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Hillsborough High School

FUNERAL HOME

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton

604 43rd Street West

Bradenton, Florida

James ROEL Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for James ROEL
Start: 2022-05-14T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-05-14T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Centro Asturiano de Tampa

ROEL, James Richard "Cookie" 77, passed away April 9, 2022. A Celebration of Life will take place 2-4 pm, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Avenue. Arrangements by Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on May 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James ROEL

24 Entries

Patty Cleavenger

February 13, 2025

I am so very truly saddened to learn of Cookie's passing. We sat next to each other in DCT homeroom every day in highschool. I remember him saying one day he would own his own funeral home and I was so glad to see his dream come to pass. I saw Cookie at our 50th hs reunion and so happy to once again share a conversation. I will look forward to seeing him again when I go home to heaven. Love you Cookie!

Jen Marie Dejesus

May 19, 2022

Cookie thank you for your friendship and mentor ship in my photography. I will surely miss you. The photos you took of me made me feel beautiful and special. You were truly talented and brought out my he best in me. I’ll never forget you amigo. RIP ❤

Jack Scagliome

May 14, 2022

It was my honor to have known Cookie, and to consider him one of my closest friends. I enjoyed our many social visits at his favorite places to dine and enjoy a few adult beverages together.
His professional approach in the death care industry was unparalleled!
He will be missed!
God Bless Cookie as he soars in Glory, with the Lord
Heartfelt condolences to the family.

Prayerfully,
Jack Scaglione

Dionel COTANDA

May 11, 2022

I will miss you. I will remember breaking bread at the Colombia and drinking a Cotanda Martini while you enjoyed a Cookie Perfect Manhattan at Bern's!

Dionel Cotanda

May 11, 2022

We'll miss you friend!

Jim Rudolph

May 10, 2022

Great storyteller. A big-time encourager of younger funeral professionals. Any time spent with Cookie flew by. "Thank You Cookie" for all the great times and talks.

Brenda Billingham-Hicks

May 9, 2022

I was saddened to learn of Cookie's passing. Memories of life experiences and friendship are carried with us always. Cookie was a great man and wonderful neighbor. We shared many years and experiences living side by side on W. Dallas Avenue. We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness. Cookie walks with the angels today and always.

Rosie Roel Gratz

May 2, 2022

I am proud and privileged to have been your sister-in-law. You were there with me at one of the saddest times in my life when your brother passed away. I have never forgotten your kindness and gentleness at that most critical time. I needed a family member and you were there.

For the last 40 years, we have always treated each other with love and respect. I will always treasure those memories.

You are now re-united with Raymond and and Mom and Pop.

You have always been a beacon of light for so many people. May the beacon of light now shine on you for all eternity.

Rosalie Roel Gratz

May 2, 2022

It was my honor and privilege to be your sister-in-law. You helped me get through your brother's demise at a time when I really needed a family member and friend. Through these last 40 years, we have always treated each other with love and respect. It has been so hard for me to think that you are gone, but, I know that you are reunited with Raymond and Mom and Pop. You were always a beacon of light for so many people. May that light now shine on you. Love, Rosie

Tammie Betancourt Penn

April 24, 2022

So saddened to hear of Cookie’s passing. I have many memories of Cookie as my memories reach to my early childhood as he and my father Angelo Betancourt were funeral directors together. Cookie has always been there on way or another, He was there to guide me through my fathers last wishes which as Cookie put it “ a funeral director knows what they want.’ Dino and Jonas no matter how old you are losing your father is a difficult thing to deal with. Keep the memories close to your heart.

Migdalia Torres

April 22, 2022

We are going to miss you at FCS! Our condolence to the family.

Louis Diaz Diaz

April 19, 2022

So sorry to get this news today you will be missed

Patricia Abene

April 17, 2022

Cookie was a dear friend he will be truly missed. My condolences to his family it was an honor to know him.

AnneMarie Taft

April 17, 2022

Cookie you will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know you. You were always very good to my family and I loved talking with you. Dino, I know how difficult it is to lose a parent and pray you will find comfort and strength from all the memories and the legacy he left behind. May you feel the love and hugs from all who loved him.
Anne Marie Lebron Taft

Steve Salario

April 16, 2022

Condolences

Marie Angela Vanacore Stefanovic’

April 14, 2022

I lived next door to Cookie for 5 years while I lived with my grandmother. Life was always an adventure with him & his brother Raymond. When I brought my fiancé from NY to meet our family, after they all conferred, Cookie was the spokesman to extend his hand and welcome him. Four months later, as a Notary Public, he performed the ceremony. He filled my life with so many adventures & memories.R.I.P. Dear Cookie.

Rene' Allen-Dormany

April 14, 2022

My only encounter with Mr Roel was in the late 1970s. I called his funeral home and told him I needed some help finding some distant cousins of my husband's. I explained I was doing family tree information and I knew his funeral home had buried some of my husband's family but I was looking for some living relatives and could he help. He laughed and said he would certainly try to help. He said the information I needed was in his storage location and he would have to go there to get what I needed. I hung up the phone and honestly did not expect to hear back. Two days later my phone rang and it was Mr Roel who had gone to the storage location and found the information that I needed. He actually had to dig through boxes to find the information. I thanked him very much and I have always remembered his kindness to me. May he rest in peace.

Laura Jean Mistretta Pullara

April 13, 2022

I enjoyed reading about Cookie’s many interests and talents. I only knew of him as a funeral director but he was so much more

Jan Quintens

April 13, 2022

Cookie was my guide in Tampa and Ybor city, and we both enjoyed the great wines at Bern’s Steak House. Thank God for getting to know him.

Mike Mistretta

April 13, 2022

Cookie was a great cousin and I always enjoyed talking to him. He always found time to ask about how you were doing and cared enough to be a good listener. I will never forget his JFK story. He will be missed and I wish the best for his sons and nephew.

John Vanacore

April 12, 2022

Cookie was indeed one of the most colorful members of our family who from an early age had an interest of lifes many philosophies. His story telling skills aways made for interesting listening. He will be surely missed.

Larry Sosa

April 12, 2022

Farewell my beloved friend. I will see you in the future, as while you lived and I was your witness, you submitted yourself to the true and living God.

Jennifer Iacovacci

April 12, 2022

Cookie was a very special, gentle man that will be deeply missed. He brightened the world of all those that knew him. I know heaven has gained an Angel.

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