Miles Funeral Home

Home
United States
Holden, MA
Miles Funeral Home

Miles Funeral Homes are full-service, locally-owned funeral homes located in Holden and Sterling, MA. You can also choose cremation with a memorial ceremony.

Miles Funeral Home has an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau that proves their dedication to the families that they serve and their engagement in ethical practices. In addition, they are committed to serving all nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds. They are one of the few funeral homes in Massachusetts to be a part of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. The funeral planning team has a Ce

lebration of Life Center that focuses on honoring the life of your loved one in a customized, unique way. Every attendee will remember how exceptional the service is when you choose Miles Funeral Home. Miles Funeral Home offers cremation services and always has staff ready to handle the remains of your loved one in a respectful, dignified manner. If you choose direct cremation, your family may choose to scatter the ashes or have a small gathering on your own time. These ceremonies are unique in that they are not rushed to adhere to a strict burial schedule. Because the cremation is already performed, a memorial can be held anytime after, per the convenience of the family. All traditional funeral options are available, with military honors and veteran services for those who qualify. And you can also choose a modern funeral option like a themed funeral or a Life Celebration. The goal of the funeral team is to plan a service that is above the expectations of the family. Therefore, you can expect any services beyond the funeral, burial, and graveside services. Grief resources, Jewish services, orthodox funeral services, and all traditions and needs will be prioritized and provided with love. Available funeral products include urns, vaults, caskets, and memorials. Miles Funeral Home aims to have a positive impact on the Worcester, Holden, West Boylston, Paxton, Auburn, Shrewsbury, Boylston, Sterling, Clinton, and Leominster communities. Whether they sponsor the local charity golf tournament or volunteer at the food pantry, they are dedicated to making the community a better place. Pre-planning funeral services are a great way to record what your wishes are before death occurs. You can save your family the worry and let them focus on sharing memories with friends and family rather than planning a funeral. Call Miles Funeral Home to get started today. The funeral home is located at 1158 Main St Holden, MA 01520. You can call to speak with a caring funeral planner: (508) 829-4434.

06/04/2026

Maxim Korn

SHREWSBURY - Maxim Korn, age 86, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Born in Magnitogorsk, USSR, he was the son of Avram and Malka (Dessau) Korn.

Maxim graduated from the Glinka Novosibirsk State Conservatory, earning a Doctorate in Music. A prominent violinist, chamber musician and pedagogue, he was known for his performances and teaching in Russia, Israel and the United States.

Maxim will be lovingly missed and remembered by his adoring wife of 59 years, Isabella (Vetzner) Korn of Shrewsbury; his devoted children, Inna Liubovich and her husband Ilya of Shrewsbury, and Michael Korn and his wife, Shelly of Sharon; and his cherished grandchildren, Daniel Liubovich and his wife, Gracie, Lisa Liubovich, Luba Korn, Nathaniel Korn, Gabriel Korn and Nia John. He was predeceased by his sister, Svetlana Korn many years ago.

Family and friends will gather to honor Maxim’s life and memory at a Graveside Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John’s Road, Worcester. Memorial Observances will be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Chabad of Shrewsbury, 506 Main St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (www.chabadshrewsbury.com), or Magen David Adom, 20 W. 36th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10018-9784 (www.afmda.org).

View Maxim Korn's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/04/2026

John L. Fowley

AVON PARK, FL - John L. Fowley, a resident of Avon Park, Florida, was born on December 16, 1944 in Worcester, Massachusetts and passed on May 12, 2026 in Sebring, Florida.

John and his wife had purchased a home in Seaside Resort on Big Coppitt Key in 1989 and they often visited there until they moved there full time in 2002. John had a love for being on the sea, fishing in the ocean and the beauty of the Florida Keys. He was known for his beautiful smile and warm heart. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. His kindness and generosity touched countless lives. He was never angry. If he was ever upset about anything, all you could see is this one vein that popped out of his forehead.

He spent his youth in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduated from Classical High School in 1964. He received an Associate’s degree in Arts Business Administration from Worcester Junior College in 1975. He went on to make significant contributions in his professional life as a leader in the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), serving as President and a past President. He started his career at Norton Company in Worcester, Massachusetts as a Systems Engineer. He then worked at Simplex Time Recorder Company in Gardner, Massachusetts as the Materials Manager for production and inventory where he met his wife Deborah. After that he worked at Veryfine Fruit Juice as the Director of Logistics. Once moving to the Keys, he worked as the Purchasing Agent for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, purchasing everything from pencils to helicopters.

John was predeceased by his father, John J. Fowley, mother, Dorothy (Sullivan) Fowley, sister, Patricia Jablonski, bothers James Fowley and Frances “Butch” Fowley.

