Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center

Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center, Funeral service & cemetery, 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA.

For over a decade, we have been honored to provide affordable cremation and funeral services, characterized by compassion and a strong commitment to our community.

Joseph "Buzz" Jerome Brescia Jr.December 14, 1961 - December 13, 2025It hurts our hearts to announce that Jerome Joseph ...
12/17/2025

Joseph "Buzz" Jerome Brescia Jr.
December 14, 1961 - December 13, 2025

It hurts our hearts to announce that Jerome Joseph Brescia Jr., known to the ones he loved as “Buzz” passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Buzz was born December 14, 1961 in Peekskill, New York to the parents of Joan and Jerome Brescia. In 1986, Buzz came to Savannah on vacation, and never left. Savannah was not only a new beginning for Buzz, it was the mark of the greatest adventure of his life.

Buzz was one of a kind. He had such an infectious personality. Buzz absolutely loved everyone and was the type of guy that would jump in his truck and drive across town to help you if you were in need. Even if it meant jumping his own truck half a dozen times to get to you. You could often find Buzz with an old cup of gas station coffee in his hand bragging about his children, grandchildren, and/or great grandchild to anyone that was willing to listen.

As a child, his mother would bring home broken toasters or other items for Buzz to tinker with and fix. Little did anyone know, a childhood lure to keep him out of trouble would lead him to becoming the master of the jack of all trades. He owned and managed Outdoor Visionary, LLC and could also be found repairing or building anything and everything amongst the Savannah Family of Cemeteries, and the Fidelity Memorial Group Funeral Homes here in Savannah, Georgia.

After hours, Buzz could be found with his family and friends. Always barefoot, sometimes clothed, enjoying life to the fullest and harassing someone with the biggest smile on his face. No matter how much Buzz was yelling at you, or letting his opinion be known; he would always end the conversation with a Luv Ya and you couldn’t resist but to say it back to him. Buzz also enjoyed a vacation taken not too long ago down to Key West and mud riding ATVs in Tennessee.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jerome Joseph Brescia and Joan Marie Hall Brescia; and a brother, Paul Anthony Brescia.

His legacy lives on in his partner in crime, best friend, secretary, and boss, his beloved Debra Len Perry; his children, Vanessa Louise Marie Marlow (Michael Myers), Angela “Angel” Marie Dowd (Dezmond Dowd), Jerome “Joe” Joseph Brescia III, Jacob “Jake” Joshua Brescia; five grandchildren, Hannah Jamison Marlow (Nicklaus Pikramenos), Haylie Allysa Myers (Dalton English), Haydin Myers, Dominic Thompson, Noah Thompson; one great grandchild, Nessa Rae Pikramenos; his sisters, Deborah Altomare (Nick), Vicky; his nephews, Zach (Candence), Chase (Laura), Catherine (Patrick); and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and everyone else Buzz loved and considered family.

The family will be receiving friends from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center, 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, Georgia 31405.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the family to assist them during this difficult time.

Cashapp: $Superman069

Paypal: Towermanster@yahoo.com

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Richard "Pete" K***zRichard “Pete” K***z passed away in his sleep at his home on Tybee Island November 22. He was born S...
12/15/2025

Richard "Pete" K***z

Richard “Pete” K***z passed away in his sleep at his home on Tybee Island November 22. He was born September 8th 1946 in Rye, New York. He attended Fordham University in New York City. He graduated from Georgia State with a degree in Criminal Justice.

In 1966 he married Tricia Burr nee Smith in Harrington Park, New Jersey. They were married and inseparable for 58 years until her death in 2024.

He served as a lieutenant in the army in the 9th infantry division. He served in Vietnam as a forward observer in the mobile riverine force in 1967 and 1968. He was awarded a bronze star for meritorious service. He also received a bronze star for valor. As well as the army accommodation medal for valor and the air medal.

He worked with special needs adults for twenty years in Ithaca, New York. He owned Sundial Salvage which relocated architecturally significant structures and demolished and repurposed the materials of many.

He worked for the City of Tybee Island,GA. He travelled extensively in South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. He worked outside Kabul in Afghanistan. He lived in Saint Petersburg, Russia while working for the state department at the American Consulate where he finished his career. They retired to Guanajuato in Central Mexico before returning home to Tybee Island, GA.

