History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

In 1992, the Volk Family welcomed Dan Leber as the new owner of Volk Funeral Homes, altering a family tradition that began in 1865. With his arrival, Dan brought with him a long history of funeral service, dating back to 1906, the year Leber Funeral Home of Union City opened its doors to the families of Northern New Jersey. At the time of the sale, Margaret Volk-Misner explained, "Since the ownership of the Volk Funeral Homes has not been outside of the Volk family for its entire 126 year tradition, we were especially selective as to whom we would sell and are all very pleased with the outcome."

Dan Leber's dedication to the families he serves were most directly instilled in him by his father, Harry Leber, who taught Dan and his four brothers the importance of unwavering care when dealing with those families who put forth their trust. Most recently, those teachings have been passed to Dan's son Matthew who joined him in carrying on the family tradition at Volk Leber Funeral Homes. Each funeral is planned with friendly, compassionate service in the hopes of providing an atmosphere where a loved one's personality may be celebrated.

Unlike a number of the funeral homes in the area who have joined the ranks of large publicly held companies, Volk Leber Funeral Home remains independently owned and operated. Here, each family serviced is seen as an individual with unique needs, not as figures presented in a boardroom. Ultimately, the large corporations protect the interests of their stockholders; whereas, we look to protect yours.

Our Valued Staff

  • D. Matthew  Leber

    D. Matthew Leber, Vice President/ Manager/ Licensed Funeral Director

    Matt grew up in Fort Lee, NJ and attended high school at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. He is a graduate of Fairfield University and received his Degree in Mortuary Science from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. Although Matt has been serving as a pallbearer and funeral coach driver since he was 17, he joined his father full time at Volk Leber Funeral Home in 2001, and earned his funeral director’s license in 2003. Matt serves on the advisory board of Bright Side Manor and Geriatric Services of Bergen County and is also a member of the International Rotary Club. When he’s not working, Matt enjoys time at the beach, fishing, surfing, golfing, and traveling.

  • Kurt D. Larsen

    Kurt D. Larsen, Teaneck Manager/ Licensed Funeral Director

    Kurt has been with the Volk Leber family for about 20 years, starting as an intern and now is the Manager of our Teaneck location. He is passionate about serving families with strong sensitivity mixed with a dash of levity. In his "spare time" ... he helps operate Pet Rest in Peace Memorial Center & Crematory in Secaucus, NJ and teaches Accounting at the mortuary science school he attended: American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. He is married with two, adorable little girls. He also loves sailing (other peoples' sailboats) and dabbles in recreational flying.

  • Klisman X. Castro

    Klisman X. Castro, Licensed Funeral Director

    Klis was born in Brazil but grew up in Torino, Italy, before coming to the United States. He loves to learn new languages and has learned to speak 4 of them: English, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish. He regards his wife and daughters as the "apple of his eye." In his spare time, Klis enjoys every single moment with his daughters and can never pass up watching a good medical show on TV. He looks forward to serving every family that walks through the door as if they were his own.

  • Karen B. Leber

    Karen B. Leber, Licensed Funeral Director

    Karen grew up in North Bergen and attended Convent of the Sacred Heart High School in New York City. She went on to play softball for Sacred Heart University and finished her undergraduate studies at UCONN. In 2001, she received her Mortuary Science Degree from American Academy McAllister Institute and was licensed the same year. Karen feels privileged to continue the Leber family tradition. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her daughter and life on the lake.

  • Juan Mendoza Alvia

    Juan Mendoza Alvia, Licensed Funeral Director

    Juan grew up in North Bergen, NJ and graduated from North Bergen High School. He earned his Mortuary Science Degree from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, and was recently licensed. He has extensive experience in hospitality. In his spare time ... he enjoys cooking, working out at the gym, reading and spending time in the park with his Pitbull, Blueberry.

  • Daniel W. Leber

    Daniel W. Leber, President