Meet Your Dedicated Miller Staff—Serving Families Across Rochester, NY
The staff at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services is both qualified and eager to be of assistance and provide the highest level of service to you and your family. Whether assisting with pre-need planning or guiding families through the mourning process, our staff is here to provide support, clarity, and respect in every detail. To learn more about us, please read below.
Josh E. Miller
President & Fifth-Generation Owner
Certified Preplanning Consultant
As President and fifth-generation owner of Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Josh E. Miller continues a deeply rooted family legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to the Rochester community.
As President and fifth-generation owner of Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Josh E. Miller continues a deeply rooted family legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to the Rochester community. A New York State Licensed Funeral Director since 2002, Josh has remained dedicated to upholding the values established by generations before him while continuing to evolve the care and services offered to families during life’s most difficult moments.
Born and raised in Rochester, Josh graduated from Penfield High School in 1997. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Portland State University. In addition to his funeral director’s license, he is also a Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) and Certified Crematory Operator.
Josh has served as a board member with the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA), and the Monroe Community Hospital Foundation. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to both his profession, growth and his community.
Josh resides in Brighton with his three daughters. With more than two decades of experience and a strong connection to the families he serves, he leads with compassion, humility, and a sincere desire to help others find comfort and meaning. His mission is to guide families through grief by helping them to Honor, Remember, and Celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
Matthew J. Miller
Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Chairman, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network Advisory Board
Matthew J. Miller has been a dedicated funeral professional for over three decades, serving families with compassion, integrity, and commitment.
Matthew J. Miller has been a dedicated funeral professional for over three decades, serving families with compassion, integrity, and commitment. A graduate of SUNY Canton College of Mortuary Science, Class of 1992, Matt received his New York State Funeral Director license in 1993. He has been a proud member of the Miller Funeral and Cremation Services team since 1992.
Born in Rochester and raised in West Irondequoit (IHS Class of 1990), Matt now resides in Chili, New York. He is a Certified Preplanning Consultant through the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and his leadership within the field includes serving as Past President of the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association and Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network.
Matt believes that every life has a story to tell. Whether through traditional or non-traditional services, he is committed to helping families create unique tributes that reflect the lives of their loved ones. He considers funeral service a true calling—one that requires compassion, professionalism, and round-the-clock dedication.
Although not related to Ed and Josh Miller, Matt has been privileged to work alongside the Miller family for over 30 years, proudly upholding the values and standards that define the firm.
Patricia "Patti" Carpenter
Assistant Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Graduate, SUNY Canton – Funeral Service Administration
Patti has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2018. A Penfield native and first-generation funeral director, Patti began her journey in funeral service as a high school student working at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services.
Patti has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2018. A Penfield native and first-generation funeral director, Patti began her journey in funeral service as a high school student working at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services. She continued to gain hands-on experience with the firm while earning her Bachelor of Technology in Funeral Service Administration from SUNY Canton (Class of 2016).
Patti is passionate about helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways. She believes that ceremonies and gatherings play a vital role in allowing family and friends to come together, remember, and find healing. She is an advocate for preplanning, educating families about the flexibility of funeral services, and emphasizing that cremation still allows for meaningful ceremonies and personalization.
Having grown from a student to a licensed director under the guidance of the Miller family, Patti is proud to serve the greater Rochester community with professionalism, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose.
Patti lives in downtown Rochester with her boyfriend, Tom, and their cat, Maizie. Outside of work, she enjoys running, biking, hiking, and playing soccer.
Francis "Joe" Martin, Jr.
Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Past President, NYSFDA
Francis “Joe” Martin, Jr. has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 1982. With over four decades of service, Joe has dedicated his career to supporting families with compassion, care, and professionalism.
Francis “Joe” Martin, Jr. has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 1982. With over four decades of service, Joe has dedicated his career to supporting families with compassion, care, and professionalism.
Joe’s father, Francis “Frank” Martin, began his work in funeral service in 1961 under the guidance of his father-in-law, Vernon Halloran, at Henry D. Halloran Son, Inc. Funeral Home. Frank became a licensed funeral director in 1964 and helped lead the business through a period of growth, including the opening of a new location on West Henrietta Road in 1970—the first funeral home ever established in the Town of Henrietta.