Richard ‘Peter’ K***z is survived by his daughter Rene Heidt and siblings Liz Stark(K***z), John K***z and Juliana K***z. He is also survived by his grandson and name sake Peter Aubrey Heidt and his son-in-law David Heidt. His wife Tricia Burr preceded him in death as well as parents Peter and Adele K***z.

“No matter how difficult or wonderful things were he was always supportive and stoic. He built a house for my mother and I and both his sisters. Men felt safe with him in Vietnam. He was my hero.” – Rene Heidt

He was under the care of his daughter Rene Heidt and his son-in-law David Heidt and Hospice for the last two years of his life

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Mary Rainey RoberdsMary Rainey Roberds passed away peacefully on Thursday November 27,2025.She was born in Wheeler Count...
12/15/2025

Mary Rainey Roberds

Mary Rainey Roberds passed away peacefully on Thursday November 27,2025.

She was born in Wheeler County to Joe S Rainey and Ethel L. Rainey Mock. She was raised in and attended school in Savannah, GA. She worked for many years for Atlantic Meat Company.

She was predeceased by her parents Joe Rainey and Ethel Mock, a sister Susie Evans and Her son Eddie Joe Schmitt.

Mary is survived by a daughter Kelli Burke (John) Her sisters Linda Mosley, Margie Hudson, Dollie Reed (Wayne), May Wiley (Troy), her brothers Joe Rainey (Lynne) and Howard Rainey (Belinda). She has 4 grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews.

There will be no services at this time.

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Robert L. Robinson IIIRobert Lee Robinson III, age 77, Savannah native and Citadel Graduate passed away December 5.He wa...
12/11/2025

Robert L. Robinson III

Robert Lee Robinson III, age 77, Savannah native and Citadel Graduate passed away December 5.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Shearouse Robinson and Robert L Robinson Jr., his sisters, Sharon Robinson Matarazzo and Barbara Lorraine Robinson Reiser, and nephew John Robert Reiser.

Robert is survived by devoted family members which include his daughter, Mollie Avant Robinson, his sisters Phebe Reiser (William McLendon) and Angela Robinson Grovenstein, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his long-time friend Cletus Bergen.

Robert was active for many years in the Savannah Folk Society and as tenor in the Savannah Orchestra Chorale. He also shared his voice with Wesley Monumental Methodist Church and White Bluff Presbyterian Church.
Robert retired from Motion Industries.

In memory; Donations to White Bluff Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will be announced.

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Larry Lee LanierNovember 18, 1935 - December 7, 2025Larry Lee Lanier Sr., 90, passed peacefully away on December 7 th , ...
12/11/2025

Larry Lee Lanier
November 18, 1935 - December 7, 2025

Larry Lee Lanier Sr., 90, passed peacefully away on December 7 th , 2025. He was born on November 18, 1935, to Percy and Carolyn Lanier.

A native of Savannah, Georgia, he graduated from Savannah High School and attended Clemson University. Larry was the retired owner of L&S Glass Company in Hinesville, Ga. He was a member of Zerubbabel Lodge No. 15 F.& A.M, of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Georgia, where he was a Past Master. Larry was a member of Emanual Baptist Church in Savannah. He was a lifelong car and racing enthusiast.

Survivors include his wife, Shelva; daughter Amie Leslie Sandlin; son Craig R. Lanier (Brenda); stepdaughter Debra Catherine Phillips (Ronnie); stepson William Thomas Porter Jr. (Lynn); as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Home Instead and Hospice Savannah.

There will be a graveside service on December 10th at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia or the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Joel Dupree Gladin Jr. (Joey)Joel Dupree Gladin Jr. (Joey), 59, Passed away on Tuesday, November 25th 2025.Joey was a na...
12/11/2025

Joel Dupree Gladin Jr. (Joey)

Joel Dupree Gladin Jr. (Joey), 59, Passed away on Tuesday, November 25th 2025.

Joey was a native of Savannah, Ga. He was the son of Joel Gladin Sr. and Joanna McSwain Counts.

