Fred St. Amand Sr. Pax-Villa Funeral Homes, Inc.; Florida

Fred St. Amand Sr. spent the first eleven years of his life growing up on the small island of Port-de-Paix, Haiti, the first black republic in the world to gain its independence from the French in 1804. After struggling to get by in one of poorest regions in the world, “Jean Jean” as he is known by his family and friends, migrated from Haiti in search of a better life.  He moved to New York and landed a job working for the United States Federal Reserve Bank.  In 1971, Fred and his family decided to escape the cold weather and relocate to the Sunshine State, where he continued to work for the Federal Reserve Bank- Miami branch. 

  After twelve years on the job, Fred decided that he’d be better off being his own boss.  In 1980, Fred created the first Caribbean money transfer agency in south Florida – Valparaiso United Services, Inc. With his skills and abilities in public service he opened up the first Caribbean-American funeral home, Pax-Villa Funeral Homes, Inc., serving the mass Caribbean population in the tri-county area in 1994. 

  This family owned and operated business is primarily ran by his children in which his daughter, Sandra St. Amand is the licensed funeral director and embalmer in charge. 

Sandra St. Amand Pax-Villa Funeral Homes, Inc.; Florida

  Sandra St. Amand is a second-generation funeral director and embalmer at Pax-Villa Funeral Homes, Inc., working alongside her father Fred St. Amand Sr. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Florida A&M University and graduated from Miami-Dade College of Mortuary Science.  

  Sandra is a native of Miami. Prior to joining the family business, she was employed with the Leon County Sheriff’s Department, Tallahassee, FL, for 5 years.  She joined the family business and is credited with the opening of the second Pax-Villa Funeral Home in Ft. Lauderdale in 2002, and the third Pax-Villa Funeral Home, Orlando, in 2006.  The funeral home also has a location in Brooklyn, NY.   

   Sandra lives her belief in giving back and helping to promote an agenda for the positive growth and development of our youth.  She has been acknowledged for her service and dedication as a community leader and volunteer.  For her contributions to the community, she has been the recipient of numerous accolades, certificates, awards and honors.  Her dedication, professional care, family values and determination to serve families with a high standard of excellence makes her an important part of a management team that gives more than 110% to every involvement relevant to her funeral service career.  She freely shares her time with youth to encourage them to seek success.  She also serves as a role model for young people interested in mortuary science. 

   Sandra’s passion for the funeral profession increases with every year taking pride in the personal care, commitment and direction she provides to the families.