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.

"Learning about death gave me the best opportunity to learn about life. Funeral arranging helps me embrace a reverence for the human spirit. 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 loss.”

Richy became a working member of Perlman Funeral Home in Worcester at the age of fourteen. Over 100 years of Jewish tradition continues to inspire Richy on the path set by his father and grandfather. In 1914, his grandfather, Harry Jacob Perlman, established a guiding principle passed on to his father, "Consideration for the Living, Dedicated to Service". With a profound dedication to the Jewish Community, Richy continues to perpetuate this philosophy. In 2014, Richy partnered with Miles Funeral Home where he continues to serve as a local Jewish Funeral Director for Worcester and surrounding communities.

"It is gratifying and rewarding to help people in a way that most others cannot. Through attention to detail, I offer families a unique gift as they take their first steps in the grieving process."

Sam’s interest in the funeral service business was stirred as a teenager when he lost his grandmother and realized he wanted to dedicate his life to helping the bereaved. With an expertise in restorative work, Sam offers a very special gift to families. Recognizing that you have only one chance to get it right, Sam’s brings dignity, purpose and precision to every task.

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 family.

“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.

"What I most enjoy is meeting and getting to know families and journeying with them through the grief process. I am grateful to be a familiar face for them at Miles."

After 30 years working in educational travel, Maureen began a second career in funeral service after her parents died within weeks of each other and a funeral director inspired her with these words: “I do this to help the person left behind and it is very rewarding.” After this remark, funeral service was the only thing Maureen wanted to do, and so she simultaneously retained her fulltime job, apprenticed through working part time at Miles, and studied full-time to become a funeral director.

Maureen’s compassionate manner and keen knowledge of the various products and possibilities for tributes provide families everything they need to prepare a beautiful memorial for their loved one. Maureen has both the heart and skill to embrace people facing loss through addiction.

Maureen is a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester and FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA. In her spare time she enjoys family get-togethers, hiking, walking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

“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…”

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. He joined the Miles team in 2015 after a long career in Human Resources and Operations Management.

Bruce is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester and serves on its Board of Directors. He is also a long-time member of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester, having served on the boards of both of its predecessors, Temple Emanuel and Temple Sinai. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Healthcare Center and Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence, as well as the Advisory Committee of the Worcester Jewish Cemetery Improvement Association of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.

Bruce received a degree in funeral service at the American Academy McAllister Institute. Previously, he attended Clark University, majoring in American Politics. Bruce is an accomplished weekly Challah baker and a passionate event photographer for several Jewish community organizations. He resides in Worcester with his wife, Ellen, son, Danny and canine companion, Jasper who is part Jack Russell Terrier and part kangaroo.

Email: [email protected]

"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 returned to offer us his expertise in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. His dedication to the funeral service industry in greater Worcester includes service at several area funeral homes. 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 with hierarchs of numerous Eastern Orthodox Jurisdictions throughout the United States and the Middle East, amassing a wealth of experience regarding 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 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.

Like many funeral professionals, Matt was introduced to death at a young age. He was 4 years old when his father died. His family’s openness in dealing with this and subsequent losses helped Matt develop a fascination and interest in funeral care and an empathy for people grieving a death-loss. Although he followed his family into the trucking transportation business, there remained a seed germinating which eventually brought him to return to school and graduate from FINE Mortuary College.

Matt considers the preparation of a person for viewing and burial an art form and so his favored area of work is embalming, dressing, casketing, and cosmetology, creating a near life like appearance to give families comfort. “Taking care of families in the toughest time of their life and helping to ease their grief is central to my work,” says Matt, “For this I am willing to do whatever is needed.”

Matt is married, has two grown daughters and three grandchildren. He and his wife live in Westford where he enjoys model railroading, golf, and working in the yard.

“My life’s experiences prepared me perfectly for the role of creating personal tributes for families. Whether a video montage, prayer card or memorial candle, I appreciate the significance of these treasures for grieving families. I take great care and tremendous pride in my tribute duties, because I am creating a lifetime memory.”

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 and spends a majority of her time creating memorable tributes to honor loved ones.

Donna continues to honor Kaitlyn’s legacy through passionate volunteerism with the Make A Wish Foundation of MA & RI and The Jimmy Fund of Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Donna’s enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and she can be found on a soccer field, cheering her children on, capturing photos them and their teammates. When not in her adopted town of Holden, Donna can be found enjoying the beaches of Hutchinson Island, FL, Cape May, NJ or Cape Cod.

