Miles Funeral Home

11/23/2025

Richard L. Wood

HOLDEN – Richard L. Wood, age 68, died peacefully on November 18, 2025, at Westborough Healthcare, after a period of declining health. Born in Worcester to the late Leland Wood and Frances (Farinelli) Lonardo.

Richard grew up in Shrewsbury attending Shrewsbury High School, eventually settling in Holden. He attended Assumption College, after which he worked as an Inspector at Coors-Tek for many years. He was a veteran of the United States Army stationed in Germany during his years of service.

Richard will be lovingly missed and remembered by his cherished wife of 35 years, Eileen B. (Patrone) Wood; his daughter, Kristen A. Blake and her husband, Ian of Northbridge; and his brothers, Ronald P. Wood and his wife, Cheryl of Lakeland, Florida, and Frederick J. Lonardo and his wife, Cheryl of Holden; his niece Nicole Lonardo; his nephews Daniel Lonardo and his wife, Alexandra; Riley Wood and his wife, Morgan.

Richard had many hobbies, he was a collector of stamps and coins and he would attend many stamp and coin shows. He also enjoyed building military models. Richard loved the Red Sox and Patriots. An avid fan of both, anytime a game was on he would be watching or listening to the game on the radio.

Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

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11/21/2025

Raymond L. Smola, Jr.

Holden / Sterling – Raymond L. Smola, Jr., 68, of Sterling and formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a long battle with COPD, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus in Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Agnes P. (Desroches) and Raymond L. Smola, Sr., and was raised in Holden.

Raymond attended Wachusett Regional High School and went on to cultivate a lifelong passion for the outdoors. For many years he devoted himself to landscaping, a vocation that allowed him to work with the nature he loved. Raymond also had a gift for connecting with people, a strong work ethic, and a passion for detailing cars. These qualities served him well during his time as a limousine driver for the former Gray’s Limousine Company of Boylston. Raymond found joy riding his motorcycle, tending to a project in the yard, listening to music, or relaxing at the beach. He took pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces and cherished the joy of driving and meeting new people. Ray had a gift for turning strangers into friends, and his stories, always colorful and full of humor, will be remembered by all who knew him.

He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Jennifer Smola and her partner, Paul Wurm of Sterling, and Jessica Stuart and her husband, Riyan of Texas; his brother, Theodore Smola and his wife, Diane, of Worcester; his sister, Susan Wheeler and her husband, William, of Rutland, his sister Cynthia Stamm, of Alabama, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves his beloved cat, Spaz, who was his constant companion.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a memorial tree or give to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-honor-raymond-smolas-memory

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11/20/2025

Steven C. Flaherty

Steven C. Flaherty, of Worcester, MA, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 6 at the age of 64.

Born and raised in Holden, Steve attended Wachusett Regional High School. Soon after he began a long career in maintenance. Settling in Worcester, where he made his home for the remainder of his life, he served as a facilities supervisor at Worcester State University for more than twenty years.

Steve earned his karate black belt and had a lifelong love for animals, especially his birds and cats. He was deeply curious about the natural world, particularly geology, but nothing delighted him more than making others laugh.

Steve was a passionate paranormal investigator. He was a seeker of mysteries, a traveler through shadows. As an investigator for the Order of St. Michael Order of Exorcists, he shared his expertise by teaching classes, leading paranormal investigations, and offering support to individuals seeking help with unexplained spirits in their homes. Performing exorcisms and exploring the supernatural never unsettled him; instead, they reflected a calling he embraced wholeheartedly. He was the founder and owner of Seven Hills Ghost Hunters, through which he pursued and lived out his avocation.

He leaves longtime companion and significant other, Carol Merchant. He leaves his children Anne Marie Craig and Christopher Steven Flaherty, their mother, his former wife, Cathy Evans and granddaughters Trinity and Abigail. He leaves his brother Kenneth R. Flaherty, sisters-in-laws Cynthia Flaherty and Geraldine Flaherty, and his sister Dawn Auger and her husband Wayne. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his parents Sally and Walter Flaherty, his brother Thomas R. Flaherty and his beloved nephew Timothy Auger.

Friends are invited to visit with his family Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. followed by a procession to Worcester Country Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton, where he will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, please perform a random act of kindness in Steve’s honor.

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11/20/2025

Miles joins the work of educating people on children's grief. Read today's Thoughtful Thursday blog to learn how to recognize and support a grieving child.

https://www.milesfuneralhome.com/children-s-grief-awareness-day

11/19/2025

Richard P. Meade

Brooklyn, NY/Worcester – Richard P. Meade, 92, died peacefully in his residence on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after a long illness. He was born in Bronx, New York on July 30, 1933, and he was raised in Harlem. After high school, Richard enrolled in the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic with the U.S. Army Rangers.

