Our Caring Staff

"Our family has been entrusted with and is committed to the continuation of upholding the highest standards and ideals offered in funeral service in Worcester County. Our dedicated care team of compassionate, attentive professionals are here to provide each family we serve with the opportunity to design a meaningful experience that expresses their wishes and creates an everlasting memorial to a life well lived."

Since his teen years, Rick has been caring for grieving families with unequaled personal and professional expertise. Having worked in every aspect of the funeral service business, he has acquired the experience and resources necessary to meet each family’s need. Rick leads his staff to go the extra mile and then some. Above all, Rick is devoted to providing every family a compassionate, caring and personalized experience.

Rick is active in many local civic and fraternal organizations and has served on several non-profit boards. He has been particularly active in senior organizations including the Holden Council on Aging, where he served for over 10 years as chairman during the building of the new senior center. He recently served a six-year term on the board of Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.

When not at the funeral home, you can find Rick working in the yard, spending time with his family or playing golf.

Other Affiliations:

Vice President of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer of Holden's 250 Celebration Committee
Selected Independent Funeral Homes
National Funeral Directors Association
Past President of the Greater Worcester Funeral Directors Association
Past President of the Wachusett Area Rotary Club
Former Board Member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association

Rick is a proud graduate of Doherty Memorial High School and the New England Institute for Funeral Service of Boston, and also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Assumption College in Worcester.

"Growing up and working in the family business from the age of fourteen enabled me to witness my parents’ dedication in serving members of the community. Experiencing the power of helping people during their most painful time, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue Miles’ healing mission. Every family has a story and it is our obligation to guide them through each step of the arrangement and commemoration process in a way that honors that story. The essence of the Miles experience is to offer expert, supportive assistance for memorializing a life well lived."

With a strong commitment to the Miles mission, in addition to providing premier funeral care, Ricky judiciously oversees day-to-day operations including staffing, long-term planning, the website and social media, and the many tasks that keep the funeral home running smoothly.

Ricky graduated from St. John’s High School, Providence College, Clark University’s MBA Program, and Fine Mortuary College where he was Salutatorian and earned the 2020 Leadership Award. He is an active member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce and was recently accepted into The Leadership Academy for emerging leaders in the funeral industry, sponsored by Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

In his spare time, Ricky enjoys playing soccer, volunteering, surfing, snowboarding, playing music, spending time in Rhode Island and living life to the fullest.

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"Learning about death afforded me the great opportunity of learning about life. My reverence for the human spirit allowed me to participate in all areas of funeral arrangements. I learned from my father, George Perlman, to participate in Taharah, to provide support and guidance on how a funeral is conducted and to treat family members and others with dignity and compassion when guiding them through their loss. I feel that this is the last act of human kindness."

From an early age of 14, Richy became a working member of Perlman Funeral Home in Worcester. Over 100 years of Jewish tradition continues to inspire Richy in a path that has been set before him by his grandfather and father. In 1914, his grandfather, Harry Jacob Perlman, established a guiding principle passed on to his father, "Consideration for the Living, Dedicated to Service". Richy continues to perpetuate this thought 100 years later. In 2014, Richy partnered with Miles Funeral Home and continues to serve as the local Jewish Funeral Director for Worcester and its' surrounding communities.

"I find it gratifying and rewarding to be able to help people in a way that most others cannot. Through attention to detail, I offer families a unique gift when they are experiencing the first steps of the grieving process."

Sam’s interest in the funeral service business was stirred when as a teenager he lost his grandmother. He knew then he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others in their grieving. With his expertise in restorative work, he continues to find satisfaction in helping others. Sam brings dignity and purpose to every task. Realizing you have only one chance to get it right, he respects how important the little things are.

Sam is a graduate of The New England Institute, Mount Ida, with a Bachelor of Science in Bereavement Studies. During his free time he enjoys music, playing the bass and spending time with his soul mate. He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and fishing at Comet Pond and Wachusett Reservoir. Furthermore, he is a gifted woodworker and holds a passion for landscaping.

