Miles Funeral Home

04/06/2026

Joseph Wronski

WORCESTER- Joseph Wronski, of Worcester, MA passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in UMass Medical Centre after a lifelong struggle with diabetes. Joseph was born on January 3, 1956, in Holden Hospital and was the youngest of three children of Edmund and Helen, (Winnikainen), Wronski. He is survived by his sister, Jean Thomas of Worcester, his brother Richard, and his wife Michele, of Barre. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, Joanna Thomas-Benway and husband Tommy Benway of Clinton, Ma, Eric Thomas and his wife Marion of Sharon, MA, Emily Rainford and husband Shon of Rutland, MA, Martha McFarland and Husband Brad of Paxton, MA, Petr Wronski, of Barre, MA, Evan Wronski and friend Grace, of Sterling, MA, and Murielle Boyea of Barre, MA. He had three close friends for several decades: John, Robin, and Terry.

Joe worked as a computer engineer, board designer, and programmer for a start up company, Fitsense, near Boston. He was an expert in 4K IC chips and developed some of the earliest technology to track the number of steps a person walked in a day. He was an accomplished guitar player and loved the older Southern Rock. Joe was an avid motorcyclist and went on many touring trips with a bike that he would ride at racetracks in places as far away as Ohio.

In his retirement years, Joe worked for Lowes in Worcester where he found a family away from family. He enjoyed the work and socialization.

Joe struggled a number of years from alcohol but found AA and sobriety 15 years ago. He was especially grateful for the watchful eyes that his nieces Emily and Joanna provided to him for his care in his later years. When he passed he donated his organs and left the world a better place.

Services and Burial will be private. To honor his memory, donations in his name can be sent to: Genesus Club, Inc., 274 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605

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04/04/2026

Kendall "Casey" Cross

JEFFERSON - Kendall A. Cross, 86, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was the loving husband of Janice R. (Bergstrom), with whom he shared over 52 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Kendall (known as Casey) was the son of Harry and Gladys Cross and lived his entire life in Holden. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1959 and served in the Air Force Reserves.

Casey worked for thirty-three years as a delivery driver “a brownie” for United Parcel Service, retiring in 2000, most of that time in the town of Holden. Known for his friendly personality and in a time before Amazon there weren’t a lot of people who didn’t know Casey! After retiring from UPS Casey worked painting for EJ’s Painting and then as a part time meter reader for the Town of Holden Light Department.

Casey found great joy in the beach and ocean, looking forward to his yearly week at Moody Beach, Maine. Often sitting from sunrise to sunset, beach days were not to be wasted! In later years he enjoyed the beaches of Florida and Aruba with the company of good friends and trips to Walt Disney World with his three grandchildren. He was thrilled to have a granddaughter (Molly Kendall) named for him!

Casey enjoyed having a garden, especially growing his own tomatoes. He loved feeding the birds, watching the different kinds that came to his feeders which he always made sure to keep full. Seeing a red (male) cardinal was always a special occasion and squirrels were his arch enemies! He loved to read and often read two or three newspapers a day. He also very much enjoyed the company of friends playing golf. Later in life he was often seen on his daily walks on Main Street in Holden and was always there at his three grandchildren’s various school activities and athletic events. He also very much appreciated the friendships he developed over the years with fellow “regulars” at Quinn’s Irish Pub in Worcester.

In addition to his wife Janice Casey, he leaves his daughter Jennifer DeWitt of Holden, her late husband Steven and their children, Ethan Hollis, Molly Kendall and Owen Walter DeWitt; and his son Mathew Cross.

The family extends its gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester for the excellent and compassionate care they gave Casey in the final months of his life.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours from 12:00 – 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden, A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations in Casey’s memory may be made to any Alzheimer’s charity or the Worcester Animal Rescue League.

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04/02/2026

Caroline R. Makowiecki

HOLDEN - Caroline R. Makowiecki, 59, Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 31, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. She was strong in her faith in Jesus Christ and now resides in his kingdom. She is the loving wife of Michael A. Makowiecki, with whom she shared over 38 years of marriage.

Born in Worcester, Caroline is the daughter of Jean (Bizzarro) Holden and her husband, the late Thomas Holden. She attended St. Peter-Marian High School and went on to Worcester State University, where she met the love of her life, Michael. It was love at first sight and their bond remained steadfast for the next three decades. She worked for the Worcester Police Detective Bureau for 20 years, retiring only days before her passing. Devoted to her career, she built lifelong friendships and received unwavering support from her team at her work.

Affectionately called 'Caroline Sunshine', she was a woman of strong faith and love for her family. She was an expert interior decorator, showing her love through surrounding her living space with beautiful artwork and plant life. She enjoyed trips to Maine or to the ocean with her husband, son, and his fiancé. She had recently begun to deepen her connection to the St.