After leaving the service, Richard attended college on the G.I. Bill. He attended the Manhattan School of X-Ray, Dental and Medical Technology where he received a license in both X-ray and Medical Technology. He received an Associate degree in Applied Science from New York City Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Long Island University. In addition to college, in 1952 Richard attended Umpire School where he received a certificate, which qualified him to be a Professional Baseball Umpire.

On April 11, 1954, he married Hazel Helen Heastie, and they had three children: Aldwin Blair, Mary Elaine and Karen Ann. As a young father, Richard loved performing magic tricks, telling stories, and spending time playing with and teasing his children.

Richard worked as an X-ray Technician, Laboratory Examiner, Medical Technologist and Professor of Laboratory Technology. He became Supervisor and then Manager of the laboratories at several New York City hospitals for many years, retiring at 75 years old.

Some of Richard’s favorite pastimes were reading, going to the movies and to the beach. Richard had a great appreciation for music of all genres. He was an excellent dancer and an all-around sportsman. He could be found many a Sundays playing basketball in the park. Above all he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.

Richard will be dearly missed and remembered always by his beloved wife of 71 years, Hazel H. (Heastie) Meade; his daughters, Mary Meade-Montaque and her husband, Milton Montaque of Sterling and Karen Wilson and her husband, Eric Wilson of New York; his grandchildren; Milton Montaque II and his wife, Tabeth, Mariyan Montaque, Kendall Wilson and his wife, Tara, Kameron Wilson, Aldwyn Montaque, Kiara Wilson and Kyle Wilson; and great grandson Tatum Wilson; in addition to several nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends. Richard was predeceased by his son, Aldwin Blair Meade and his sister, Mary Edwardine Meade.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Military Funeral Honors and interment at Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY on December 8th at 10:45 am followed by a celebration of life honoring and celebrating Richard’s life at 12:30 p.m. at Emmanuel French SDA Church, 655 Old Country Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746-4612.

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11/18/2025

Sharon H. Parmenter

Rutland/Spencer – Sharon H. Parmenter, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, at UMass Memorial Healthcare – University Campus in Worcester. Born in Ware, she was the daughter of the late George and Bertha (Howard) Parmenter and was raised in Rutland, where she developed the values and spirit that shaped her life.

Sharon held a deep passion for caring for others and devoted her professional life to service as a nursing assistant at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. Compassionate and steadfast, she touched countless lives through her work. A gifted musician, she found joy in playing her guitar and singing old country and Christian hymns, sharing music that reflected her warm heart and unwavering faith.

In her youth, Sharon delighted in riding horses and spending time outdoors, embracing the simple beauty of nature. Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and purpose. She will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.

Sharon will be lovingly missed and remembered by her niece, Ethel Bacon of Lunenburg; her brother, Dennis Parmenter of Rutland; and her great-nieces, Kera Bacon and Kaylee Bacon. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Rural Cemetery, Main Street, Rutland. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

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11/18/2025

Gary C. Gaskin

JEFFERSON/EASTHAM - Gary C. Gaskin, 79, of Jefferson and Eastham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, after a long period of declining health. Born on June 6, 1946 in Worcester to the late Arnold C. Gaskin and Grace I. (Stolnacke) Gaskin, Gary was the oldest of three sons.

Gary graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, Worcester Junior College, and Anna Maria College with a degree in criminal justice.

He served in the United States Army in Germany. He was a member of the military ski patrol on Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, in Garmisch. He later served in the military police in Frankfort, Germany.

Returning home, he was the manager of the Alpine Ski Shop in Framingham. He then joined the Holden Police Department where he served for over 30 years, retiring as a sergeant.

Gary was an accomplished carpenter, building a 14-foot water skiing boat, furniture and his home in Jefferson where he raised his beautiful family.

Gary enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, skiing, and was a certified scuba diver. He loved body surfing at the beach on Cape Cod, always the last one to leave the water at the end of the day.

Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen (Peterson), his daughter, Rachel Nedic (Sasa) of Pennsylvania, and son, Samuel Gaskin (Elizabeth) of Holyoke, and his three cherished grandchildren, Emmett, Winifred, and Robin Gaskin. He leaves a brother, Stephen, nieces, Lori Gaskin and Pamela French, and a nephew, Scott Peterson. He was predeceased by a brother, Jeffrey Gaskin.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gary’s family from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 20th, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury St. Holden, MA 01520, or Wachusett Greenways, P.O. Box 121, Holden, MA 01520.