“One of the most rewarding feelings is knowing I have helped families plan thoughtful, personal and meaningful funeral arrangements in advance, either for themself, family members, or a friend. It provides them a sense of accomplishment knowing that they are not leaving loved ones with this very personal task. I am honored to guide them through it.”

As a certified and skilled advanced funeral planner, Amber guides families through the process, including education on prefunding in order to protect assets for Medicaid qualification, or simply because they want to spare loved ones the emotional and financial burden. As a former at-need funeral director, Amber knows firsthand the value and importance of pre-arrangements. “It’s much easier on family members when they are certain that their loved one is honored exactly as they have chosen.”

Amber is a graduate of New England Institute of Funeral Service, earned a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University, and a master’s degree from Cambridge College. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and wakeboarding with her husband and two college-aged daughters, and spending time with her two beloved Italian greyhounds.

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"What I enjoy most is meeting and getting to know our families. My job allows me to meet people before their loss and to journey with them through the grief process in our support group. I get attached to people and am delighted to be the familiar face for them at Miles."

Maureen Monahan is gifted and passionate in helping families with advanced planning. Working with Maureen before facing an emotional loss allows a family to thoroughly explore the options for meaningful memorials. Maureen’s compassionate manner and keen awareness of the various products and possibilities for tributes provides families everything they need to prepare well for an eventual loss. Maureen is responsible for the Miles Funeral Home Advance Planning Program in addition to the Community Outreach Program.

Maureen is a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School and FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA. In her spare time Maureen enjoys gardening and working outside in the summer. She loves to be with family, especially her grandson.

"Being a Funeral Director is a calling and not just a career. I take pride in providing excellent service, empathy and compassion when serving families who have entrusted their loved ones in our care.”

Since 2005, Tim has been a vital team member at Miles Funeral Home. He previously worked for SCI, the M.A. Simard & Son Funeral Home as well as Pillsbury Funeral Home in the Brookfield's, Barre and Spencer. In 1993, Tim graduated from Mount Ida College with an Associate's Degree in Funeral Service and has been a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director since.

With the utmost respect for our veterans, Tim has served as the Chairman of the East Brookfield Veteran’s Day Services since 1990 and in the past also served as Chairman for their Memorial Day exercises. He oversaw the reconstruction, and served as the Chairman of the town's Depot Square Veterans Memorial Park from its' inception. He is a member of the Quaboag Historical Society and a civilian member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 554. He resides in East Brookfield with his wife.

“I am both honored and humbled to be able to serve the families of this community that I have chosen to call home for my entire life. Being able to provide compassionate care and support at these most difficult times is both challenging and profoundly rewarding…”

Bruce joined the Miles team in 2015 after decades of a career in Human Resources and Operations Management. It was after serving the Worcester B’nai Brith Cemetery, first as a board member and eventually as its Executive Director, that Bruce began considering a full-time career in Funeral Service.

Bruce is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester and is honored to be serving on its Board of Directors. Bruce is also a long-time member of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester and is proud to have served on the boards of both of its predecessors, Temple Emanuel and Temple Sinai. Bruce currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Healthcare Center and Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence and recently joined the Advisory Committee of the Worcester Jewish Cemetery Improvement Association of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.
Bruce also served on the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Worcester for several years, eventually as the Vice-Chair of the Commission.

Bruce is a graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute where he attained his degree in Funeral Service. Previously, Bruce attended Clark University, majoring in American Politics. In his spare time, Bruce is an accomplished weekly Challah baker and a passionate event photographer for several Jewish Community organizations. Bruce resides in Worcester with his wife, Ellen, son, Danny and canine companion, Jasper who is part Jack Russell Terrier and part kangaroo.

"I realize a family does not get a second chance to say good-bye to their loved one, and it is my responsibility to see to every exacting detail in the funeral process on behalf of the family."