In 1982, Joe joined his father at the family firm, proudly continuing their legacy of service. In 2011, Joe and Frank made the decision to merge Henry D. Halloran Son, Inc. with Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, marking a meaningful transition in their generational commitment to the community.
Joe has served as Past President of both the Rochester-Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA) and the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), holding each post multiple times as a respected and trusted leader in the profession.
In addition to his work in funeral service, Joe is a Life Member of the West Henrietta Fire Department and a Past Chief of the Henrietta Fire District, extending his lifelong dedication to public service.
Joe believes that funeral directing is a calling—not just a job. He views each service as an opportunity to honor a life while offering healing and comfort to those left behind. His unwavering commitment to guiding families through their most difficult moments remains at the heart of everything he does.
Daniel "Danny" Zysman
Licensed Funeral Director
President, Sigma Phi Sigma Funeral Service Fraternity | Member, NYS Bridge Commission
Daniel “Danny” Zysman has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2012 after graduating from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service.
Daniel “Danny” Zysman has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2012 after graduating from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. A lifelong Rochester resident, Danny brings a deep commitment to serving families with empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
Danny is an active member of both Temple Beth El and Congregation Beth Sholom and has long been engaged in the Rochester Jewish community. He previously served as President of the Sigma Phi Sigma Funeral Service Fraternity and currently serves on the board of the New York State Bridge Commission.
Danny believes funerals are essential moments of acknowledgment, connection, and healing. They bring grieving families and friends together to support one another through one of life’s most difficult times. He recognizes the personal sacrifices required in funeral service—time away from loved ones and the emotional and physical toll—but remains driven by his dedication to caring for others.
Danny takes pride in being a steady presence for the families he serves, offering compassion, understanding, and, when appropriate, a touch of humor to bring light during life’s darkest moments.
Marika McMeans, CFSP
Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Board Member, Tribute Foundation | Certified Preplanning Consultant
Marika McMeans, CFSP, brings nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and passion to her work in funeral service.
Marika McMeans, CFSP, brings nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and passion to her work in funeral service. A Colorado native, Marika began her career in funeral service in 2005 and received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2016 after relocating to Rochester.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Arapahoe College in Littleton, Colorado, Marika earned her Associate Degree in Mortuary Science in 2012. She holds the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation through the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice—recognized as the highest voluntary professional credential in the industry.
Marika currently serves as a Board Member for the NYSFDA Tribute Foundation and as a student mentor for the NYSFDA BRIDGE Commission, where she promotes the funeral profession under the guiding mantra: Build. Connect. Support. Elevate. She is the Past President (2019–2023) and Past Continuing Education Director (2017–2025) of the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA) and is a regular columnist for NOMIS Publications, a national funeral service newspaper.
Her dedication to public education and progressive funeral care is reflected in her many contributions, including: graduate of the NYSFDA Leadership Academy (2018), Project Visibility certification in person-centered LGBTIQ elder care, National Hospice Foundation-certified Funeral Service Educator (2016), and participant in The Art of Dying, a documentary on death and dying.
Marika believes deeply in the power of meaningful funerals. She advocates for ceremonies that reflect the individuality of each person—religious or secular, traditional or modern—and encourages open conversations about end-of-life preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding legal next-of-kin authority and educating individuals about their ability to appoint a specific agent to carry out their funeral wishes. Marika also works to ensure the community knows that funeral services can be deeply personal and creative, and that funeral directors are compassionate guides who offer support, options, and clarity—not pressure.
Outside of her professional life, Marika is a speaker, volunteer, and lifelong learner. She enjoys reading, creating art, live music, traveling, and exploring all that New York has to offer. Her personal philosophy: Don’t wait—life is for living fully.
Katherine "Kate" Pingree
Licensed Funeral Director
Certified Celebrant | Certified Crematory Operator
Kate Pingree brings warmth, perspective, and heartfelt dedication to her role as a Licensed Funeral Director. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate moved to Rochester in the fall of 2022.
Kate Pingree brings warmth, perspective, and heartfelt dedication to her role as a Licensed Funeral Director. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate moved to Rochester in the fall of 2022. She holds an associate degree from the Gannon University Mortuary Science Program (2021) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (2022). She received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2024.
Kate is a Certified Celebrant and Certified Crematory Operator who believes deeply in the importance of creating meaningful, personalized services that affirm the human experience and strengthen community bonds. She views the grieving process not only as an emotional journey, but also as a profound opportunity for learning, reflection, and healing.
