Our Story
Patriot Mortgage was established by its very own founding fathers, Peter Berryman, former owner of Kastle Mortgage, and Robert Walsh, former owner of Center State Mortgage. This dynamic duo had a blast joining forces in 2014 and creating their blended mortgage brokerage dream team.
The Patriot Mortgage team has more than a century worth of mortgage experience and has worked together for more than thirty years, a true testament to Peter and Robert’s legacy of building genuine, lifelong relationships with clients, partners, and teammates. Patriot Mortgage continues to thrive because of its committed and stellar team who is focused on helping make home ownership a reality for our clients.
Jaclyn Berryman and Austin Berryman, are now leading the organization, proudly honoring their father’s legacy, since his sudden passing in late 2023. Jaclyn’s extensive experience in the financial services industry and Austin’s entrepreneurial expertise make them a force for positive progress in the mortgage industry, where they are elevating their family business, leveraging the vast expertise of the team to create a personalized experience for all of our clients and partners.
OUR MISSION
It's simple. We are committed to offering only the highest quality professional service to our mortgage clients, realtors and associates. We have built a reputation of offering honest, ethical and thorough service to our mortgage clientele. Our customers are always treated with the utmost respect, courtesy and professionalism throughout the entire loan experience.
We can structure a home loan with our extensive access to an unlimited number of lenders.
High approval with many national and local lenders that allows us flexibility to meet the borrowers wants and needs. Building a relationship with our mortgage clients is a top priority. Our experienced, knowledgeable and responsive staff is ready to answer any questions that you may have concerning home finance including Second Mortgages, FHA, VA, Reverse Mortgages, Refinancing, Home Equity Loans, Adjustable Rate, Fixed Rate, Jumbo and other types of mortgages.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Jaclyn Berryman, Co-President
Jaclyn’s impressive career includes key roles such as Head of Communications for Wealth Management and Chief of Staff for the Northeast Region at TIAA. Starting her journey in the mortgage business at Credit Suisse and Kastle Mortgage with her father, Jaclyn has a deep-rooted commitment to carrying forward her father's legacy centered around the importance of family and of helping people achieve their dreams of home ownership. Jaclyn holds a degree from Northeastern University and a Master’s from Monmouth University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jaclyn has three children (Alex, 8, Nicholas, 6, and Colette, 3) and is dedicated to empowering young women in STEM fields. She serves as the Board Chair for the 1,000 Dreams Fund. Her passion for financial literacy for all Americans is evident in her advocacy work, making her a true leader in both the financial services industry, the community, and now the mortgage industry. She is the perfect person to help you make your home ownership dreams a reality.
Dennis Astrella, SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR
Dennis sat on the Board of Directors with the New Jersey State Mortgage Brokers Association for five years. He was nominated to NJ Monthly Magazine's Five Star Mortgage Professionals. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, his customer base consists of close to 3,000 customers!
DAWN BENEDICKSON, Senior Loan Originator
Dawn Benedickson is a New Jersey native with over 19 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Her passion is to help guide you home, navigating the mortgage loan process as smoothly as possible. Dawn has been a volunteer for Neptune Seniors Program delivering hot meals as well as donating time and money to Habitat for Humanity and local dog rescues.
Helen Black, ESQ., Mortgage loan Originator
Helen Terrero-Black is a lawyer, U.S. Veteran, and dedicated loan officer with a passion for helping people achieve their dreams. As a first-generation Cuban-American and the daughter of immigrants, she understands the unique challenges of building credit while navigating the path to homeownership. With her expertise, Helen is committed to finding the best mortgage loan programs tailored to each client’s situation, helping them make their American dream of owning a home come true. Reach out to her today to take the first step!
BILL CARUCCI, SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR
Bill Carucci is one of New Jersey’s highest producing mortgage professionals. He has been helping his clients finance their homes since 1997. Bill is not only licensed in NJ, but is also a NJ resident and a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, making him highly knowledgeable about the Garden State. Bill is an active member of the Clifton, NJ Chapter of LeTip, an organization of professionals representing a wide variety of backgrounds.
NICK COLAPINTO, Mortgage Loan Originator, PROCESSOR
Nick joined our Patriot Mortgage family in 2021. He is a graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in business management. He was born and raised in New Jersey and now resides in Island Heights. He is a huge sports fan and his favorite teams are the New York Mets and the New York Jets. He loves spending time with family and friends. Nick has two older brothers, a younger sister, and a chocolate Lab named Charlee! One of his favorite hobbies is playing golf.
Diane Dikun, “Patriot Glue” – Holds us all together!
Diane has been in the mortgage business for over 20+ years. She started with Center State Mortgage and has merged with our new mortgage family here at Patriot Mortgage. She is our “go to” person and helps everyone – always with a big smile on her face. She has 3 children and spends any time she can with them. Diane is very involved with her Church and volunteers at the food pantry. She is always taking on new home projects with gusto.