Christopher's church community and will leave an everlasting legacy of warmth and kindness.

Along with her beloved husband Michael, she leaves behind her son Michael Makowiecki & his fiancé Brenna Delaurie of Worcester; her mother Jean Holden; her cousins, who felt like siblings, Jeanie Johnson, Lisa Wass, and Tony Dalessandro; and many cherished friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8th from 4:00-7:00pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. in Holden. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 9th at 10:00 AM at St. Christopher's Church, 950 West Boylston St. Worcester, MA. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery, Holden. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Christopher's Church, 950 West Boylston St. Worcester, MA 01606.

To leave a message or share a memory with her family please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com

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04/02/2026

James "Bud" Roberts

STERLING- James “Bud” Roberts of Sterling, MA passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born in Lowell MA, to Donald and Ann (Enis) Roberts, and attended Lowell High School. After graduation James began work in the construction industry and retired from the painter's union. Bud was filled with patriotism and was happy to help veterans any way he could. Bud and Kimberley were married for 30 years, and both graciously volunteered their time at the VFW in Lowell, where their love began many years prior. Bud and his wife moved to Sterling in recent years. He could be found at the local poker game with friends, fishing, or doing his new hobby of beading. This new hobby began while fighting his courageous battle of lung cancer to pass the time.

Bud was predeceased by both his parents Donald and Ann. He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 30 years Kimberley (Dionne) Roberts, and his mother-in-law Dorothy Dionne of Lowell. He is also survived by his children, Heather Sinofsky and her husband David of Sterling, James Roberts and his long-time girlfriend Rebecca (Wintringer) of Wisconsin, and Amber Garcia and her husband Juan Jose Garcia of Lancaster. Bud will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Donna Roberts and her boyfriend Kevin Howe of New Hampshire, Daniel Roberts of Florida, Patty Colasuonno and her husband Joe of Florida, and Cheryl Roberts and her wife Patt Champagne of Haverhill; as well as his brother-in-law Christian Dionne and his wife Christine of New Hampshire, and his sister-in-law Jennifer Dionne of Lowell. Bud also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Kalman, Sarah, Elijah, Christian, Vivienne and Eleanor as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd, Sterling, MA.

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04/01/2026

Richard J. Nartowt

HOLDEN- Richard J. Nartowt, 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 29, 2026.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Helen. He is survived by his two children, Richard Nartowt and his wife Stephanie of Whitinsville, and Tracy Nartowt of Holden. He also leaves behind the mother of his children, Deborah Fontaine. His four beloved grandchildren—Walter, Willamina, Sofia, and Layla—will miss him dearly.

Richard graduated from Wachusett High School before entering the Army in 1969. He served his country honorably for two years in Vietnam. After returning home, he worked at County Heat Treat, where he eventually retired as Vice President. Friends knew Richard as an avid golfer; on a sunny day, he could often be found at Pleasant Valley Country Club enjoying a round. He also had a passion for sports cars, from Chargers to Mustangs, and loved all things automotive.

Funeral services will be private and limited to immediate family. Richard will be laid to rest with his family at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

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04/01/2026

Deborah O'Connor

WEST BOYLSTON - Deborah O'Connor, 85, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at Bridges by EPOCH in Hingham. For 51 years, she was the loving wife of the late David C. O'Connor, who predeceased her in 2020.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Bernard J. and Eleanor A. (Laing) Clifford. After being raised in Worcester and beginning her career there, she lived 26 years in Holden, 7 years in Harwich, 15 years in West Boylston, and the last 2 years in Hingham. An accomplished student, she attended Notre Dame Academy before earning her bachelor's degree from Trinity College and later completing a master's program at Assumption University. She continued her studies through graduate coursework at Clark University and Harvard University.

Deborah met her future husband, David O'Connor of Worcester, while teaching at Burncoat Junior High School in Worcester. After a brief courtship, they were married on June 21, 1969, at Our Lady of Rosary Church and lived in Worcester for several years before moving to Holden, where they raised their four children.

A devoted English teacher, she spent the first 6 years of her career at Burncoat High School before spending 18 years at Wachusett Regional High School, where she retired. She took great pride in preparing AP English students for college success, challenging them to read analytically and write persuasively. Beyond the classroom, she generously gave her time. In the 1980s, she was an active room mother at Chaffins School, a Cub Scout den mother for her sons, and a founding member of the Holden Educational Assistance for Learning Disabilities (H.E.A.L.D.). This local volunteer-led nonprofit organization provided educational resources, advocacy, and support services for children with learning disabilities. In later years, she contributed her time to organizations including VNA of Cape Cod and the Harwich Public Library and served as Vice President of the Angell Brook Women's Club.

