Orlando, FL – Foundation Partners Group (FPG), a leading provider of innovative funeral, cemetery and cremation experiences and products, has announced the acquisition of an exceptional operation in California’s Central Coast region. Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz has joined the Foundation Partners Group family.
“Gary Benito and Vince Azzaro have built a strong reputation for impeccable customer service and meaningful experiences for families in the Santa Cruz market,” stated Bob Bukala, FPG President and CEO. “They are well-known throughout the area for their commitment to excellence and attention to detail. We are honored that they have joined the Foundation Partners Group team.”
“This transition will enable our firm to carry forward our mission to ‘create beautiful farewells’ with more innovation and resources than ever before,” said Gary Benito, co-owner of Benito & Azzaro. “I’m very excited by the new service offerings such as the ShareLife® multi-sensory experience that we will now be able to offer our families.”
“At Benito & Azzaro, we believe in celebrating life by helping the family create a farewell ceremony that highlights the very essence of the person,” commented Vince Azzaro, co-owner of Benito & Azzaro. “This philosophy is embraced as enthusiastically by the members of the Foundation Partners Group team as it is by the staff here at Benito & Azzaro.”
Benito began working in funeral service in his father’s funeral home, Norman’s Funeral Chapel, in 1977 after graduation from high school. He later attended Cypress Junior College and graduated with a degree in mortuary science. Azzaro started in funeral service in 1980 at a firm in Fresno, CA. He later attended Cypress Junior College and also graduated with a degree in mortuary science. In 1985, he moved to Santa Cruz and joined Norman’s Funeral Chapel. In 1999, after many successful and rewarding years working together, Benito and Azzaro formed a partnership and purchased Chapel of the Four
Seasons, which they renamed Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel to our team,” stated Justin Baxley, Senior Vice President of Business Development at FPG. “We have long admired all that Gary and Vince have accomplished in building a great funeral home operation, as well as fostering a solid company culture and talented team.”