Passionate about public education and awareness, Kate encourages open conversations about end-of-life planning and how individuals would like their lives to be honored. She is also a strong advocate for helping families understand the legal importance of the Next of Kin (NOK) chain of command and the value of appointing a designated agent.
With compassion and care, Kate strives to help each family find comfort, clarity, and meaning as they navigate loss.
Erin Bennett
Licensed Funeral Director
Erin Bennett is proud to have been raised in Henrietta, New York, and is a 2020 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School.
Erin Bennett is proud to have been raised in Henrietta, New York, and is a 2020 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton in 2023 and completed her residency with Miller Funeral and Cremation Services. Erin received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2025.
With a deep sense of compassion and commitment, Erin believes that every life is a unique story. She is dedicated to ensuring that the end of each story is marked with dignity and care. Erin is honored to serve families in their time of need, and help families create meaningful tributes that reflect each individual’s life and legacy.
Cary LaForce
Office Administrator
Cary brings warmth, organization, and compassion to both the families we serve and the team she supports. Born into a military family, Cary spent much of her early life relocating before eventually settling in Brockport, New York.
Cary brings warmth, organization, and compassion to both the families we serve and the team she supports. Born into a military family, Cary spent much of her early life relocating before eventually settling in Brockport, New York.
Though she once aspired to become a marine biologist, Cary ultimately followed a path of service, joining the funeral profession to help others in their time of need. While she is not a licensed funeral director, Cary has found her calling in the crucial, behind-the-scenes role of tending to details with efficiency and understanding. She takes pride in supporting families and staff alike with empathy and a smile.
Since entering the profession, Cary has been inspired by the dedication of a new generation of funeral directors—young professionals who bring energy, openness, and a fresh perspective to a demanding field. She values the role of legacy in funeral care and believes deeply in the importance of celebrating life, connection, and individuality.
Outside of work, Cary enjoys quiet time at home with her beloved (and abundant) cats, two joyful cocker spaniels, and her teenage daughter. Whether rewatching her favorite TV shows or cross-stitching under a cozy blanket, she embraces life with humor and heart. Cary believes that loving without fear and celebrating the people around us—and ourselves—is one of life’s most important lessons.
Josh E. Miller
President & Fifth-Generation Owner
Certified Preplanning Consultant
As President and fifth-generation owner of Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Josh E. Miller continues a deeply rooted family legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to the Rochester community.
As President and fifth-generation owner of Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Josh E. Miller continues a deeply rooted family legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to the Rochester community. A New York State Licensed Funeral Director since 2002, Josh has remained dedicated to upholding the values established by generations before him while continuing to evolve the care and services offered to families during life’s most difficult moments.
Born and raised in Rochester, Josh graduated from Penfield High School in 1997. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Portland State University. In addition to his funeral director’s license, he is also a Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) and Certified Crematory Operator.
Josh has served as a board member with the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA), and the Monroe Community Hospital Foundation. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to both his profession, growth and his community.
Josh resides in Brighton with his three daughters. With more than two decades of experience and a strong connection to the families he serves, he leads with compassion, humility, and a sincere desire to help others find comfort and meaning. His mission is to guide families through grief by helping them to Honor, Remember, and Celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
Matthew J. Miller
Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Chairman, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network Advisory Board
Matthew J. Miller has been a dedicated funeral professional for over three decades, serving families with compassion, integrity, and commitment.
Matthew J. Miller has been a dedicated funeral professional for over three decades, serving families with compassion, integrity, and commitment. A graduate of SUNY Canton College of Mortuary Science, Class of 1992, Matt received his New York State Funeral Director license in 1993. He has been a proud member of the Miller Funeral and Cremation Services team since 1992.
Born in Rochester and raised in West Irondequoit (IHS Class of 1990), Matt now resides in Chili, New York. He is a Certified Preplanning Consultant through the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and his leadership within the field includes serving as Past President of the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association and Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network.
Matt believes that every life has a story to tell. Whether through traditional or non-traditional services, he is committed to helping families create unique tributes that reflect the lives of their loved ones. He considers funeral service a true calling—one that requires compassion, professionalism, and round-the-clock dedication.
Although not related to Ed and Josh Miller, Matt has been privileged to work alongside the Miller family for over 30 years, proudly upholding the values and standards that define the firm.