She found great joy in music (Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot), running, gardening, cooking, and reading, but above all, she cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren.

Deborah will be lovingly remembered and missed by her four children, Sean O'Connor of Watertown, Kevin O'Connor of Worcester, Elizabeth O'Connor and her partner Ethan Brannon of Altadena, CA, and Sarah McSweeney and her husband David of Norwell; her sister Elizabeth Clifford of Charlestown; grandchildren, James and Mairead O'Connor, and Audrey and Katherine McSweeney: and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her late husband, Deborah is predeceased by her brother, Lawrence Clifford, and her sisters, Margaret Clifford, Eleanor Clifford and Mary Hubert.

The family extends its gratitude to the wonderful staff at Bridges by EPOCH in Hingham for the excellent and compassionate care they gave Deborah in the final 2 years of her life.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, April 7th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester St, West Boylston, followed by interment in St. John's Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Deborah's memory may be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, online at https://www.fightingblindness.org/ or by check at P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740. Checks should be made payable to "Foundation Fighting Blindness," and donations should please reference Deborah O'Connor.

To leave a message or share a memory please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com

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04/01/2026

Joanne A. (Karvoski) O'Donnell

BOLTON – Joanne A. (Karvoski) O’Donnell, 81, passed away peacefully after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at River Terrace Nursing home located in Lancaster, where she received wonderful care.

Born on March 24, 1944, and raised in Hudson, Joanne was the beloved daughter of the late John J Karvoski and Agnes A (Lis) Karvoski. She attended Hudson Catholic Grade/High School and later received her associate’s degree in business from Fisher college.

Early in her life, Joanne taught herself to play the guitar and paired with her angelic voice played at many venues such as weddings, church functions and nightclubs. In 1967, Joanne married her soul mate, Martin J. O’Donnell Jr, at Saint Micheals Church located in Hudson. Together they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage until his untimely death in 2012.

In 1970, Joanne started her career at Digital corporation in Maynard as an administrative assistant. She soon realized that her creativity and her love of flowers and her business sense propelled her into opening her own flower shop, the “Lady Slipper”. Her creativity thrusted her career into designing work with balloons and renamed her company “IFO Balloons”. She was loved by all that met her. Her presence, and wonderful kindness demeanor and love for all will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline A. Parslow of Lancaster, John A. Karvoski and sister-in-law Diane of Houston, TX, sister Juliann Borgstrom of Clinton and Janet A. (Karvoski) McGrath of Oxford and brother-in-law John Muckenstrom of Sterling. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition, to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister Judith A. Muckenstrom of Sterling.

Joanne’s family wishes to thank her many friends for their unwavering support and her care team at River Terrace Rehabilitation nursing home who provided exceptional care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Joanne’s Family from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A funeral mass will be held on April 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m at Saint Johns the Guardian of Our Lady Parish located at 80 Union Street in Clinton. Burial will be private and held later.

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

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03/31/2026

Richard C. Jordan

HOLDEN - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard C. Jordan of Holden, MA on March 28, 2026. A man with a heart of gold, Rich spent 63 years spreading kindness, warmth, humor and beauty to those around him.

Rich attended Wachusett Regional High School and received a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University. After graduation, his insurance career spanned over forty years, two decades spent at Paul Revere Life Insurance Company and another two decades at Sun Life Financial. He was a loyal soul. He coached his sons in every one of their young athletic endeavors and, as they grew older, he rarely missed a game, event or reason to cheer them on. He did this through health challenges, blustery days and always with a smile. He was also a dedicated New England sports fan who never gave up on any team, especially the Red Sox during the “Curse of the Bambino”.

Similar to his vast collection of albums, Rich’s personality could light up a room. He had a deep connection to family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Lisa (Stanick) Jordan and his two lights of his life, his sons, Andrew and Christian as well as his future daughter-in-law, Talia Carpinteri. He is survived by his mother, Linda Sweeney, his two sisters, Amy Jordan (John Spandorfer) and Carrie Breschi (David Breschi) and his stepsister, Ann-Marie Copland (Ian Copland), all of whom will sorely miss his bad jokes. He would also want to acknowledge the beautiful in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends, especially Tom Dufault, who meant the world to him. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Jordan, his stepfather, Joseph Sweeney, his sister, Melissa Henderson, as well as a nephew, Adam Spandorfer, whose life and death had a profound influence on him.