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Deborah Millett Fowley of Avon Park; sister Dorothy Turgeon of Worcester, Massachusetts; daughters Deborah Fowley and Tricia Draleaus (Matthew) both of Sterling, Massachusetts; grandson Matthew Fowley (Allyson) of West Boylston, Massachusetts; granddaughter Audrey Draleaus of Sterling, Massachusetts; previous wife and wonderful friend Cynthia Kjerting of Thompson, Connecticut, several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, Massachusetts. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakland University Eye Research Institute (www.oakland.edu), a charity of your choice, or plant a tree.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit his guestbook.

View John L. Fowley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

Henry "Butch" W. Bottcher, Jr.

HOLDEN – Henry “Butch” W. Bottcher, Jr., 82, formerly of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester, surrounded by the love and care of his devoted daughter, Kirsten.

Born in Worcester and raised in Holden, Henry was the son of the late Henry W. and Elsa V. (Dahlgren) Bottcher. After spending four decades in Denver, where he built both a career and a life rooted in his love of the outdoors, he returned to Holden in 2000.

Henry leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory and miss him dearly, including his daughter, Kirsten B. Schmit and her husband, Chad; his beloved grandson, Aiden Schmit; and eight cousins, among them David Bottcher and his wife Linda, Jerry Bottcher and his wife Linda, and Marilee Rauh.

A graduate of Worcester Academy’s Class of 1962, Henry went on to attend the University of Denver. He spent more than 30 years as a respected self-employed painting contractor in the Denver area, earning the trust and appreciation of countless clients through his dedication, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic.

Henry’s greatest joy was found in nature. An avid outdoorsman, he embraced Colorado’s mountains, forests, and open spaces through camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. His deep appreciation for the natural world was a defining part of his life and one of the reasons he remained in Colorado for so many years. Whether exploring a mountain trail or casting a line into a quiet stream, he found peace, purpose, and happiness in the outdoors.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Henry’s life at a funeral service to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elder Services of Worcester Area.

View Henry "Butch" W. Bottcher, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Leonard "Lenny" Alpert

CHARLOTTE, NC - Leonard Alpert, longtime resident of Worcester, MA, died in Charlotte, NC on Monday, June 1st, 2026, at the age of 92. For 69 years Lenny was the devoted husband of Elaine “Shani” Alpert, née Epstein.

A graduate of Boston University, Lenny was for many years the proprietor of Edison Wipers. Upon retirement he and Shani moved south, enjoying their later years in Naples, FL. When they were no longer able to live alone, they made their home with their elder son Bruce, in Charlotte, NC. Their younger son, Gary, who lives in Dallas, TX, was a welcome visitor. Besides his two sons, of which he was very proud, Lenny also leaves three grandsons, Perry Alpert of Charlotte, NC and Jacob and Joshua Alpert of Dallas, TX.

Lenny was Intellectually curious and well informed, reading nonfiction books, especially about World War II, and reading the New York Times every day into his 90s.

He was a loyal, avid Boston sports fan, especially of the Red Sox and the Patriots. He was an accomplished tennis player and was never happier than when he was on the tennis court, correctly calling the lines.

He was devoted, not only to his wife, but to his wife’s extended family, who were always concerned about his welfare.

Lenny’s sense of humor was dry, but clever. Even as he aged, he was still very “sharp.” Lenny especially took joy in engaging in banter with anyone at every opportunity. With his excellent vocabulary and deeply held convictions he was an excellent conversationalist. He will be sorely missed.

Family and friends will gather for a Graveside Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 3rd at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John’s Road, Worcester. Memorial Observance will be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

View Leonard "Lenny" Alpert's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Richard Reed "Dick" Watson

HOLDEN - Richard Reed “Dick” Watson, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston.

Born and raised in Worcester, Dick was the beloved son of the late Walter and Phyllis (Reed) Watson. Diagnosed at an early age with cerebral palsy, Dick nevertheless thrived and lived a full and joyful life. He spent much of his life with his loving family, moving with his parents to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida in the 1970’s until 2004, when he returned to Holden to live with his devoted sister, Gail, and her husband, Skeels, who cared for him with unwavering love.

Dick is survived by his cherished sister, Gail P. Thompson and her husband, C. Skeels Thompson, of Holden; his sister-in-law, Barbarita Watson of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada; his many beloved nieces and nephews: Jeffrey Thompson and his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Caroline and Julie; Scott Thompson and his wife, Pamela, and their children, David, and Michelle and her husband, Evan, and their daughter, Riley; Todd Thompson and his wife, Emily, and their children, Matthew and Ryan; Robyn (Watson) Lawrence and her husband Bill, and their children Meagan, Jacob, and Stephanie; and Allan Watson and his wife Heather and their children Hannah, Lyla, and Liam; and his many loving cousins and their families.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brother, William Watson; his nephew, Keith Thompson; his niece Alyson Watson; and his nephew Todd Watson.