William Hart, Mortgage Loan Originator
Bill has been in the mortgage industry for the last 15 years. He is married and has two wonderful children. He goes the extra mile to get his loans closed. He really takes pride in keeping his clients informed during the whole process. He is an avid hunter and fisherman. Any free time is spent with his family and friends.
John K. Hessinger, Mortgage Loan Originator
Kenny has been in the mortgage business for over 14 years. He has been a Manasquan residence for the past 25 years. He is married and has 2 children. Kenny is a hands-on loan officer. He walks all his clients through the entire process. He spends any of his free time with his family and friends.
TEREZA MESCIA, MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
Tereza started in the mortgage industry over 19 years ago. She is originally from Brazil and has been living in the USA since 1989. Her born language is Portuguese and she also speaks Spanish. She enjoys helping her many clients restructure their finances and also obtain their dream homes. When she isn’t working, she spends as much time with her family.
CAROL MORRISON, Loan administrator
Carol is a graduate of Montclair State University and has been in the mortgage industry for 10+ years. Prior to that she was a Title Searcher for 10 years. She has been Bill Carucci’s Assistant for her entire mortgage business career completing tasks as originating loans, compiling client’s paperwork, organizing closings and much more to ensure loans close quickly and efficiently. She enjoys the comradery at Patriot Mortgage. Any free time she has she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as watching and participating in sports and enjoying the Jersey Shore.
MICHAEL O'REILLY, Mortgage Loan Originator
Michael is new to the mortgage industry but certainly not new to real estate! He has 15 years experience as a Real Estate Investor and understands the journey a homeowner goes through to purchase their new home. He is a also a retired Jersey City Fire Chief. He is the father of four grown children, who have recently promoted him to Pop Pop! He enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren and girlfriend. He is an avid golfer and enjoys all sports.
Kathleen “kathi” OLSON, Mortgage Loan Originator
Kathi has been in the mortgage industry for over 17 years. She has lived in Howell for the last 22 years and has dedicated many rewarding hours with the community youth sports programs. She excels at first-time home buyers – walking them through the entire process step by step. Having a son in the military another passion is working with veterans and military personnel assisting them in obtaining their dream of owning their own home. She has 3 grown children and a wonderful brand-new grandbaby. She loves spending every waking moment she can with her.
Stephen Priante, Senior Processor
Steve has been in the mortgage industry for over 25+ years. He has worn many hats over the years but specializes in processing. He has also been a loan originator for the past 10+ years. He is married and has 3 daughters. He spends most of his free time with his family and friends. He is very involved in Howell girls, softball (NJ Heat 2002). All three girls are avid softball players. He is also a certified umpire with CSA.
Ken Ryan, Mortgage Loan Originator
Ken has been a mortgage loan originator for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Rowan University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall University. Ken enjoys spending free time with his wife and three daughters at the beach, boating and sporting events. He is also a Board Member for the Daniel P. Ryan Foundation, a non-profit established in his brother's memory, to assist patients and families affected by cancer.
Richard Setteducati, Senior Loan Originator
Rich has been a mortgage broker for over 25+ years and a previous partner of Center State Mortgage. He is a member of the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce and several networking groups. He is also affiliated with the Monmouth County Realtor Association. He has been a Monmouth County resident for over 50 years. He is married and has two children. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
Joseph Stocki, Office Manager
Joe has been in the mortgage industry for 13 years and has a vast experience in loan origination, compliance and accounting. Joe has resided in Middlesex County with Christine, his wife of 20 years. Together they have 4 wonderful children and spend a lot of their time attending their school or sporting events. In the summer Joe enjoys visiting family at their shore homes in Ocean Grove and Shark River Hills. Joe also enjoys playing golf, the drums and rooting for his favorite teams the Yankees and Steelers!
TIM SULLIVAN, REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST & BANKING dIVISION Manager
Tim possesses 20 plus years of experience in all faucets of the residential mortgage industry. Currently heads our Reverse Mortgage and Banking Division as well as originations. He and his wife Julie have raised their four children in Monmouth County and currently reside at the Jersey Shore in Lavallette. His interests are spending time with the family Boxer outdoors, cheering on the Yankees and Giants and attending events with family and friends.
Joseph Walsh, Mortgage Loan Originator
Joe is an Air Force Veteran who has been in financial services since 1987 with the last 14 as a mortgage loan originator. He resides in the Jersey Shore with his wife and son participating in his many sports activities. He is an avid sports fan (Yankees & NY Giants) and plays golf whenever he can find the time. He is an active member of The Friendly Sons of Shillelagh of Belmar. He enjoys meeting his clients and taking them from start to finish with positive results.