Like the Cape Cod sunsets that he loved to take in with a Cape Codder cranberry cocktail in hand, his beauty will continue to rise and set within each and every one of us. Rich was truly loved and will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rich’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 6th, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7th, at Immaculate Conception Parish, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory may be made to Tedy’s Team at www.tedysteam.org or by check to 72a Taunton Street, Unit 101, Plainville, MA 02762.

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

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03/31/2026

Miles Funeral Home is honored to share that we have received a generous grant from the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce to support a very meaningful initiative in our community.

With this funding, we will purchase 30 copies of Giving Hope: Conversations with Children About Illness, Death, and Loss by Dr. Elena Lister and Dr. Michael Schwartzman. These books will be gifted to primary caregivers of children participating in Hope Lives Here’s first Bereavement Support Group for children. This remarkable resource offers compassionate, practical guidance for talking with children about grief and will help caregivers navigate questions, emotions, and the often-unspoken mysteries surrounding illness, death, and loss. These are conversations not only about loss, but about life, connection, and healing.

We are deeply grateful to the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce for making this possible, and we are especially proud to support Hope Lives Here as they expand their offerings to include children, creating a welcoming space for young hearts to be seen, supported, and understood.

Together, we are building a community where no one has to grieve alone. 💛

03/28/2026

Robert J. Nanof

WEST BOYLSTON - Robert J. Nanof, 68, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, leaving behind a life shaped by independence and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Born in Worcester and raised in Paxton, Bob was the son of the late Robert T. and Elizabeth (Shaughnessy) Nanof. He attended Wachusett High School and graduated from Central New England College with a bachelor's degree, working diligently for many years as a computer science engineer before later transitioning into heavy equipment operations in the construction industry. Bob knew a little bit about everything, and especially found happiness in chatting and sharing stories with those who would lend an ear.

Bob enjoyed the simple things in life. He spent many days in his truck "riding the roads" with a hot coffee, scouting for hunting and fishing spots or walking through the fields. He lived life on his own terms and found peace in the woods or on the water, spending quality time there with his family and friends. Uncle Bob never missed a birthday party or holiday meal with his family. A steady constant in our lives, he found comfort in the little things: fresh air, a white russian cocktail, a slice of spinach pie, a well-grilled steak, a morning spent in camouflage and waders and a weekend with a rod and reel.

He leaves behind his two brothers, James Nanof and his wife, Gail, of Lancaster, MA and Thomas Nanof and his wife, Kimberly, of Belgrade, ME; a niece Beth Ann Ruggiero and her husband Casey of Sterling, MA; and a nephew Chris Nanof and his wife Lauren of Lancaster, MA. His great-niece and nephew, Hailey and Rory will miss his presence greatly.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, March 31st from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd, Sterling, MA. A mass of Christian burial will be held the following day, Wednesday, April 1st at 10:00 AM at St. Columba Parish, 12 Richards Ave in Paxton. Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name can be made to: The Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp at PO Box 306 Northborough MA 01532

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03/27/2026

Joan C. Black

NORWOOD/HOLDEN – Joan C. Black, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, at The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Norwood. Born in Worcester and raised in Holden, she was the daughter of the late Cyril and Cicely (Brunt) Black.

Joan was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School. She enjoyed a long career as a comptometer operator for Norton, Co. Joan was an avid reader and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. She could always be found cheering for the Green Bay Packers as well as the Boston Celtics.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her sister, Judi Black of Norwood, as well as several cousins.

In keeping with Joan’s wishes, services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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03/25/2026

Jean E. Danielson

WORCESTER- Jean E. Danielson died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 23, 2026. She was born to Alton and Irene Smith Sawin in Garnder, MA on November 4, 1926.

Jean married Merton E. (Dan) Danielson in 1947. He died on October 11, 2000. Her two siblings Alton Sawin Jr. and Charlotte Bigelow also predeceased her. Jean leaves behind her two daughters, Nancy Colbert of Barre, MA and Janet McKeon of Conway, NH; six grandchildren, Michael Devens, Lisa Royston, Lynne Burns, Gale Devens, Laura Hall, and Daniel Colbert; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Two great grandsons predeceased her.

Jean began her long career at People Savings Bank upon her graduation from North High School in 1945. She was honored as a pioneer woman in banking, holding the position of Assistant Treasurer when she retired in 1972. Jean and Dan lived in Florida for many years after her retirement. She returned to Massachusetts to be near her family in 2004. She belonged to Children of the American Revolution (CAR) and joined Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) when she turned 18. She was an active member of the DAR until her death. She also belonged to Women Descendants of Founders and Patriots and Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. She was an active member of Greendale People’s Church throughout her life. Jean’s family and many friends will miss her loving nature, her sense of humor and her positive outlook on life.

Jean’s celebration of life will be held at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. Holden MA on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A private burial will be held at a later date.

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