Joey graduated from Jenkins High School and was a Gulfstream employee for over 10 years. Family was the most important thing in his life. He married his soulmate, Julie, in 1993 and then later that year his daughter, Katey, was born. His grandaughter Harper was the highlight of his day and he took his title as “Pop” very seriously. Joey deeply cared and often donated to foundations such as, The Chris Kyle Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. He deeply cared about our country and military. Another passion of Joey`s, was football, specifically the Georgia Bulldogs.

he was preceded in death by his parents, Joel Gladin Sr. and Joanna McSwain Counts; sister Debbie King; and his wife and bestfriend Julie Gladin.

Survivors include his daughter Katey Bowden (Matthew); the apple of his eye, his granddaughter Harper June; brother and sister in Law Collin and Sherri Richards; Including many nieces and nephews.

The Funeral arrangements will be determined at a later time and date. We do ask that everyone please wear Georgia Bulldog attire or something black and red.

The Family would like donations to be made to The Chris Kyle Foundation or St. Jude’s Children`s Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Elizabeth Brisson1951 - 2025Elizabeth Brisson, 74, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born in Savann...
12/11/2025

Elizabeth Brisson
1951 - 2025

Elizabeth Brisson, 74, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born in Savannah, she was the daughter of C.L. Futch and Carrie Todd Woods.

Mrs. Brisson was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed music and crocheting. She leaves behind many family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, C.L. Futch; her mother, Carrie Todd Woods; her step-father, Kenneth Woods; sisters, Sandy Blake and Harriet Futch Tapley; nephew, Joshua J Lee; and great-granddaughter, Larrisa Irvine.

Surviving are her daughter, Susan Harley, and her son, John Ifantis, both of Savannah; her step-mother, Peggy Futch of Nevils; siblings, Lee Futch of Savannah, Sue Anderson of Nevils, and Cheryll Pricher of St. Petersburg, Florida; grandchildren from Savannah—Yolanda Irvine, Larry Irvine, Leon Irvine, and Leona Irvine; grandchildren from Guyton—Sophia Ifantis and Everly Ifantis; and great-grandchildren, James Lee Irvine, Waylon, Samantha, Larry Jr., Az**el, and Ar’Mon Irvine.

“Absent from the body, and present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Andrea McElveen RichardsonAndrea McElveen Richardson age 79 entered into eternal life on November 24, 2025 at her home u...
12/06/2025

Andrea McElveen Richardson

Andrea McElveen Richardson age 79 entered into eternal life on November 24, 2025 at her home under Hospice of Savannah.

Lifelong resident of Savannah, GA born to Cluese McElveen and Mary Roddenberry McElveen.

Andrea spent her earlier married years as a wife and mother, she later worked for over a decade at Woos Hardware on Wilmington Island, then Ace Hardware when Woos closed. She then retired and spent her time with family, friends and church group. She was always helping others and truly loved her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 Years, William M.Richardson, and daughter Rebecca Salamankas.

Survivors include son William M. Richardson II (Kathy); daughter Kathleen Shores (Kevin) and son in law John Salamankas; 8 grandchildren: William Richardson III (Marlynn), Haley Jones, Anna Rosario ( Donald), Aaron Shores ( Lucy) , Christina Scotten (Joey), Derek Shores, Patrick and Jack Salamankas; 6 great grandchildren: Maddie Thomas, Logan McAlhaney, Karmin and Aaron Shores, Clayton and Colton Richardson.

A Funeral service will be held Friday December 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at First Babtist Church of the Islands 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, GA. 31410.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be sent to the charity of your choice in Andreas memory.

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Bradford Hastings PageApril14, 1954 - November 23, 2025Bradford Hastings Page 71, of Savannah, GA passed away on Novembe...
12/06/2025

Bradford Hastings Page
April14, 1954 - November 23, 2025

Bradford Hastings Page 71, of Savannah, GA passed away on November 23, 2025 surrounded by family.

Bradford was born on April 14, 1954 in Duxbury, Massachusetts to Nancy Ham and Theodore W. Page. He graduated from Concord/Carlisle High School and attended Ripon College. In August of 1983 he married Mary-Angela Burns-Page. 2025 marked 42 years of marriage. Together they raised three children of whom he was very proud. His children and grandchildren were a source of great love and new adventures.

Bradford worked the last 24 years as a Realtor in Savannah. He found great joy in helping people find and sell their homes. He was an active founding member of Pooler Business Referral Team. He was very proud of both the group and individual members’ growth and accomplishments. Bradford was a supporter of many local nonprofits and found deep happiness helping others.

