OUR STAFF

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.


KEVIN LESKO

Co-Owner/Funeral Director

He was born and raised in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Having grown up in a family which ran a multi-generational funeral home, Kevin learned the importance and personal satisfaction of serving others at an early age. He and his wife Pauline Pusateri Lesko were married in 1993, and have three children, Madeline, Kyle, and Sophia. They reside in Fairfield.
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After graduating from college in 1987, Kevin was licensed in Mortuary Science, and joined his family’s business, Lesko Funeral Home in Bridgeport. In 1991, he, along with his brother succeeded the funeral home from their father, and moved it to its present location of Fairfield Center in 1992. Kevin purchased his brother’s interest of the firm in 2003. 

In 2005, he partnered his business with Frank Polke, creating Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, of Fairfield Center, a 119 year old, fifth generation funeral service.

In addition to serving as a licensed Funeral Director and Pre-need Counselor, The 2006-2007 president of Fairfield Rotary Club, and active member for 16 years, Kevin has served as a chairman for the grants review committee, various board positions, and was recognized with Rotary International's Paul Harris Award. He is also active with his church, St. Pius X Church, where he has served five years as Food Chairman for the annual parish picnic. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus-Father Coleman Council, the Fayerweather Yacht Club since 1985, the Gaelic American Club since 1989, and the Fairfield Prep Alumni, Class of 1985. He has a deep belief in his commitment to "Service Above Self" towards his family, friends, and the community he serves.


ERIKA GILMOUR CUETO

Co-Owner/Funeral Director

Born and raised in West Haven, Erika is a graduate of West Haven High School, class of 1995, and Briarwood College of Southington, where she earned a degree in Mortuary Science. Erika started her career in Funeral Service in Greenwich until 2001, when she joined the then Lesko Funeral Home of Fairfield Center. Erika has since served the local community in many ways, with compassion for the families in need and local charities, including volunteering for the Annual Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, where she serves on the board as Treasurer and the Annual Taste of Westport that benefits CLASP HOMES. In addition to being an integral part of the now Lesko & Polke Funeral Home team,  Erika continues to care for families in all aspects of funeral service in Fairfield and now in Darien. As a managing member of the Lawrence Funeral Home, Erika oversees the day-to-day operations.



SHAYNA M. GILBERT

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Shayna M. Gilbert graduated from Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, VA, class of 1997. Shayna ran on the track team while attending Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA. After graduating from High School, Shayna attended the University of Tennessee for two and half years, transferring to the American Academy of McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science in 2005. She graduated cum laude in her class. She was also awarded by the school’s faculty as being the student who best typifies the highest ideals of the funeral profession. After graduating from McAllister’s, Shayna completed her apprenticeship at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, where she is currently working as a Funeral Director/Embalmer.

Shayna lives in Stamford with her husband Jeremy and their four children.

CRAIG D. ACKERMAN

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Craig D. Ackerman, a resident of Norwalk, graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1993. Craig participated on the wrestling, swimming and cross-country teams while at Norwalk High. After graduating from high school, Craig worked at various jobs until 1997 when he enrolled at the American Academy of McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science. He graduated magna cum laude in his class. He was also awarded the Mu Sigma Alpha by the Scholastic Honor Society.

After graduating from McAllister’s, Craig worked for a funeral home in Greenwich, CT before joining the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home in August 2000 as a Funeral Director/Embalmer. Craig has been a member of the Noroton Volunteer Fire Department in Darien for over 20 years, serving on the Board as President, Vice President, Secretary and currently Financial Secretary.

Craig lives in Norwalk  with his two sons Austin and Landon, and Daughter Dylan.   Craig enjoys sports of all kinds.  But mostly spending time with his children.

EDWARD "JED" G. LAWRENCE, JR.

Funeral Director

Edward G. Lawrence, Jr. (known as Jed to everyone), a life long resident of Darien, graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1968. He played football and baseball while at Darien High. After graduating from high school, Jed continued his education at Susquehanna University, Class of 1972. While at Susquehanna, Jed played baseball all four years.

In 1972, Jed enrolled at the American Academy of McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science. After graduating from McAllister Institute, he joined the family business in the fall of 1973. Jed worked with his Dad until his untimely death in October 1984. Jed is the fourth generation of Lawrence’s to own the family business.

Jed is an elder and member of Noroton Presbyterian Church, and a former longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Darien and Darien Chamber of Commerce, Noroton Fire Department and was a member of the Charter Revision Commissions in 1997-1999 and 2007-2008. Jed was active with the adult committee of Darien Young Life. He is past president and treasurer of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association and a member of the National Funeral Director Association. The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice also awarded Jed the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner in 1997.

Jed, just like his Dad who was one of four original managers for the Darien Little League, managed a Darien Little League team for four years, a 16 to 18 Senior Babe Ruth team for four years, and was a former long-time coach for the Darien Junior Football League.

Jed lives in Darien with his wife, Debbie. He has two children, daughter Sarah Appel, a graduate of Gettysburg College, who is now living in Darien with her husband, Pete and 3 children, Lucy, Molly and Gus, and son Kyle, a graduate of Gettysburg College, and his wife Sara and 2 children, Carter and Graham, live  in New Canaan.

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SANDRA VOLIN

Sandra Volin was born in Stamford and moved to Darien in 1963 with her parents. She attended Darien schools and graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1971. She attended Northampton Junior College and graduated with an A.S. Degree, Class of 1973.

Before joining the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Sandra worked as an Administrator and Financial Assistant for a fraternity headquarters. She joined the Lawrence Funeral Home in June of 1998 as secretary.

Sandra is an active member and former deacon of the Noroton Presbyterian Church.

Sandra lives in Darien and has two sons. Shaun who lives in Norwalk with his wife, Candace and Daniel who also lives in Darien. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts and reading.