Born on August 18, 1955, in the Vernon Hill section of Worcester, Rick was the beloved son of the late Richard S. and Elizabeth I. (Auger) Mansfield. His family later settled in the West Tatnuck section of Worcester, where he attended Worcester Public Schools and graduated from Doherty High School in 1974.
During his high school years, Rick worked for a local florist making deliveries throughout the Worcester area. Many of those deliveries brought him to local funeral homes, where he enjoyed spending time talking with funeral directors and owners. Those conversations sparked what would become a lifelong calling to funeral service. Following graduation, Rick enrolled at the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston, where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science. He later attended Assumption College in Worcester, obtaining a bachelor's degree in business administration.
In the late 1970s, Rick knocked on the door of 1158 Main Street in Holden and was greeted by Mrs. Dorothy Miles, owner of Miles Funeral Home. That meeting marked the beginning of a remarkable career devoted to serving families during their greatest times of need. After 18 years of dedication and mentorship, Rick and his wife, Beverly, purchased Miles Funeral Home in 1992 and faithfully served the Wachusett community and surrounding areas for more than three decades thereafter.
One of Rick's greatest joys was working alongside his son, Ricky, who followed in his father's footsteps and embraced the values of compassion, professionalism, and service that had long defined the family business. Together, they shared countless hours caring for families, supporting one another through the demands of funeral service, and ensuring that every family was treated with dignity and respect. Rick took immense pride in watching Ricky grow from a young man learning the profession into a trusted funeral director. Seeing the next generation continue the work he loved brought Rick tremendous satisfaction and confidence that the traditions and values he had dedicated his life to would endure for years to come.
He was equally proud of his daughter, Ashley, whose passion for education allowed her to enrich the lives of countless children throughout her career. Whether in the funeral home or the classroom, Rick found great fulfillment in witnessing the positive impact his children made in the lives of others, carrying forward his commitment to caring for their communities in their own meaningful ways.
Rick was active in many civic, fraternal, and professional organizations and served on several nonprofit boards. He was devoted to senior advocacy and served for more than ten years as Chairman of the Holden Council on Aging, helping guide the development and construction of the town's new Senior Center. He also completed two five-year terms on the Board of Directors of Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
His commitment to the community extended far beyond his profession. Rick proudly served as Vice President of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce, where he promoted local businesses and strengthened the economic vitality of the region. He was Treasurer of Holden's 250th Celebration Committee, helping organize and support events that honored the town's rich history and heritage. A proud member of the Shriners and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason with Rufus Putnam Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Rutland, Rick embraced the values of fellowship, charity, and service that guided so much of his life. He enjoyed his time being a member of The Bohemians for many years.
A respected leader within the funeral profession, Rick was a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the National Funeral Directors Association. He served as President of the Greater Worcester Funeral Directors Association and was a former Board Member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, where he advocated for excellence and professionalism in funeral service. Through these organizations, he developed lifelong friendships and earned the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout Massachusetts and beyond.
Rick was equally devoted to community service through the Wachusett Area Rotary Club. He joined the organization in February 1982 and served in many capacities over the years, including Board of Directors and President. He dedicated countless hours to charitable initiatives, scholarship programs, and community projects that improved the lives of many. He helped coordinate the Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser and was a driving force of the years of success. It is said that if Rick's ball was close enough to the hole, he could talk it in the rest of the way! The Club is holding this year's Golf Tournament in Rick's name, recognizing his 44 years of service.
His belief in service above self guided both his personal and professional life. He had a remarkable gift for making every person feel seen, heard, and valued. No matter who he was speaking with, he gave them his full attention and left them feeling that they truly mattered. Rick deeply appreciated the dedicated staff members who worked alongside him throughout the years and often credited their compassion, commitment, and professionalism for making Miles Funeral Home the trusted institution it is today.
Rick's greatest joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his children and worked tirelessly to strengthen and support his family. Whether coaching youth soccer leagues, hosting summer pool parties, planning family vacations, taking family fishing trips, or gathering everyone together for movie nights in the family room, Rick cherished every opportunity to create lasting memories. He was known as the fun dad, always ready with a joke, a story, or an adventure, while teaching by example the values of kindness, hard work, and generosity.
When not at the funeral home, Rick could often be found casting a fishing line with his lifelong high school friends, spending time with his family, or enjoying a round of golf. He was a longtime member of Tatnuck Country Club, where he developed lifelong friendships on the course and in the clubhouse. He never missed his yearly golf trips to South Carolina and Florida with close friends.
Rick especially enjoyed vacationing in Florida with his wife, Beverly, and spending time in Falmouth, where many cherished memories were made with family and friends. Rick also loved discovering new places to eat with Beverly, often taking drives in his beloved Miata in search of their next favorite restaurant. At home, he found great joy in watching hummingbirds visit his feeders and spending time with his adored Shih Tzus, who were cherished members of the family.
Rick is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Beverly (Streeter) Mansfield of Holden; his cherished children, Ashley E. Fox and her husband, Daniel of Worcester, and Richard S. “Ricky” Mansfield III and his wife, Brittney of Jefferson; and his adored granddaughter, Summer, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his siblings, Diana E. Comer and her husband, Thomas, of Holden, Pamela L. Monopoli and her husband, Giacomo, of Las Vegas, and Sharon P. Mansfield of Worcester, nieces and nephews, along with countless beloved friends, colleagues, former employees, and the many families whose lives he touched throughout his career.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rick's family on Wednesday, June 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. All guests are requested to gather directly at the church. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rick's memory may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, for his love of children, or to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606, for his love of animals.