“I am passionate about the funeral industry because having suffered a loss myself, I want to be that person who helps someone through those first days.”

Courtney’s background in health care, helping people in need, developing the capacity to be a calm, focused presence while getting the job done has proven to be a great asset to the Miles team. Her previous employment as an EMT as well as her work in health and life insurance prepared her with a positive attitude and the administrative skills vital to the funeral industry.

She loves being a part of a team that provides what she describes as “5-star treatment every time”. Creating meaningful tribute items, facilitating death certificates, and organizing benefits for military decedents are her favorite aspects of the job.

Paige comes to the Miles team having worked for a prominent jewelry store where she became proficient at customer service. Having facilitated various fixes through the warranty and repair department, Paige likes getting things done in a timely manner to the customer’s satisfaction. Managing staff, planning, promoting, and executing specialty events sharpened her skill for working with a variety of people to orchestrate a well-organized and meaningful experience.

Paige enjoys event planning. From a very young age she has always planned her own birthday parties. She is optimistic, effervescent, loves checklists and organization, and appreciates working in small family businesses.

A graduate of Auburn High School, where she participated in theater and music, Paige attended Dean College and is currently working toward a Communications degree at Southern New Hampshire University.
She lives in Grafton where she cherishes the company of her family, including her mini-Australian shepherd, Bandit.

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

As Director of Community Education, Pam offers workshops and seminars on a variety of topics related to death, dying and after-life care. She offers opportunities virtually and in-person in educational settings, corporate environments, churches, senior groups, and other community/civic organizations. Whatever the topic she strives to support personal and professional growth around the topics of death, memorialization and grief work.

Pam is an interfaith minister serving those who identify as spiritual but not religious. She has devoted many years to end of life chaplaincy, helping people to heal and prepare for death. The essence of her work is in hearing, affirming, and honoring each life. Pam brings people’s stories to life through her avocation as a legacy writer.

Pam received her B.A. in English with a concentration in writing from Worcester State University, an M.A. 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.

Email: [email protected]

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

As treasurer and business manager at Miles, Bev oversees finances and human resources and supervises daily tasks including advertising, daily financial operations, maintenance and grounds. Her capacity to multi-task coupled with a keen knowledge of the industry offers families and staff assistance with confidence and hope. With a desire to run a business that is both empathetic and efficient, Bev’s sole aspiration is to ensure that everyone has what they need, when they need it.

Bev received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Nichols College and an MBA. from Anna Maria College preparing her for all aspects of management. 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 Shih Tzu puppies, the ocean and Cape Cod. Above all things Bev is committed to her family. She is full of pride in realizing the wonderful human beings her two children have become; her desired epitaph simply, "In life, she was most proud of her children."

A 2015 graduate of Wachusett High School in Holden where she was raised, Sierra came to Miles with a bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria in Forensic Criminology and experience working in banking and customer service. At the urging of friend, Sierra had a conversation with a young man apprenticing in the funeral industry and subsequently enrolled in FINE Mortuary College to pursue a career in funeral service.

Sierra admits she always had a curiosity about death, never feeling awkward or uncomfortable around death. Her career path in forensics had the science, but no art form. Being a funeral director meets her need to connect with people, use skills such as cosmetology, and create a supportive emotional environment for grieving families. Being an intricate part of a family’s process in saying good-bye to a loved one brings her great satisfaction and peace.

Sierra lives in Holden where she enjoys the company of her parents, five siblings, two cats and two dogs. She is an avid reader of psychological thrillers, balanced with a love for listening to comedy podcasts,

Like many people in the industry, Nick was drawn to the profession after having a positive experience with funeral care providers when his grandfather passed away. At the age of 16, with an optimistic spirit, he began working at a funeral home performing such duties as parking cars, cleaning the funeral home or assisting at live-stream ceremonies. Nick received excellent hands-on education before deciding to apprentice in what he intends to be a lifetime career of helping to bring light into the darkest moments of grief-stricken people.

A proud native of Shrewsbury and 2020 graduate of Shrewsbury High School, Nick is anticipating a May, 2024 graduation from Assumption University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in marketing. With plans to begin mortuary school soon thereafter, Nick joins the Miles team with a deep commitment to serving others, especially guiding people through the mourning process.

In his spare time Nick enjoys spending time with his family, being active in the Italian community, traveling and playing golf.