To share a message or offer condolences, please visit his obituary at www.milesfuneralhome.com

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11/17/2025

Timothy Stephen Steeves

STERLING – Timothy Stephen Steeves passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, from complications of Frontotemporal Dementia. Oldest son of Madeleine Jacqueline (Barbe) Steeves and Spurgeon Stephen Steeves, Timothy was born in Paris, France on October 17, 1953. He spent his early childhood years in Wellesley, MA, then moved and grew up in Newton Highlands, MA. Timothy graduated from Newton South High School, then attended Northeastern and Boston Universities where he earned his degree in business. Timothy worked in insurance and later was IT support for Proskauer Rose LLP Law Firm and AT&T.

He is predeceased by his parents, younger sister, Marthe Steeves Pedersen and youngest brother, Seth Lang Steeves. He is survived by his wife, Marypat (Sullivan) McGrath; his two children, Dean Robert and Laurel Ann Steeves; his stepdaughter Emma Kate McGrath Pendergast; his identical twin, Duncan Marcel Steeves; younger brother, Andrew Antonio Steeves; and brother-in-law, Michael Pedersen. He leaves behind 5 nieces; 2 nephews; a step-nephew; and a step-granddaughter. He will forever be remembered by those who loved his brightest smile and kindest heart. And although his journey here on Earth has ended, we know he is now walking the beaches and hiking the forests in heaven with the angels, where his soul will have eternal peace.

The family is eternally grateful to the staff at Health Alliance Home Health and Hospice and for the wonderful care Tim's aides provided to him throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Timothy S. Steeves to www.theaftd.org or to the MGH FTD Unit at www.ftdboston.org.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10 at Hillside Cemetery, 27 Clinton Road, Sterling. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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11/17/2025

Lenora J. Newell

WORCESTER – Lenora J. Newell, 78, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Life Care Center of Auburn after an illness. Born and raised in Holden, Lenora was the daughter of Laurence R. Newell, Sr. and Edith (Hawes) Newell and lived in Worcester for over 50 years.

She leaves her loving daughters, Paula J. Bernard of Worcester and Vikki Ostromecky, and her fiancé, John LaFlash, of Worcester; two grandchildren, Jessica Murphy and her husband, Andrew, of Worcester, and Joseph Bernard and his fiancée, Kristine Boland, of Southbridge; five great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces, including Kevin Newell of Holden and Rachel Lindquist of Worcester; and her sister in law, Joyce Newell of Worcester. She was predeceased by her brother, Laurence R. Newell, Jr.

Lenora was a graduate of Worcester Girls Trade High School. Before raising her family, she worked at Grants in Worcester, and later in the cafeterias at Digital Equipment Corp. in Northborough and at Shrewsbury High School.

Lenora dedicated her life to her children, whom she raised as a single parent. She was known for her impressive cake decorating skills and made cakes for all occasions, including weddings, birthdays, and graduations. When she was younger, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her parents.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Lenora’s family from 12 to 1 pm on Friday, November 21, at Miles Funeral Home,1158 Main St., Holden followed by a funeral service at 1 pm. Burial will be held at High Plain Cemetery in West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Animal Services Adoption Center, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

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11/16/2025

Beatrice Inez Dusza

Southbridge/Worcester – Beatrice Inez Dusza (Honeybea), 89, beloved wife of the late Robert J. Dusza, Sr., passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Born and raised in Fresno, CA, she was the daughter of the late John and Katherine (Roach) Fleming.

Beatrice enjoyed a long career as the Director of Admissions, Outpatient Services, for both UMass Memorial Health-Harrington Hospital-Southbridge Campus and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT. She retired after 30 years of dedicated service.

