Our  Heritage

Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

Curlew Hills Memory Gardens has a rich history here in Pinellas County.

Over 30 years ago the groundwork was laid that would transform over 30 acres of citrus groves into the area's most picturesque memorial park. Our goal was simple - to create a place which provides the most comprehensive memorial care at a beautiful location, and bring peace of mind to thousands of families in Pinellas, Pasco and Western Hillsborough counties. Curlew Hills started its operations on March 1, 1979. Just one year later, our first Mausoleum Complex, and Fountain Garden was built along with a cemetery office.

A few short years later in 1983 our Cremation Scattering Garden and Cremorial Garden were constructed. Plans for a funeral home across the lake from the cemetery office were then initiated in 1987. Our beautiful 6,500 square foot funeral home was built in 1988 and transformed Curlew Hills into the first 'full-service triple combination facility' and the only independently owned facility of its type in the tri-country area.

The 1990's brought much progress for Curlew Hills. In early 1990, Curlew Hills was invited to join the 'Order of the Golden Rule', a prestigious organization of funeral homes located throughout the United States. In 1995 we saw the completion of the Garden of Devotion followed by the Garden of Peace in 1996. Shortly following in 1998, construction began on the Meditation Mausoleum complex which was then completed in early 1999.

Our progress proudly continued into the next century. In the year 2003 we initiated the completion of the Private Family Mausoleums and Estates, and the planning of Meditation Estates and Lawn Crypts. Then in 2007, pre-sales were started for Curlew Hills newest and most grand mausoleum, Whispering Pines. This magnificent building will be like no other in the area with three beautiful climate-controlled indoor chapels. It will feature breath-taking views of the surrounding lakes and mature trees.

In 2009 we developed our newest section of the cemetery called Hellenic Cemetery 'Morpheus'. The very special new section was dedicated exclusively to the culture of Greek Americans and follow the preferences of the historic Greek heritage and traditional beliefs. It will feature a traditional archway entrance with a special commemorative plaque and impressive Greek columns as well as a beautifully designed private religious chapel made of marble where families can hold personal ceremonies or gatherings.

Who We Are

Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Keenan  Knopke

Keenan Knopke

President & CEO
Patty  Luque

Patty Luque

Family Service Counselor
Ericka  McKibbin

Ericka McKibbin

Funeral Home Manager
Denise  Goodwin

Denise Goodwin

Controller
Denise  Childress

Denise Childress

Funeral Director & Family Service Counselor
Steve  Harris

Steve Harris

Funeral Director & Decedent Affairs Coordinator
Cassandra  Santilli

Cassandra Santilli

Funeral Director
Sam  Covitz

Sam Covitz

Family Service Counselor
Kathy Devine Bergeron

Kathy Devine Bergeron

Cemetery Administrator
David  Schramel

David Schramel

Grounds Manager
Phil  Denison

Phil Denison

Groundskeeper

Explore Our Location

See where we are located.