Phil apprenticed at Miles over 40 years ago and recently returned to work with us, offering his expertise in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Phil’s dedication to the funeral service industry in greater Worcester includes service at several area funeral homes. He believes strongly in a director handling as many details as possible to alleviate undue pressure on families. A director since 1967, Phil has studied the traditions, customs, practices and rituals of the Eastern Orthodox Church dating back for centuries. He has consulted and interviewed hierarchs of numerous Eastern Orthodox Jurisdictions throughout the United States and the Middle East. During this time, he amassed a wealth of experience regarding specific customs and traditions within the Eastern Orthodox Community.

Phil holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University, a Bachelor’s Degree from the American International College, Springfield, MA and is a graduate of New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science & Funeral Directing. Phil also graduated from Classical High School in Worcester, and Babson College with a degree in Nursing Home Administration.

In his spare time he travels, spends time with his family and volunteers at local community organizations.

Ron graduated from New England Institute and became a licensed funeral director in 1958. He went on to own Johnson Funeral Home on Lincoln St. in Worcester for over 20 years. After many years working as a funeral director at various funeral homes, Ron has decided to call Miles his home.

Ron has been a pillar in the Greater Worcester Armenian Community, and recently received a prestigious award for his 60 years of service to the Armenian community of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Worcester.

Ron has served as Selectman for the Town of Paxton, member of the Board of Health, Cable Commission and Paxton Cemetery Commission. Ron was one of the cooperators of the Worcester County Drug Collation and the Worcester County Mental Health Association.

In addition, he is a member of the Morning Star Lodge of Masons, a 32-Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Aleppo Temple, member and past president of the Paxton Lion's Club, past president and treasurer of the Odin Club of Worcester, member and past president of the Wachusett Booster Club, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Nordic Heritage Club.

"There is nothing that makes me feel more complete than knowing that I have made a meaningful difference on what is possibly someone's worst day. Making a positive contribution at a time like that is not easy but the connection it creates is everlasting. The connection between a funeral director and the family we serve is one of the purest I have ever encountered."

Originally from Rochester, NY, Anaili Diane grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, where she attended Green B. Trimble Technical High School. There she completed her EMT training and became a medical billing and coding specialist after completing her rotations at Texas Harris Methodist Hospital and John Peter Smith Hospital. She moved to College Station, TX in 2014 to attend Texas A&M University where she attained her Bachelor's degree in Entomology. During her time in college, she spent a period of time living in Washington D.C. where she interned at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in the Hymenopteran department. She is a proud member of the Texas A&M Fighting Class of 2018, WHOOP!

Anaili Diane became dedicated to mortuary sciences after accepting a part-time position at a local funeral home while still in college. It was there that she watched from behind the scenes as funeral directors and embalmers interacted with families and their loved ones. That alone made her realize that she wanted to one day be able to provide the same comfort that they could. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Commonwealth Mortuary Institute in 2019 and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.

In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking and volunteering with hospice organizations in her community as well as heading outside for a few rounds of tennis or a hike through the woods.

“Every person has a story; each story teaches me something valuable that enriches my humanity.”

As Director of Community Education, Pam presents educational workshops on a variety of topics, including but not limited to grief support and education, preparing for family changes and aging, understanding the issues of funeral planning and cremation. Pam provides opportunities in corporate environments, churches, senior groups, and other community/civic organizations to support personal and professional growth related to death, memorialization and grief work.

An interfaith minister with a special ministry to people who identify as spiritual but not religious, Pam has devoted many years to end of life care. As a chaplain helping people to heal and prepare for life’s end, the core of her work has been in hearing, affirming, and honoring each life. She has also spent many years bringing individual stories to life through her avocation as a legacy writer.

Pam received her BA in English with a concentration in writing from Worcester State University, a master’s degree in Theology from Assumption University and was ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City.

Pam enjoys hiking, kayaking, golf, cooking, reading, writing, and the casual company of friends.

“I am humbled and in awe of the strength of the human spirit in the face of loss. There is an indescribable sacred space that emerges. I have a deep calling to help hold and create that space for however a family wishes to begin their healing journey.”

