About Us
The Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Difference
Since 1959, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Lake County community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
Our beginnings
Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations has been serving the Tavares community since 1959.
Devoted to the Tarvares community
Hermon Steverson, Verdual Hamlin and Art Hilbish devoted themselves to their community. Our staff has continued with the tradition of providing care and comfort to families during their time of loss.
Dedication, compassion & experience
We have built a reputation for excellence and are committed to creating a unique personalized experience for every individual. We value the importance of small details and assist each family with their needs and their preferences. Whether it is a simple service that you desire or the most elaborate arrangement, we work diligently to create a service that is unique and personalized.
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15K+
Legacies Honored
63
Years in Business
800K+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
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John Roemmelt
Managing Partner, Operations
John started his career in funeral service in 1989 in New York City. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up in Montgomery, NY, two hours northwest of New York City. John graduated from Valley Central High School and managed Woolworth stores for 3 years.
In 1989, he moved to Middle Village, Queens, NY to start his career in funeral service. He attended the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in Manhattan and graduated in 1991. While attending school, he worked in several funeral homes simultaneously to start his training.
In 1997, John and his wife, Laura Anne relocated to central Florida. They have two beautiful daughters, Rachel Anne and Megan Riley. Laura Anne is the Director of the Wellness Department at AdventHealth Fish Memorial hospital in Orange City and is very active in their community.
Their family attends St. Clare Catholic Church in Deltona and John attends daily Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora and St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis. He is also a Fourth Degree Knight, K of C.
John is the Managing Partner of Operations at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations in Tavares, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors in Eustis and Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis.
J. David Sawyer
Managing Partner, Family Service
David was born in Daytona Beach and raised in Orlando, Florida. He is a third-generation Cemetery / Funeral professional who began his deathcare career in Lake County, Florida in 2009 at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis, FL.
David has spent ten years in family service during his career in the funeral and cemetery profession and is well adept at discovering the needs and developing a meaningful solution for the families he is honored to serve. David always treats every family as his own and knows that God has given him the gift to help others in this sensitive field. He feels that there is no greater reward than to help a family put a plan of protection in place, for one of the saddest days of their life.
David loves sharing life with his wife Ashley, his two daughters, and granddaughter. He also loves spending time reading, fishing, kayaking or just sitting on the beach.
David and Ashley are members of St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Florida.
Matthew A. Pierson
Funeral Home Manager, Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations in Tavares
I was born in Greensburg, PA and moved to Orlando, FL at the age of 16. I graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando. After high school, I moved to Gainesville, FL, where I attended the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College.
In 1994, I moved to Nashville, TN to begin my career in funeral service. I worked for several different funeral homes, while I was going to school to get my degree in Funeral Service. I graduated from John A. Gupton College in Nashville in 1996.
After graduating from college, I returned to Florida to start my career as a funeral director. I have worked for the same group of funeral homes here in Lake County since returning from college. While working full time as a funeral director, I went back to college taking night courses and received my B.A. degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, FL in 1998. I currently hold the position of Funeral Home Manager at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations in Tavares.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time with my two dogs, Jameson and Zyda.
Art P. Hilbish
Co-Founder & Funeral Director
Art has been a resident of Lake County since 1958 when he and his family moved to Leesburg and built the Leesburg Bowling Lanes. He and his wife, Carol Gill Hilbish, are alumni of Eustis High School where he was a standout football player and she was a popular cheerleader.
Art started his career in funeral service in 1964, when he began working at Zeller, Kennedy, and Hamlin Funeral Home. In 1972, he and Carol became co-founders of Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors with their friend and partner Verdual Hamlin; and in 1975, after being approached by several community leaders in Tavares, they built what is now Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations in Tavares. Carol served as Office Manager of the Eustis location from 1978 – 2020. Art and Carol devoted themselves to the firm and served multiple generations of the Eustis and Tavares communities over the years.
