Our Staff

Richard P. Harris, President and Licensed Funeral Director

Richard P. Harris – a resident of Webster – is a 1969 graduate of Franklin High School, a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, and a NYS Licensed Funeral Director since 1972. He is a member of the Irondequoit Rotary and Knights of Columbus, volunteers at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church functions, and is a parishioner of Christ the King Church. Mr. Harris is married to his sweetheart, Billie Harris. They have two sons, Michael and Richard F. as well as two grandchildren, Emily and Michael. When on break from work, he loves to cook for his family, play golf, ride motorcycles, and travel on his boat with his wife.

Michael T. Harris, Licensed Manager and Licensed Funeral Director

Michael T. Harris – a resident of Penfield /Webster – is a 1989 graduate of Irondequoit High School. Working with in the family business since the age of 15, Michael attended Simmons Institute of Funeral Service, where he earned his A.A.S in Mortuary Science in 1992 and has been a NYS Licensed Funeral Director since 1994. Michael has been married to Mindy since 2002 and has two children, Emily and Michael. He is a parishioner of Christ the King Church; volunteers his time at St. Josaphats Ukrainian Catholic Church functions as well as at other various organizations; and is a Team Member with DMORT WMD (Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team, Weapons of Mass Destruction.). In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family (including his dogs), golfing, exercising, walks in the park and enjoying the ourdoors.

Richard F. Harris, Licensed Funeral Director and Manager.

Rick was inspired to pursue a career in funeral service during his early years, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. A resident of Rochester, he graduated from West Irondequoit High School in 1997 where he wrestled throughout his career; he received his A.A.S in Mortuary Science from the State University of New York at Canton in 1999; and has been a NYS Licensed Funeral Director since 2000. Rick is a parishioner of Christ the King Church; is the founder of Sets 4 Pets Charity Volleyball Tournament; and volunteers with St. Josaphats Ukrainian Catholic Church functions. When he’s not working, Rick loves to play all sports and works out on a daily basis. Boxing, Golf, Volleyball are just a few. He also enjoys spending time with his family & friends. Rick has also received his certification as a Certified Funeral Celebrant and currently is a board member of the City of Rochester Funeral Directors Association.

Robert Shaver, Licensed Funeral Director

A resident of Greece, Bob is a 1961 Graduate of Eastridge High School, a 1962 graduate of the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service, and a NYS Funeral Director since 1963. He has three children – Robert, Jr, Jeffrey, and Jennifer – as well as four grandchildren. A parishioner of St. Lawrence Church, member of Seneca Lodge #797, F&AM and a member of the Elks Lodge #24 B.P.O.E. Bob is an avid golfer; Past President and Past Secretary Treasurer of the Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association.

Philip F. Profetta, Licensed Funeral Director

Philip F. Profetta, a resident of Webster, NY for many years. Graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1959 and Simmons School of Mortuary Science in 1962. A New York State Licensed Funeral Director for 46 years. He is the son of the late Philip Profetta Sr. and Josephine (Sue) Profetta. Married to Nancy Stone in February of 1964, they had two children, Philip Michael Profetta and Jennine Marie (Profetta) Proietti and three grandchildren Anthony, Alyssa and Zachary Proietti. Phil joined the staff of Paul W. Harris Funeral in October of 2010. He is a member of Webster Bible Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, Sunday School Supervisor and sang in the church choir. He also serves on the Board of West Webster Cemetery and was a lifetime member of the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club.

Carol Cinelli, Lead Administrative Assistant

A resident of Rochester, Carol has been married to Peter Cinelli for over 31 years. Along with spending time with her two children, Peter and Judy and grandchildren, Nicholas & Mia. Carol enjoys trips to Las Vegas. She previously worked at Highland Hospital as a medical secretary before joining the Harris Funeral Home in 2000. Carol is the sister of Billie Harris and aunt to Michael and Richard F. Harris.

Susan Marseglia. Pet Care Coordinator / Administrative Assistant

Susan is a resident of Hamlin. She graduated from Rush Henrietta High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Travel & Tourism. She has over 15 years in the customer service industry and currently works part time at Italian Osteria Restaurant in Irondequoit. When not working, Susan and her daughter, Ann Marie enjoy horseback riding, cooking, and traveling.

Andrew Senise - Pet Care Specialist

Mike Smith - Pet Care Specialist

Mike is the oldest of nine children. He was born and raised here in the Rochester and graduated from Honeoye Falls-Lima HS in 2005. After high school he went to Finger Lakes Community College and graduated with a degree in Horticulture. While there he played on the men’s soccer team. After attending Finger Lakes Mike went to Monroe Community College and received a degree in Construction Technology and currently works with his father full time installing and maintaining underground irrigation systems. Mike has been a part time team member since Pets at Peace opened in 2009.

William Drew, Funeral Service Assistant

A resident of Irondequoit, Bill is a 1967 graduate of Edison Technical Institute and holds an A.A.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from R.I.T. Having worked for Kodak for 35 years, Bill has been working with in funeral service for 20 plus years, is married to Maureen, and has two children. Mr. Drew is a parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Church and enjoys classic cars, motorcycles, and travel in his free time.

Gene LaMendola, Funeral Service Assistant

Gene was born here in Rochester and is the youngest of 6 children. After graduating from John Marshall High School, Gene became an electrician and started his own business, Fairlawn Electrical Co. Gene has 2 children and 2 grandsons. He loves wood working and is currently a parishioner, usher and volunteer at Christ the King Church.

Anthony Fantigrossi, Maintenance/ Funeral Service Assistant

Tony grew up in Irondequoit and is a graduate of East Ridge High School and Monroe Community College. In 2006 Tony retired from the Monroe County Sheriff’s department after 27years of service and joined the Harris Funeral Home in 2009. He currently is a resident of Penfield-Webster with his wife and 3 sons. Tony is a parishioner of St. Rita’s church in Webster and is involved with event planning for the annual St. Rita fiesta. He also volunteers his time at Camp Good Days and Special Times. In his free time he loves to fish, golf, bike, and watch his sons play sports, he also is an avid sports fan.

Trish Diamond, House Keeping and Hostess

Trish grew up in Summerville area of Irondequoit where she is still a resident. She graduated from St. Thomas the Apostle School and West Irondequoit High School. She has 2 daughters and 1 son. She has worked with the Harris family since 2000. She is an animal lover and involved with Pet rescuing and fostering. She enjoys playing eucher, traveling, cooking, walking and reading.

Lucille Newman - Hostess

Bill Carter - Greeter

Bill has been married to Debbie (Huse) for over 37 years and they currently live in Hilton. Their son and daughter-in-law reside in Clifton Park and their daughter lives and works in the Cleveland Ohio area. Bill received his B.A from Denison University, his Master’s of Social Work from the Ohio State University, and his permanent certification as a School Administrator from SUC-Brockport. Bill has worked at St. Joseph’s Villa, the Penfield Central Schools, the Hilton School District, and has recently returned to St. Joseph’s Villa in the capacity of Director of The Avalon School. He is an L.C.S.W. and is a member of Summerville Presbyterian Church where Debbie is the director of Children and Youth Education.

Lee Foster - Greeter

Lee graduated from Drake University and the Eastman School of Music where he earned his MM and DMA.   He retired from the Penfield Central School District in 2005.  Lee is Director of Music and Organist at Summerville Presbyterian Church in Irondequoit.  Lee has two sons and he enjoys gardening, good food, and silversmithing.