Patricia "Patti" Carpenter
Assistant Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Graduate, SUNY Canton – Funeral Service Administration
Patti has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2018. A Penfield native and first-generation funeral director, Patti began her journey in funeral service as a high school student working at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services.
Patti has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2018. A Penfield native and first-generation funeral director, Patti began her journey in funeral service as a high school student working at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services. She continued to gain hands-on experience with the firm while earning her Bachelor of Technology in Funeral Service Administration from SUNY Canton (Class of 2016).
Patti is passionate about helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways. She believes that ceremonies and gatherings play a vital role in allowing family and friends to come together, remember, and find healing. She is an advocate for preplanning, educating families about the flexibility of funeral services, and emphasizing that cremation still allows for meaningful ceremonies and personalization.
Having grown from a student to a licensed director under the guidance of the Miller family, Patti is proud to serve the greater Rochester community with professionalism, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose.
Patti lives in downtown Rochester with her boyfriend, Tom, and their cat, Maizie. Outside of work, she enjoys running, biking, hiking, and playing soccer.
Francis "Joe" Martin, Jr.
Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Past President, NYSFDA
Francis “Joe” Martin, Jr. has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 1982. With over four decades of service, Joe has dedicated his career to supporting families with compassion, care, and professionalism.
Francis “Joe” Martin, Jr. has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 1982. With over four decades of service, Joe has dedicated his career to supporting families with compassion, care, and professionalism.
Joe’s father, Francis “Frank” Martin, began his work in funeral service in 1961 under the guidance of his father-in-law, Vernon Halloran, at Henry D. Halloran Son, Inc. Funeral Home. Frank became a licensed funeral director in 1964 and helped lead the business through a period of growth, including the opening of a new location on East Henrietta Road in 1970—the first funeral home ever established in the Town of Henrietta.
In 1982, Joe joined his father at the family firm, proudly continuing their legacy of service. In 2011, Joe and Frank made the decision to merge Henry D. Halloran Son, Inc. with Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, marking a meaningful transition in their generational commitment to the community.
Joe has served as Past President of both the Rochester-Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA) and the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), holding each post multiple times as a respected and trusted leader in the profession.
In addition to his work in funeral service, Joe is a Life Member of the West Henrietta Fire Department and a Past Chief of the Henrietta Fire District, extending his lifelong dedication to public service.
Joe believes that funeral directing is a calling—not just a job. He views each service as an opportunity to honor a life while offering healing and comfort to those left behind. His unwavering commitment to guiding families through their most difficult moments remains at the heart of everything he does.
Daniel "Danny" Zysman
Licensed Funeral Director
President, Sigma Phi Sigma Funeral Service Fraternity | Member, NYS Bridge Commission
Daniel “Danny” Zysman has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2012 after graduating from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service.
Daniel “Danny” Zysman has been a licensed New York State Funeral Director since 2012 after graduating from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. A lifelong Rochester resident, Danny brings a deep commitment to serving families with empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
Danny is an active member of both Temple Beth El and Congregation Beth Sholom and has long been engaged in the Rochester Jewish community. He previously served as President of the Sigma Phi Sigma Funeral Service Fraternity and currently serves on the board of the New York State Bridge Commission.
Danny believes funerals are essential moments of acknowledgment, connection, and healing. They bring grieving families and friends together to support one another through one of life’s most difficult times. He recognizes the personal sacrifices required in funeral service—time away from loved ones and the emotional and physical toll—but remains driven by his dedication to caring for others.
Danny takes pride in being a steady presence for the families he serves, offering compassion, understanding, and, when appropriate, a touch of humor to bring light during life’s darkest moments.
Marika McMeans, CFSP
Licensed Funeral Director
Past President, RGVFDA | Board Member, Tribute Foundation | Certified Preplanning Consultant
Marika McMeans, CFSP, brings nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and passion to her work in funeral service.
Marika McMeans, CFSP, brings nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and passion to her work in funeral service. A Colorado native, Marika began her career in funeral service in 2005 and received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2016 after relocating to Rochester.
A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Arapahoe College in Littleton, Colorado, Marika earned her Associate Degree in Mortuary Science in 2012. She holds the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation through the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice—recognized as the highest voluntary professional credential in the industry.
