History & Staff

Chris is a lifelong resident of the Valley. He began his career in Funeral Service in South Deerfield. In 1988 he received his degree in Mortuary Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. In 2017, Chris was invited to partner and manage both Ratell & Tylunas Funeral Homes to provide experienced and dignified services to their families. Chris is looking forward to continuing the tradition of providing unparalleled service and dignity with these two Funeral Homes, who have a combined history of over 200 years serving families in Chicopee, Springfield, Indian Orchard, Ludlow and the surrounding areas.

Chris has served as a former Disaster Mortuary team member, member of the Lions club, Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Three County Fair Association. Chris looks forward to a new era with both Homes, establishing relationships with families and continuing the quality care of the families he's serve in the past.

Picture taken of Chris at Croagh Patrick Mountain in Ireland (http://www.croagh-patrick.com/visitorcentre/holy-mountain)

Caitlyn has lived in western Massachusetts her entire life. After graduating from Chicopee Comprehensive High in 2018, she proceeded to play soccer and study Communications and Marketing at Holyoke Community College, earning her Associate’s degree in 2021. Shortly after, she joined the Tylunas/Ratell team in July of 2021 as the administrative coordinator, and as of 2023 she has become a licensed Funeral Directing and Embalming Apprentice. Caitlyn is currently attending Cape Cod Community College in Bridgewater, MA to earn her degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Services.

Caitlyn volunteers with many organizations including the Miracle League of Western MA, a baseball team for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Caitlyn was named the 2023 Springfield Colleen, and is an avid Irish step dancer, having competed at both New England Regional Oireachtas, and North American National Championships. Within the Irish dance world, Caitlyn works for Eire Beauty under Erin O'Meara as a Head Makeup and Hair Artist. In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys hiking with her dog, Murphy, traveling, and reading.

Allerlaroo (Roo) L. Bessette is the Location Manager for the Tylunas and Ratell Funeral Homes. She is a Type 6 Funeral Director, beginning her career in funeral service in 2014. She holds Associates degrees in Applied Mortuary Science and Liberal Arts, and a Bachelor of Arts in the Aesthetics of Death. Roo was raised in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. She began a 10-year career as a CNA at 19, primarily caring for the elderly in long term care on dementia units. The reverence she felt when residents passed away inspired Roo to pursue a degree in Mortuary Science, which she obtained from Lincoln College of New England. She has worked at funeral homes across Western Massachusetts, including Ahearn Funeral Home, where she met her dear friend and mentor, the late Michael Ahearn. Roo lives in Springfield with her husband Randall and her stepdaughter Geneva. She has many artistic hobbies, such as oil painting, reupholstering antique furniture, and creating Victorian style lampshades. Roo joined Milestone Funeral Partners in December of 2023. She is passionate about her service to those in her care and believes fiercely in treating people with compassion, kindness, and empathy.