Toale Brothers Purchases Ewing Funeral Home

Sarasota, FL, July 31, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Toale Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory has purchased Ewing Funeral Home at 140 E. Venice Avenue in Venice, Florida, bringing its total number of locations to four in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice. Previous owner George Kalbfleisch will continue to serve as a Licensed Funeral Director.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the acquisition,” said Jason Toale, President and CEO. “Venice is a wonderful community and we appreciate the opportunity to serve families in pre-planning and at their time of loss.”

"Of all the offers I have received from other funeral homes to buy my business, this is the first time it has felt right," said Kalbfleisch, who has known the Toale family personally since 1964. "We share the same values and commitment to customer service and community. Toale Brothers is big enough that it can take over the business seamlessly and continue our tradition of good service."

Established by Tom Ewing in 1969, the full-service funeral home has enjoyed a loyal following and good standing in the Venice community. The 6,500-square-foot facility includes a chapel and showroom. Among the employees is 87-year-old Carla Kalbfleisch, George's mother, who does office work part-time on Saturdays.

Toale Brothers is one of Sarasota's oldest continuously running, locally owned businesses. Its predecessor company was founded in 1912 by George L. Thacker, Sarasota's first undertaker, and was purchased by the Toale family in 1948. The business is now under the third generation of Toale family management, with brothers Jason and Jeff Toale serving as President/CEO and Vice President, respectively.

Both Jason and Jeff are actively involved in the Sarasota community – in their professional associations as well as civic organizations. They are firmly committed to continuing the company’s growth, embracing the benefits of 21st century technology, while remaining true to their 20th century values of integrity, compassion and trust.

Toale Brothers' locations now include: The Colonial Chapel at 40 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Sarasota and adjacent Pre-Arrangement Center, the Bradenton Chapel and Crematory at 912 53rd Avenue W. in Bradenton, the Gulf Gate Chapel at 6903 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, and the Ewing Chapel at 140 E. Venice Avenue in Venice. Telephone: (941) 955-4171.