About Us

Our Valued Staff

Staff members of Buranich Funeral Home, Inc. are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.

Samuel Jr. and Ann Buranich

Samuel Jr. and Ann Buranich

President/Owners

Sam is a 1966 graduate of SUNY Delhi where he received an Asociate Degree in Business Marketing and a 1968 graduate of Parsons College in Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Also a graduate of Simmons School of Mortuary Science, he is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association as well as the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. Sam was previously employed by GTE Sylvania for 15 years as Supervisor of Office Services. His civic involvement includes the Syracuse Men’s Garden Club and Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce. He is also a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Syracuse.

 Ann has assisted in serving the families of Camillus for over 45 years. A former third-grade teacher in the Marcellus Central School District for 10 years, she was a 1968 graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany and received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland in 1972. Active in the community, she is a member of the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce and a communicant of St. Joseph's Church where she is also a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Ann and her husband, Sam, have two children and four grandchildren.

 Samuel Buranich III

Samuel Buranich III

Manager, Licensed Funeral Director and Certified Pre-Planning Consultant

A second-generation funeral director, Sam joined the family business as a licensed funeral director upon completion of his A.A.S. Degree in Funeral Service from SUNY Canton. He is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce and a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church. Sam enjoys spending time with his two children.

Matthew Vincentini

Matthew Vincentini

Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Preplanning Consultant, Certified Celebrant

Matthew is an accomplished professional in the funeral service industry with a strong educational background and a dedication to serving his community. He is a graduate of Solvay High School (Class of 1999) and Simmons Institute of Funeral Service (2004), where he excelled and received an A.O.S. Degree in Funeral Service Arts and Science. Matthew's commitment to excellence was recognized through prestigious awards, including the Embalming, Business Management Disciplines, and Mark B. Wightman Memorial Scholarship Awards. In 2016, Matthew furthered his education at SUNY Canton, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Funeral Service Administration with Highest Honors. His exceptional academic performance was acknowledged with the Heritage and Spirit of Success Awards.  Matthew is actively involved in various professional and community organizations, including the Solvay Tigers A.C., the Tyrol Club of Solvay, the New York State Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce. He has also contributed to the community as a former member of the Solvay Fire Department. Outside of his professional endeavors, Matthew finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, Emily, and his three children. He faithfully attends Grace Assembly of God in Syracuse. With his strong educational background, professional affiliations, and commitment to community service, Matthew is a respected figure in the funeral service industry and a valued member of the Syracuse community.



Gino Lustrinelli

Gino Lustrinelli

Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Celebrant

Gino, a distinguished West Genesee High School graduate and National Honor Society member (class of 2015), holds an A.A.S. Degree in Mortuary Science from Hudson Valley Community College (2017). As a licensed funeral director, he pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Funeral Service Administration from SUNY Canton in 2021. Committed to professional excellence, Gino is a member of the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. A communicant of Holy Family Church in Fairmount, he balances his career with active community engagement.

Beyond his professional commitments, Gino enjoys the outdoors and sunshine, often spending quality time with his wife Toni, and their Cane Corso, Vino. His journey reflects a dedication to continuous learning, community service, and a genuine appreciation for life's moments.



Christina Fagan

Christina Fagan

Administrative Assistant, Notary Public

Christina is a lifetime resident of Marcellus, a graduate of Marcellus High School, and received an A.A.S. degree at Onondaga Community College. With over 30 years of experience working in an office environment, she skillfully manages administrative duties, office procedures, assisting her colleagues with customer relations and takes pride in her attention to detail. Christina loves supporting her active teenage daughter in multiple sports (a “softball mom” year-round), enjoys trips and gatherings with her large family, hiking with her dog and working out.



Andrew Lucio

Andrew Lucio

Funeral Assistant

Andrew is a Solvay High School graduate and went on to attend SUNY Morrisville where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He then continued his studies in "the land down under" where he attended Hillsong Leadership College in Sydney, Australia and received a diploma in pastoral ministries. He has recently helped plant a church in the city of Syracuse called Thrive City Church. Andrew loves to spend time with his wife, Naomi, and daughter, Selah. He  also enjoys being on the golf course with friends and family. 

Dominick

Dominick "Donnie" Perretta

Funeral Assistant

Donnie began assisting families in 2007. A Canastota native, he graduated from Canastota High School and graduated with an Associate Degree in Mechanical Technology from Morrisville College. He utilized his skills and talent at General Electric in field programs and then Oneida United as a toolmaker. Donnie is currently employed with the Canastota School District and is also a member of the Town of Lenox Planning Board. In his spare time, he enjoys picking for antique tools with his life partner, Donna.



Mark A. Zoanetti

Mark A. Zoanetti

Funeral Assistant

Mark graduated from Solvay High School and Onondaga Community College, and has A.A.S. Degrees in both Fire Protection Technology and Emergency Management.  An Air Force veteran, Mark retired after 30 years with the Syracuse Fire Department.  He was able to attain the rank of deputy chief of fire and his responsibility included chief of special operation and was also responsible as city-wide commander of emergencies that occurred within the city of Syracuse. Mark is a board of director for the Tyrol Club of Solvay and life member of the Solvay Fire Department. He and his wife, Marie, have two daughters and are active parishioners of St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church in Solvay.



Richard Lucio

Richard Lucio

Funeral Assistant

Richard is a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, having graduated from Solvay High School in 1988. He is a United States Air Force veteran, having served during the Gulf War. Richard had a successful 20-year career as a police officer in Onondaga County, retiring from the Town of Geddes Police Department in 2021. He attends the Vineyard Church, Lakeland and is married with three children. Richard is an avid golfer, enjoys the outdoors, swimming and spending time with his family.



Jeremy Felicia

Jeremy Felicia

Funeral Assistant

Jeremy grew up in Oneida County where he earned dual bachelor's degrees and an MBA. He also has a culinary degree and completed several funeral directing classes. Affiliated with the United States Government his whole career, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He is currently enlisted with the United States Air Force where he managed the Funeral Honors - Casualty Assistance Program for five years. Additionally, he served in several deployments in support of Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, along with being stationed in countless areas around the world. Jeremy attends Northside Church, Liverpool, and is married to Denise. He is an extreme outdoorsman and loves to travel the world. He is an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan.

Mike Clark

Mike Clark

Funeral Assistant

Mike, a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area,  recently retired from the United States Postal Service after 33 years of service. He lives in the Camillus area with his wife, Maria, and has two sons and four grandchildren. He enjoys time with his family and traveling. Mike has been a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church for over 40 years.

Donald Slade

Donald Slade

Funeral Assistant

Don was born and raised in Utica, New York.  After receiving his Associate's Degree in Human Services from Mohawk Valley Community College, he continued his education at SUNY Oswego, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. Don has worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years.  He is very proud of his continued involvement with the local Rescue Mission and The American Red Cross.  He lives in Liverpool with his beloved canines.  When he's not working, Don can be found spending time with friends, relaxing with his dogs or working on a book that he is writing and hopes to have published one day.

Michael Sargis

Michael Sargis

Funeral Assistant

Michael began his career in the funeral industry in 1968, working part-time for Marsellus Casket Company on Sundays and holidays. After college in 1972, he joined Whelan Bros. Funeral Home and worked there for 39 years, also assisting other local funeral homes. While at Whelan's, he apprenticed with Boyle Plumbing. In 1988, Michael started working for Oakwood Cemetery, managing Greenlawn Cemetery in Warners, NY, while remaining active in the funeral business. After over 50 years of dedicated service, Michael retired. He married Beverly in 1981, and they have two children, Christopher and Rebecca.

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