the beginning of the company’s history, it was tailored to the Italian population in the Northeast, but with the rise of a growing refugee community and larger numbers of various cultures making the Northeast their home, Passantino Bros. is able to serve a variety of residents.

“The area has adapted with the change,” Bertoncin said. “Northeast has always been an immigrant-friendly area.”

The funeral home offers a wide range of services from burial to cremation, simple to elaborate. Bertoncin said they has seen more families choosing cremation not necessarily due to cost, but as an alternative option to burial.

As active members of the community, Charlie has served on several boards, including the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

“We’re always very actively engaged,” Bertoncin said. “We feel very connected to this community.”

To find out more or to discuss their many service options, contact Charlie Passantino or Gary Bertoncin at (816) 471-2844 or email staff@passantinobros.com.