Our Team

James E. Bruzdzinski

SEPTEMBER 5, 1936 ~ MAY 15, 2019 (AGE 82)

Our firm was established the same year Jim was born. A graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, he attended The American Academy of Funeral Services in New York and received his Mortician’s License in 1957. Jim ran the business for his parents from that day forward.  He is a prior member of the Young Democrats of Maryland, and the Essex Kiawantis Club. Jim is a life member of the Order of the Elks, The Woodmen of the Word and Maryland State Funeral Directors Association. He served for many years on the Board of Vigilant Federal Savings Bank in Essex. An avid watch and clock collector, Jim enjoyed his membership to the Nation Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, serving on the Board of the local chapter. 

Richard Bruzdzinski

Owner / Mortician

Richard is a 1966 graduate of Kenwood High School as well as a proud United States Army Veteran who served as a Sergeant in the Vietnam conflict from 1968-1969. Upon his completion of service, Richard attended the Mcallister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City from 1970 through 1971. Once he returned to Maryland, Richard became a licensed mortician. Richard is an avid fisherman who has served as the former president of the Sue Island Fishing club. He also enjoys being active in the community as a lifelong member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE).  He has served as a board member of the Ballestone Manor Preservation Society. With over 47 years as a licensed mortician Richard continues to serve as the supervising mortician of the Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P.A. 

Telephone: 1-410-686-4888

James Bruzdzinski CFSP

Owner / Mortician / Supervising Mortician

Jim is a third generation Funeral Director, who has followed in his grandfather and father’s footsteps. He is an Eagle Scout from Essex’s Troop # 745 and a 1981 graduate of Calvert Hall College High School. In 1984 he became a Licensed Mortician after studying at Catonsville Community College. In 2003 he was trained as a Mass Fatality Responder, having responded to the Amtrak Train Crash in Chase, Maryland and as Team Leader to Gulfport, Mississippi in response to Hurricane Katrina, Jim was asked to be Commander of Maryland State Funeral Directors’ Disaster Response Team, a position he still holds. In 2006 he became a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. From 2007 through the present day, Jim has held either Board Member or Line officer (including President) positions with the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association. An avid hunter and outdoorsman  he is a proud Life Member of the National Rifle Association and a Board Member of the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association. Currently he resides in northern Baltimore County with his wife Libbi and daughter Elyse.

Telephone: 1-410-686-4888

Email: 

John W. Burkowske, MBIE, C.C.O

Mortician, Licensed Life Insurance Agent

John attended Catonsville Community College and earned an A.A. Degree in Mortuary Science. He graduated with high honors and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. John has been an employee with Bruzdzinski Funeral Home since 1995. John is a Certified Crematory operator accredited by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Also, John is a proud member of the North American Division of The British Institute of Embalmers as well as the DELMARVA Funeral Service Association. John takes pride in serving the families of the community where he was raised and still resides today. John is a 32 degree Mason and is a member of  Jephthah Lodge #222, The Scottish Rite, and the Boumi Temple Shrine. John has served as Commodore for two terms for the Sue Creek Yacht Club, and is a member of the Chesapeake Commodores Club. His hobbies include boating, Corvettes, and cruising on his Harley Davidson.

Christina Bare

Mortician

Chrissy attended Catonsville Community College and earned an A.A. Degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. She is a 1997 graduate of Eastern Technical High School. Chrissy has been an employee of Bruzdzinski Funeral Home since 1999. Chrissy was born and raised, and still resides in the Middle River area. In her spare time she enjoys camping, boating, crafting, and spending time with her husband and daughter. 

Telephone: 1-410-686-4888

Email: 

Jennifer Snyder

Mortician

Telephone: 1-410-686-4888

Email: 

Frank Pappas

Funeral Assistant

Louise (Bruzdzinski) Doherty

Billing and Payroll

Telephone: 1-410-686-4888

Email: 

Monica (Bruzdzinski) Smith

Office and Funeral Assistant

Wendy Foy

Hostess / Funeral Assistant

Liz Reynolds

Hairdresser