“Our vision is to meet your needs, then your needs become our mission.”
 Back in 1924, Henry G., along with his wife Ardella, and his son Clifford Van Orsdel founded the Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels. Grounded upon love and the desire to assist others, they built a strong reputation of true care and concern for the families they served. As pioneers of the South Florida community, Henry and Clifford took part in opening our four locations conveniently situated within Miami.
 In the late 1960s Donald Van Orsdel joined the firm becoming the third generation. Following his father’s footsteps, Donald, made a strong commitment of continued dedication to the families of South Florida and their loved ones. By maintaining his grandfather’s values and traditions, he has been able to lead the firm with integrity while adding his own experience and innovations. Today, Donald serves our community along with his wife Maria Van Orsdel, his sister Carol Van Orsdel-Salgado, and his three daughters.
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Donald Van Orsdel
President donald@vanorsdel.net
Donald Van Orsdel is a native of Coral Gables, Florida. He is married to Maria Solis Van Orsdel, and has three daughters: Crystal Van Orsdel-Marchant, Katrina Van Orsdel, and Ivana Van Orsdel. Don graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 1969. Soon after, he graduated from Miami-Dade College of Funeral Service in 1971 as a licensed funeral director. Don continued his education and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami. Furthermore, Don is also a long time member of University Baptist Church in Coral Gables, and has been in the Rotary Club of Miami since 1978. He represents his firm as a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes since 1937. Don is fully committed to the South Florida Community.
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Carol Van Orsdel-Salgado
Vice-President carol@vanorsdel.net
Carol Van Orsdel was born in Coral Gables, Florida and resides in Key Biscayne. She graduated from the University of Florida and worked as a social worker for several years. While attending graduate school at Barry College, working towards a masters of social work, she changed directions and decided to pursue a career in the funeral industry. She graduated from Miami Dade College with a degree in funeral service and has been a licensed funeral director since 1987. She is bilingual and has completed several Spanish language courses in Madrid, the Canary Islands, Costa Rica and Mexico. She is a vice-president of the Soroptomist International Club of Coral Gables and through the club is involved in many charitable causes in the South Florida community. Carol is a member of Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church. She is married to Jose Salgado and has two children: Michael, a student at New College of Florida and Kevin, a high school student.
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Maria E. Van Orsdel
Assistant Vice-President maria@vanorsdel.net
Maria was born in Havana, Cuba. At a very young age she came to the United States with her family and grew up in Miami, Florida. Here, Maria attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School and La Salle High School. Following her high school education, her devotion to music led her to achieving her Bachelors of Music from Florida International University. Soon after, Maria went back to school to receive her degree in Education and taught at various public schools. Still, when Maria married Donald Van Orsdel she went back to school once more to obtain her degree in Funeral Science. Today she works at Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels along with her husband and has three daughters Crystal, Katrina, and Ivana.
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Louis DeSouza
General Manager louis@vanorsdel.net
Louis Stanford DeSouza, of Portuguese decent, has called South Florida home since 1998. He started his career in the funeral industry at Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels as a Funeral Attendant, and worked his way up to his current position as the General Manager. Louis received his degree in Mortuary Science in 1995, and earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 2000. Having completed a year of Graduate studies at the University of Miami, he is currently on a sabbatical, and plans to earn his MBA sometime in the near future. He has held past positions for two consecutive years as the President in ‘Profit Inc.’ and has been a member of the ‘Chamber South’ for several years. In addition to his professional associations, he is an officer, and member in ‘The Florida Elks’. ‘The Florida Masons’, ‘The Scottish Rite’ in the valley of Miami, a ‘Knight of St. Andrew’ and a ‘Noble in the Mahi Shiners’ temple. When he is not working or attending meetings at his beloved organizations, you will find him fishing or golfing. He is passionate about music, and is an accomplished pianist. Louis prides himself in serving families from all walks of life, in the funeral industry with compassion, professionalism, dignity, and respect.
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Marite Torre
Bird Road Manager marite@vanorsdel.net
Maria T. Rodriguez Torre, "Marite" was born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida. She attended St. Theresa Catholic School and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy; and later graduated from Miami-Dade Community College from Funeral Services and Florida International University from Business Administration. Marite is also a member of Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables . She has been serving in the funeral industry since 1983 and has been at Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels since 2006. This is the first Selected Independent Funeral Home she has worked with and plans to stay with us until she retires.
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David Gonzalez
Coral Gables Manager david@vanorsdel.net
David was born in Doctors Hospital. He was raised in South Florida and attended a private school in the area. He graduated from Miami-Dade College School of Funeral Service Education. He has been employed with our firm since 1984 and lives in Coral Gables. David's daughter Victoria is a senior at Florida State University. He considers Funeral Directing his calling and is honored to be able to serve our community.
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Richard Clagett
Miami Design District Manager richard@vanorsdel.net
Richard has been a Miami resident since 1979, coming from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is an alumnus of Ohio State University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is licensed in Ohio and Florida. Richard has been serving at Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels since 1982.
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Frank Lopez
Kendall Drive Manager frankl@vanorsdel.net
Frank was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the US in 1961. He is married to his wife Cristina and has two sons Danny and Brian, and two grandchildren Natalie and Matthew. Frank went to school at Miami Jackson High and joined the Army in 1969. He started in the funeral industry in 1978 as a counselor, and later joined Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels as a funeral director in 1988. In addition to his professional associations, Frank is a proud member of the Elks and the Masons.
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J.L. Plummer
Funeral Consultant jlplummer@vanorsdel.net
J.L. Plummer, JR. father of two daughters Dawn Marie Ratiner and Joni Lorrine Livingston. Grandfather of 3 soon 4, Jake, Jesse, and Nate.
30 Year member of the City of Miami Commission and many of those years as vice mayor, now "Commissioner Emeritus." Started the "International Trade Board," leader of the "Sister City" program, former chairman of the downtown development authority, Sport Authority, and Bayfront Park Trust.
Former board member of the following, Mercy Hospital Outpatient, South Florida Employment and Training Consortium, Harry Anna Cripple Children Hospital, Governor Tax Reform Authority, 27 year member of Florida League, Florida Highway Advisory Council.
Past President of the Dade then Florida League of cities representing 412 cities throughout Florida. Past exalted ruler of the Miami Elks #948.
Member of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, Member of Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree. 40 year member of Kiwanis, Syrian Lebanon American Club, A.H.E.P.A, Honorary Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Miami, Shake a Leg Handicap, Sailing Miami Outboard Club, Aurdua Training, Unlimited Racing Commission, and Reading for the Blind.
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