Dick was a sweet and happy man who instantly brought joy to everyone around him. He loved all of the family’s dogs, especially his beloved Brady. He enjoyed attending Seven Hills Day Program and seeing his friends, participating in activities, creating crafts, singing in the chorus, and attending field trips. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing every detail about his day at Seven Hills and proudly showing off his creations to family and friends.

Dick treasured the memories of his thirty years in Florida: picking grapefruits from his family’s tree, and loving the independence of riding his bicycle around the neighborhood, which gave him newfound confidence, opportunities, and friendships. He enjoyed socializing over board games and card games, family gatherings, and outings such as trips to see the WooSox. Dick also had an outstanding memory and could recall family events from long ago in great detail, along with all the phone numbers of family, friends, and neighbors that he had called throughout his life.

Dick’s family is grateful to the many individuals and organizations that provided him with friendship, support, and compassionate care throughout his later years. In particular; friends and staff from Seven Hills Day Program and Nonotuck Resource Associates, Peter from Thrive Program, Abraham from Elara and Elder Services, the caregivers at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, and Amy, June, and Kelli from HealthAlliance Home Health and Hospice. Your care and support meant so much to Dick and to all of us.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in celebration of Dick’s life on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main St, Holden. Interment will immediately follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to The Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 or to Nonotuck Resource Associates.

View Richard Reed "Dick" Watson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

Barbara A. Shimkus

Rutland - Barbara A. Shimkus passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026 with her family by her side. She is the loving wife of the late Charles Shimkus who predeceased her in 2013.

Born in Worcester, Barbara is the daughter of John and Joan (Jacewicz) Murphy. She met her husband Charles and together they shared over 60 years of marriage and a loving family.

Barbara was the true definition of a homemaker, someone who took immense pride in creating a warm, tidy, and welcoming home for those she loved. She cared for her household with meticulous attention and found great joy in decorating for every season, always adding thoughtful touches that reflected her creativity. Barbara especially enjoyed spending time browsing for crafts and unique treasures at Gifted Hands in Spencer, where she could often be found searching for her next seasonal decoration. She also cherished simple adventures with her husband, particularly scenic drives along the coast to Maine, where the ocean views brought her great happiness.

Barbara leaves behind her four children, Debra Shimkus-Tambollio of North Brookfield, Michael Shimkus and his wife Teresa of Princeton, Diane Coderre and her husband Steven of Fremont, NH, and John Shimkus of Rutland, who was her primary caregiver for the last several years of her life. She also leaves behind several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Katie.

She is predeceased by her husband Charles; brothers, John "Jack" Murphy and Thomas Murphy; and her parents.

She will be laid to rest in a private service at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

Miles Funeral Home in Holden is assisting with arrangements. Please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com to leave a message or share a memory in the guestbook.

View Barbara A. Shimkus's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

If someone you know if grieving and graduating, today's Thoughtful Thursday blog may help them...

Helping grieving graduates

05/27/2026

William P. Lunn

Holden – William “Bill” P. Lunn, 80, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly and who loved him without measure. Born and raised in Galashiels, Scotland, he was the cherished son of the late Thomas and Jane (Pringle) Lunn.

Bill was shaped by the best of Scotland — attending Galashiels Academy and Castlehill School in Edinburgh, and later earning a City & Guilds diploma in Bakery and Confectionery Arts from the London Institute. But it was his heart, more than any résumé, that defined the course of his life. He followed the love of his life, Phyllis (Munro), across an ocean to America — a decision that shaped everything that followed. He served proudly in the United States Army on Special Assignment at West Point, New York, and in 1969 he and Phyllis were married. In 1973, they settled in Holden, where together they built something truly rare: a home filled with love, laughter, loyalty, music, dancing, and 56 years of enduring devotion.

An award-winning baker by trade, Bill brought his craft and care to Crown Bakery and Widoff’s Bakery, and later served as a supervisor for Continental Baking Company and Table Talk Pies. Yet his gifts extended far beyond the culinary arts. Before coming to America, he played rugby in Scotland, and his love of sports never left him. For many years, he gave back to the community as a coach and director for Holden Youth Soccer, mentoring young athletes with the same enthusiasm and kindness he brought to every part of his life. Golf was another cherished passion — less about the score and more about the camaraderie, laughter, and joy of a long walk shared with good friends.