They are blessed with two wonderful daughters Tracey Hilbish Lichtinger and Lory Hilbish Baxley, who still live locally. Art’s service to the community has included serving on the founding board of what is now Cornerstone Hospice; and he has been recognized by Toys for Tots for gathering thousands and thousands of toys for the needy children of our community. He also is a past president of the Eustis Chamber of Commerce and received three prestigious Service Above Self Awards during his many years with the Eustis Rotary Club. He has mentored many during his years as a volunteer coach and served on many Citizens Advisory Boards and Committees at Eustis Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Art and Carol are also active members of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla.
Michael Holland
Funeral Director
Michael L. Holland is a Eustis native. He graduated from Eustis High School, attended Lake Sumter State College and Graduated with honors from Gupton-Jones College with a degree in Mortuary Science.
Mike is the 3rd generation of his family to call Eustis home. Working for his family furniture store while in high school he learned the importance of hard work and personal responsibility.
He has served grieving families for over 35 years and is honored to serve those in our local community that have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Mike is active in our local community serving on the Eustis City Commission since 2008, serving as a Commissioner, Vice Mayor and Mayor. He has also served on the Board of Directors of The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of Lake E.M.S., President of the Lake County League of Cities, Board of Directors of the Florida League of Cities, The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and a member of LifePoint Church.
Brenda Leigh Pucino
Office Manager
I was born in Goshen, Orange County, New York (The Hudson Valley). I am the middle child of 5 and was raised in Cornwall, New York.
I graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 1977, while majoring in English. That same year, I also graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Orange-Ulster B.O.C.E.S.
I have been married 38 years to my husband, Joseph A. Pucino and together we have three children-- Joseph William, Jesika Lara, and Robert Scott Pucino. I am also a grandmother to Cooper, born June 1, 2018, and Marshall, born November 1, 2018.
Shortly after our third child, Robert was born, we moved to the Central Florida area in 1992. We are members of the First Baptist Church of Deltona.
I have been working at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations since 2010. I love my job and the group I work with and am proud of what we do to serve this community in a caring and compassionate manner. Knowing we have successfully helped a family, even in a small way for a short time, is a humbling sign of a job well done.
When I am not working, my favorite things to do are, spend time with my family (so excited to be a “Gigi”), read, photography, crafts, and garden.
The best advice I have ever received is: No matter what it is you are doing, whether the task is big or small, always do your best –Always!
Deborah Yvonne Williams
Administrative Assistant
Yvonne was born in Gaffney, South Carolina, and is married to her husband, Ray Williams. Together they have three (triplets) children: Matthew, Jyllean, and Michelle Williams; and two grandsons, Luke and Ben.
Yvonne has been in the funeral industry since 2010. When asked what she likes most about the job she states, “We try our best to do everything possible to help and comfort families at one of the most difficult times of their lives.” When Yvonne isn't working she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandsons, and going to St. Louis Cardinal baseball games (big fan).
When asked what the best advice she has ever received was she said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and if you worry, pray – If you pray, don’t worry.”
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
Beautiful wake of my husband by Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish was very professional, kind and respectful. Matt, Eric, Dominic and Diane couldn't have done better. All of the behind the scenes paperwork and phone calls by Ivonne and Brenda were done perfectly. My family and myself appreciate and are very grateful for everything, thank you!
Author: Ana Martinez rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent, caring, and professional service. Director Eric is especially accommodating, comforting and a pleasure to work with… Making the tough time easier for our entire family. Eric went above and beyond as if part of our own family. Highly recommend!
Author: Hill Robertson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had the pleasure of working with Yvonne and Eric. They made the process much easier and they are some of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. I live in Jersey and they worked with me from so far away. Thank you so much.
Author: Katheryn Lowry rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would highly recommend Steverson Hamlin and Hibish for handling the arrangements for your loved one. The staff is always so kind, compassionate and helpful in this sorrowful time.
Author: Kim Spence rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent service. Compassionate staff and very caring, very professional.
Author: Sidney R rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This place treated all of us Like family. They took wonderful care of my husband. I would never go to another. Ty
Author: Cindy Hoadley rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals & Cremations is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.