Marika currently serves as a Board Member for the NYSFDA Tribute Foundation and as a student mentor for the NYSFDA BRIDGE Commission, where she promotes the funeral profession under the guiding mantra: Build. Connect. Support. Elevate. She is the Past President (2019–2023) and Past Continuing Education Director (2017–2025) of the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association (RGVFDA) and is a regular columnist for NOMIS Publications, a national funeral service newspaper.
Her dedication to public education and progressive funeral care is reflected in her many contributions, including: graduate of the NYSFDA Leadership Academy (2018), Project Visibility certification in person-centered LGBTIQ elder care, National Hospice Foundation-certified Funeral Service Educator (2016), and participant in The Art of Dying, a documentary on death and dying.
Marika believes deeply in the power of meaningful funerals. She advocates for ceremonies that reflect the individuality of each person—religious or secular, traditional or modern—and encourages open conversations about end-of-life preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding legal next-of-kin authority and educating individuals about their ability to appoint a specific agent to carry out their funeral wishes. Marika also works to ensure the community knows that funeral services can be deeply personal and creative, and that funeral directors are compassionate guides who offer support, options, and clarity—not pressure.
Outside of her professional life, Marika is a speaker, volunteer, and lifelong learner. She enjoys reading, creating art, live music, traveling, and exploring all that New York has to offer. Her personal philosophy: Don’t wait—life is for living fully.
Katherine "Kate" Pingree
Licensed Funeral Director
Certified Celebrant | Certified Crematory Operator
Kate Pingree brings warmth, perspective, and heartfelt dedication to her role as a Licensed Funeral Director. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate moved to Rochester in the fall of 2022.
Kate Pingree brings warmth, perspective, and heartfelt dedication to her role as a Licensed Funeral Director. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kate moved to Rochester in the fall of 2022. She holds an associate degree from the Gannon University Mortuary Science Program (2021) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (2022). She received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2024.
Kate is a Certified Celebrant and Certified Crematory Operator who believes deeply in the importance of creating meaningful, personalized services that affirm the human experience and strengthen community bonds. She views the grieving process not only as an emotional journey, but also as a profound opportunity for learning, reflection, and healing.
Passionate about public education and awareness, Kate encourages open conversations about end-of-life planning and how individuals would like their lives to be honored. She is also a strong advocate for helping families understand the legal importance of the Next of Kin (NOK) chain of command and the value of appointing a designated agent.
With compassion and care, Kate strives to help each family find comfort, clarity, and meaning as they navigate loss.
Erin Bennett
Licensed Funeral Director
Erin Bennett is proud to have been raised in Henrietta, New York, and is a 2020 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School.
Erin Bennett is proud to have been raised in Henrietta, New York, and is a 2020 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton in 2023 and completed her residency with Miller Funeral and Cremation Services. Erin received her New York State Funeral Director license in 2025.
With a deep sense of compassion and commitment, Erin believes that every life is a unique story. She is dedicated to ensuring that the end of each story is marked with dignity and care. Erin is honored to serve families in their time of need, and help families create meaningful tributes that reflect each individual’s life and legacy.
Cary LaForce
Office Administrator
Cary brings warmth, organization, and compassion to both the families we serve and the team she supports. Born into a military family, Cary spent much of her early life relocating before eventually settling in Brockport, New York.
Cary brings warmth, organization, and compassion to both the families we serve and the team she supports. Born into a military family, Cary spent much of her early life relocating before eventually settling in Brockport, New York.
Though she once aspired to become a marine biologist, Cary ultimately followed a path of service, joining the funeral profession to help others in their time of need. While she is not a licensed funeral director, Cary has found her calling in the crucial, behind-the-scenes role of tending to details with efficiency and understanding. She takes pride in supporting families and staff alike with empathy and a smile.
Since entering the profession, Cary has been inspired by the dedication of a new generation of funeral directors—young professionals who bring energy, openness, and a fresh perspective to a demanding field. She values the role of legacy in funeral care and believes deeply in the importance of celebrating life, connection, and individuality.
Outside of work, Cary enjoys quiet time at home with her beloved (and abundant) cats, two joyful cocker spaniels, and her teenage daughter. Whether rewatching her favorite TV shows or cross-stitching under a cozy blanket, she embraces life with humor and heart. Cary believes that loving without fear and celebrating the people around us—and ourselves—is one of life’s most important lessons.