Those who knew Bill best will remember the unmistakable sound of his laugh, the humor he found in everyday moments, and the unwavering love he had for Phyllis and his family.

Bill leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will forever cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Phyllis C. (Munro) Lunn; his sons, Ritchie Lunn and his wife, Tammy of Rutland, and Andrew “Andy” Lunn of Holden; his daughters, Angela Lunn-Marcustre and her husband, Joseph of North Brookfield, and Jacqueline “Jackie” Lunn of Holden; his treasured grandchildren, Hope, Kyla, Corbin, Morgan, Cody, Alexis, Liam, and Jack; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews in Scotland and England. He was predeceased by his brother, Jackie Lunn; his sisters, former Inspector Helen Lunn of Scotland Yard, Jeanette Cowan, and Jean Noble; and many beloved family members in Scotland.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

Interment will be held privately at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604

View William P. Lunn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

Richard Joseph Holland

WORCESTER - Richard Joseph Holland, 94, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born in 1932 in Albany, NY, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Eleanor, in 2013. Richard is survived by his children, Gail Holland-Dufault and her husband, Chip Dufault; Richard Holland; and Timothy Holland and his wife, Wendy Holland. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Moira Dufault, Katherine Dufault, Adam Holland, Meghan Holland, and Deven Keady, as well as his niece, Janet Holland.

A standout all-city athlete, he graduated from the Vincentian Institute in Albany and attended George Washington University on an athletic scholarship. He later transferred to Siena College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in Economics/Finance in 1955. After college, Richard entered the U.S. Navy and served on the staff of Destroyer Flotilla Four at the Norfolk Destroyer/Submarine piers. He also played guard/linebacker for the championship “Norfolk Tars,” and was honorably discharged in 1957.

Richard retired from Norton/St. Gobain, after a career that began in 1958 as a sales trainee. He held many positions, from Salesman, to District Sales Manager, to Industrial Regional Manager, to Field Sales Manager. He loved working with people, mentoring them, and assisting their development as employees and individuals. After retirement, he worked with Washburn-Garfield Corp/Waites Company. A devout Catholic, he served Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on the Parish Council, as an altar server, as a co-facilitator of the Bereavement Group, and as a Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered for many years at the Francis Xavier Center.

His greatest achievements, though, were the works of his kind, generous, and loving heart. When Eleanor fell ill, Richard devotedly cared for her at home. Throughout her long illness, Richard cared for her with love and patience. His devotion to his lifelong sweetheart embodied the true meaning of love. Throughout his life, he shared himself freely, whether by coaching his sons’ football teams, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic competitions, academic honors, dance recitals, career events, or enjoying countless “tea parties” he was delighted to share in every joyful occasion.

He loved golf, traveling with his family, vacationing on Cape Cod, and keeping in touch with his many friends; his charming, fun-loving personality won him fans wherever he went. He will be desperately missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, May 29, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. A private interment with military honors will be held at Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans, Inc, Visitation House, or Abby’s House, all in Worcester.

View Richard Joseph Holland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Jean Armstrong

Worcester - Jean Armstrong, 84, passed away on May 20, 2026 with her family by her side. She is the loving wife of the late Wayne Armstrong with whom she would have shared almost 60 years of marriage.

Born in Worcester, a daughter of the nine children of the late Joseph and Catherine (Herrie) Gradowski. During her younger years, she helped take care of her siblings and eventually went on to work various jobs throughout her life. She retired from Woodbury & Co. after many years as a machine operator.

Although Jean was a private person, she opened herself up to anyone who needed a kind word or some helpful advice as she was always lending a sympathetic ear to whoever was in need or a shoulder to cry on. People seemed to know how genuine she was and often opened up to her. She liked spending time with her family as well as taking a trip to the casino. She did occasionally play card games for money with family and her opponents often got "Jeanied" leaving them less than they came with. She was funny and fun to be around and will be missed by many.

Jean leaves behind her daughters, Dawn Erickson and husband Gary of Worcester, and Kathy Jo O'Leary of Clinton; her grandchildren, Kayla Erickson, Andrew Erickson and his wife Emily, and Jamison O'Leary; great grandchildren, Logan and Zoey; and brother Bob and his wife Deborah. As well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by siblings, Michael, Peter, Danny, Joey, Mary, Ann, and Jane; and son in law James O'Leary.

A private family service will be held for Jean at Worcester County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice as she always felt giving to those in need was important.

Miles Funeral Home in Holden is assisting with arrangements. Please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com to leave a message or share a memory in her guestbook.

View Jean Armstrong's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

1158 Main Street
Holden, MA
01520

Website

https://www.milesfuneralhome.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Miles Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Holden?

Miles Funeral Home

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category