Bradford is survived by his wife Mary Angela B Page; daughter Jonette M Page; sons Theodore J Page and his wife Carolina Lainez, John Robert B Page and his wife Makayla Warren; grandchildren James J Page, Noah B Page, Cooper J Page; brother James G Page; sister Ruth Page Essler.

From the family of Bradford H. Page, we would like to welcome friends and family to a memorial service in his honor on Thursday, December 11th 2025, starting at 5:30pm. The service will be followed by light refreshments and the opportunity for shared hugs and conversation. Please join us at Asbury Memorial Church, 1008 E. Henry Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, Parking is available behind the church.

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Elberta “Bert” Taylor July 3, 1945 – December 3, 2025Elberta “Bert” Taylor 80, of Richmond Hill, Ga passed away Wednesda...
12/06/2025

Elberta “Bert” Taylor
July 3, 1945 – December 3, 2025

Elberta “Bert” Taylor 80, of Richmond Hill, Ga passed away Wednesday December 3rd.

She was the daughter of William & Johnnie Marie Bomar of Illinois.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Benjamin and 14 of her siblings.

She is survived by her sons Tom Acor (Julie), Scott Taylor (Heather), Carl Taylor, Marty Taylor and adopted son Charles Smalls; 12 grandchildren including Samantha Taylor whom she raised like a daughter; 18 great grandchildren; a great, great granddaughter on the way; niece Valarie Hansen (Mickey); nephew Justin Nappier (Shauna); brother Mike (Frankie) Bomar; sister Laura Charbonaeu.

Bert led a colorful life and surrounded herself with friends she considered family. She had a sarcastic sense of humor and voiced her opinions freely. She raised her sons to be independent, hardworking men with the same quick wit. Her love of God and family will forever be her legacy.

A Service will be held Saturday December 6th at 2:00 PM at Families First Funeral Care 1328 Dean Forest Rd. Savannah, Ga 31405.

In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Jude’s is what she requested.

www.familiesfirstcare.com

Bernice Mabel Gatewood Moore (Armour)May 7, 1936 - November 28, 2025On May 7, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bernice Mabel G...
12/06/2025

Bernice Mabel Gatewood Moore (Armour)
May 7, 1936 - November 28, 2025

On May 7, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bernice Mabel Gatewood was born to Tyree and Alvaree Gatewood. After living a very full life of 89 years, on November 28, 2025, she passed away at her home in Savannah, Georgia.

She is survived by her husband of over thirty years, Charles Edward Moore; her three children, Ralph (Barbara) Armour of Suwanee, Georgia, Pamela (Mark) Armour-Dachs of Miami, Florida and Phillip (Rosalyn) Moore of Liberty, Ohio; nine loving grandchildren, Loren Armour, Sherese (Kevin) Woodward, Elena and Eric Moore, Zachary, Nigel and Jordan (Cecilia) Armour, Brett (Brian) Gaswirth, Casey (Evan) Samek; and, eleven great-grandchildren. She is survived by dearly-cherished cousins, numerous family members and friends.

Bernice graduated from North High School and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degrees in Education from Kent State University. Beginning in 1958, and over the next thirty-five years, Bernice devoted her career to improving the lives and educational experiences of youth in her community. She worked as an English and Social Studies teacher for Youngstown City Schools, Canton City Schools and Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. Her contributions, however, were not limited to the classroom. She also worked for nearly two decades as a
guidance counselor and a district hearing officer for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. In Canton, Ohio, she served as the Director for the Northeast Ohio Headstart program and the Director of the Girls Extension Program for Pregnant Girls. In the 1980’s, she served as a program officer and interim assistant director for Kent State Desegregation Center (KEDS).

Bernice was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), the Heights Alliance of Black School Educators, and the American Association of University Women. She served as a deacon at Mt. Zion Congregational Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bernice was a talented piano player and a tai chi devotee. She loved spending time with her family and friends and watching football. She was a mentor to many and was always willing to help anyone in need.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the United Negro College Fund or the American Cancer Society.

https://give.uncf.org/site/Donation

https://donate.cancer.org/

Address

1328 Dean Forest Road
Savannah, GA
31405

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19127774473

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