Dalilah’s call to pursue the role of a funeral professional skipped a generation. Her beloved grandfather, Leroy Riley, was her predecessor at Miles. She marvels at the immersive opportunity to learn this lineage with the most skilled and compassionate care team. She is genuinely honored to be welcomed aboard.

In her former years, Dalilah graduated magna cum laude from UMASS Boston with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and was a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild having worked in commercials and film in Los Angeles. Upon returning home to the east coast, Dalilah shared restorative modalities as a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor at Community Healthlink and loves offering donation based classes to the greater Worcester area.

She is a certified End-of-Life Doula through Going with Grace, studying under Alua Arthur, completed her volunteer training with the VNA’s hospice team and is now moving into her sixth semester at FINE Mortuary College. Her heart is invested in learning and providing all death care options to support families around their loss.

Dalilah’s most cherished moments are camping, cooking, and painting with her three wondrous children and treasured friends and family.

Donna knows more than most, what a vital role Miles plays in the lives and hearts of those we serve. Donna and her family tragically lost their 7 year old daughter Kaitlyn to a rare form of pediatric cancer. During the most trying time of her life, Donna and her family witnessed first-hand the kind and compassionate care of the Miles professionals who assisted her and her family during their most difficult hours. Donna joined the Miles support staff in 2019, where she spends a majority of her time creating memorable Tributes to honor loved ones.

“Based on my life’s experiences, I feel I am perfect for the role of creating personal Tributes for families. Whether it is a video montage, prayer card or memorial candle, I appreciate how significant these treasures are for grieving family members. I take tremendous pride and care in my Tribute duties, because I know I am creating a lifetime memory.”

Donna continues to honor Kaitlyn’s legacy as she is a devoted and passionate volunteer for the Make A Wish Foundation of MA & RI as well as The Jimmy Fund of Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Donna also is the current Treasurer of the Wachusett Regional High School Mountaineer Booster Club. Donna’s true joy is spending time with her husband and 2 daughters. Donna can often be found on a soccer field, cheering her children on and capturing photos of the girls and their teammates. When not spending time in her adopted town of Holden, Donna can be often found enjoying the beaches of Hutchinson Island, FL, Cape May, NJ or Cape Cod.

Ariana joined the Miles family with an ardent desire to work in the funeral industry and a strong belief that Miles does it right. “I have always been interested in the funeral business and am so happy to be working at Miles because their philosophy mirrors mine, believing that we should customize, not standardize the consumer experience.

Whether contacting doctors or town officials about death certificates, working with associates and families on tributes, welcoming people who come to the door, or answering the phone, Ariana believes every aspect of her daily work is essential to learning the funeral business. “Each role is important to creating the best experience we can for our families.”

When not at work you can find Ariana at the gym, snowboarding, or hiking. She loves to travel and has been to Europe, Hawaii, and the Middle East.

Ariana received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising & Marketing Communications and her Masters in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.

"My greatest happiness is realizing that from the moment a person’s grieving begins, to their participation in our bereavement program, I have the chance to make their experience meaningful and peaceful."

Bev acts primarily as the Treasurer, Financial Manager and the Human Resource Manager. Supervising daily tasks including everything from advertising and daily financial operations to maintenance and grounds, Bev’s capacity to multi-task, coupled with a keen knowledge of the industry, provides families and staff with confidence, hope and assistance. With a penchant for running a business that is empathetic, Bev’s sole aspiration is to ensure that everyone has what they need, when they need it.

A summa cum laude graduate of Nichols College and an M.B.A. from Anna Maria College, Bev appreciates all aspects of management and funeral service. She is also a Notary Public, providing all services free of charge. When not at the office, she enjoys volunteering at the Wachusett Food Pantry, gardening, her two Shih Tzu puppies, the ocean and Cape Cod. Above all things Bev adores and is committed to her family. She is most proud in realizing the wonderful human beings her two children have become; her desired epitaph simply, "in life, she was most proud of her children."