Faith and family were first and foremost for Beatrice. She was a devout catholic and a faithful and active member of the former St. Hedwig’s Church in Southbridge. Because she was constantly praying for her family, they would often comment that she “was on the beads”. She was all about the family connection. Nothing brought her more joy than hosting family gatherings. She was a talented cook and well known for her Polish dishes. In her spare time, she could often be found reading. In her later years, she enjoyed listening to audio books as well.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children, Robert J. Dusza, Jr. and his wife, Lori of Manchester, CT, Maryann Lavallee and her husband, John of Barre, Jennifer Engledow and her husband, David of Jarrell, TX and Francine Shirley and her husband, Bret of Framingham; her two sisters, Judith Boyle and her husband, Robert of Livermore, CA and Rose Dinsmore of Eureka, CA; her 8 grandchildren, Rachel D’Angelo and her husband, Anthony, Patrick Lavallee and his wife, Nicole, Robert J. Dusza, III, James Dusza, Jessy Engledow, Christopher Engledow and his wife, Brendie, Corey Engledow and his wife Ashley and Astrid Shirley; her 6 great-grandchildren, Madison, Emelia, Jameson, Jack, Keith and Violet. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Robert, she was predeceased by siblings Kathleen (Katie), John, Cecilia, Edward, Geneva Ann, Juanita, Helen, David, Regina, and Victoria.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patricks Church, 258 Main Street, Rutland. Beatrice will be laid to rest beside her husband on Friday, November 21 in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary Health Care Center, 39 Queen Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

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11/15/2025

Joel "JK" W. Knapp

WORCESTER – Joel Knapp (JK) died on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at his home in Worcester. He was 69. Mr. Knapp was born and raised in Worcester, a son of Walter and Antoinette (Jacobs) Knapp. From a young age, Mr. Knapp lived with both severe seizures and developmental disabilities. He was known for his sunny disposition, brilliant smile, and love of drawing. He had a great fondness for old television shows and cartoons, phone number memorization, and the color purple. He loved to travel and enjoyed recounting his favorite trips, including visits to family in Nova Scotia, Vermont, and Florida, and trips abroad including an often-remembered trip to the United Kingdom. When he was in his forties, Mr. Knapp experienced a fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Yet he continued to seek out new adventures; one of his favorites was being part of “Team Hoyt,” which gave him the opportunity to participate in numerous races in a specialized racing wheelchair, pushed by one of the Hoyt team runners. Mr. Knapp participated in the Venture day program for many decades, in programs run by the ARC of Massachusetts, and lived in both Venture and Seven Hills group homes. The family is so very grateful to everyone in these organizations who helped provide Mr. Knapp with more independence and a full and joyous life.

Mr. Knapp was predeceased by his parents, Toni and Walter, and his brother, Stephen Knapp. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Cherie Olihovik of Millbury; his sister-in-law, Frankie Knapp of State College, PA; his niece, Karen Heon and her husband Jeff of N. Providence, RI; his niece, Kristy Olihovik and her fiancé José Rodriguez of Dudley; his niece, Sarah Damaske and her husband Paul of State College, PA; his nephew, Jonathan Knapp and his wife Alex Callender of Easthampton; and his great-nephews and great-nieces, Brayden Heon, Makenna Heon, Cameron Tagliaferro, and Charlotte Damaske, as well as numerous cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with JK’s family from 12 to 1 pm Sunday, November 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden followed by a memorial service celebrating his life at 1 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Team Hoyt, Venture Community Services, or The ARC of Massachusetts. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

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11/13/2025

Robert V. Beauchesne

Lunenburg – Robert V. Beauchesne, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital – Leominster Campus, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Arthur and Josephine (Paton) Beauchesne. A proud graduate of Lawrence High School, Robert went on to serve his country in the 2nd Battalion 102nd Artillery Army National Guard before embarking on a long and dedicated career as a tractor-trailer driver for the Very Fine Fruit Juice Company.

In 1990, Robert married the love of his life, Carole, and together they made their home in Lunenburg. A man of many talents, Robert was a skilled woodworker whose craftsmanship reflected his patience and creativity. He was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and had an impressive collection of 1st gear collectible tractor-trailers. He was also a loyal supporter of the New England Patriots. Yet above all his passions and pursuits, Robert’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and took immense pride in his role as a great-grandfather.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Carole L. (Stevens) Beauchesne; his son, Jason Kublbeck and his wife, Renée, of Holden. He was predeceased by his son, Rich Kublbeck, in 2024. He also leaves his niece, Georgette Beauchesne of Indiana, whom he considered his daughter; his children, Shawn, Christine, David, and Kelly Beauchesne; his grandchildren, Kayla, Justin, Kyle, Victoria, Jeremy and Nathaniel; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Cooper, Maverick, and Gabriel. He was predeceased by his brothers, Timothy and Raymond Beauchesne.

The Beauchesne family extends their sincere appreciation to the devoted and compassionate staff of the CCU at Leominster Hospital for the attentive and tender care provided to Robert.

Funeral services will be private and are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In memory of Robert, donations may be made to St Christopher Trucker Relief Fund, PO Box 30763, Knoxville, TN 37930.

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