About Us
The Grace Difference
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Mark Neal
Managing Partner, Operations
Growing up around the family business, I learned the trade from my parents and grandparents. Later I would graduate from Vincennes University with a degree in Mortuary Science, making me a 3rd generation Funeral Director. My love for the industry has seen me go from funeral director to manager and to owner and my passion has taken me from Illinois to Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Kentucky. The weather, year-round activities and fishing brought me back to Florida. I am the proud father of two beautiful young ladies, I’ve gained two incredible sons in-law and with our blended families I’m the grandfather to seven. My wife (Cherie) and I met while working together in Daytona Beach and we are getting ready to celebrate 15 years to together.With well over 40 years of knowledge and experience, I’m here to help you through the process of creating a meaningful service memorializing your loved one. Please stop by and see what we have to offer . . . . . . I promise, you’ve come to the right place.
Ben Samel
Managing Partner, Family Service
Ben has been a resident of Pasco/Hernando County for over 2 years. While he is still relatively new to this part of the Sunshine State, he has served families all over Florida for over twenty-six years in this profession. Ben has a degree in banking/finance that he earned from the University of Southern Mississippi.Ben is a Catholic and a father of two wonderful young ladies, who just graduated H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. One will be attending the University of Florida in Gainesville and the other Florida State University in Tallahassee. His passions include golf, hunting and fishing. One of his favorite activities is to take his daughters fishing all over this great state. He is exceptionally proud to serve the families of Grace Memorial Gardens and grateful to work alongside his amazing colleagues. “I am truly grateful to serve the families of this area and to work alongside amazing colleagues," Ben said. "I take great pride in how our team has contributed to make this memorial park such a beautiful, park-like and serene place for families to visit."
Susan Perlowski
Cemetery and Funeral Home Office Manager
Susan, a lifetime resident of Pasco County, has over 18 years experience in the funeral home profession, with the past year and a half here with Grace Memorial Gardens. Susan and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of two daughters, one being a teacher and one a radiological tech student, and one grandson. Her family is very involved in bowling and they enjoy the comradery and sense of community it brings. Working in the funeral/cemetery profession gives Susan the opportunity to be there for families in their time of need and is an honor and a privilege she holds dear.
1 of 8
Join us
We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Grace Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.
