Our Staff

Bill Hathaway grew up as a third-generation funeral director, living above his family’s funeral home in Fall River. Bill met his wife, Ruth, when they were teenagers in their local church Baptist Youth Fellowship. They were married in 1964, and have two children, BT and Lynn, who are also licensed funeral directors working within Hathaway Family Funeral Homes. 

Bill and Ruth are very actively involved in the community. They are members of the First Baptist Church in Fall River, where Ruth served over 20 years as the minister of music. They also head the Hathaway Family Association, a genealogical organization in which Bill serves as president and Ruth serves as treasurer. 

Ruth has also previously served as chairperson for both the Fall River Chamber of Commerce and Fall River Celebrates America, and as a past president of the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians. 

Bill has served as a board member and secretary-treasurer of the National Selected Morticians (now called Selected Independent Funeral Homes). 

Bill and Ruth are former skiing enthusiasts, and in the summer months, they presently enjoy cruising up and down the east coast in their boat. They also love spending time with their families, both children, and grandchildren.

Bill Hathaway grew up as a third-generation funeral director, living above his family’s funeral home in Fall River. Bill met his wife, Ruth, when they were teenagers in their local church Baptist Youth Fellowship. They were married in 1964, and have two children, BT and Lynn, who are also licensed funeral directors working within Hathaway Family Funeral Homes. 

Bill and Ruth are very actively involved in the community. They are members of the First Baptist Church in Fall River, where Ruth served over 20 years as the minister of music. They also head the Hathaway Family Association, a genealogical organization in which Bill serves as president and Ruth serves as treasurer. 

Ruth has also previously served as chairperson for both the Fall River Chamber of Commerce and Fall River Celebrates America, and as a past president of the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians. 

Bill has served as a board member and secretary-treasurer of the National Selected Morticians (now called Selected Independent Funeral Homes). 

Bill and Ruth are former skiing enthusiasts, and in the summer months, they presently enjoy cruising up and down the east coast in their boat. They also love spending time with their families, both children, and grandchildren.

Although BT officially came to work for Hathaway Family Funeral Homes’ Fall River location in 1990, he quite literally grew up around the business. As a teenager, he helped his grandfather by pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, and providing a telephone answering service, before answering machines were commonplace. Today, he acts as a funeral director and funeral home manager, serving families in the area. 

BT was raised in Somerset. He received a music degree from Samford University in Alabama before returning to Massachusetts to study as a funeral director at Mount Ida College. He served as the president of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association from 2003 - 2004. 

Currently, BT resides in Fairhaven and enjoys spending time with his three adult children. He’s an award winning director/filmmaker in his spare time, has had his poetic writing published, and his art photography has been accepted into shows. He also holds several patents for funeral products he has designed.

Lynn grew up as the fourth generation in a family of funeral home directors. For nearly 20 years, she worked in the family business in an administrative role. More recently, Lynn made the transition to a managing director role and is now the pre-need manager at all Hathaway Family Funeral Homes locations. Lynn is known for her ability to listen to families and understand their wants and needs in planning a service for a loved one.

She received her education from Bryant College where she studied business. In 2016, she graduated as the valedictorian in her class from FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA. She

became a licensed Funeral Director in 2017. Lynn served her internship under Jay Moran at the Crapo-Hathaway location in Taunton, where she continues to serve families today.

Lynn has a passion for animals and previously volunteered as secretary for her local animal rescue league. When her children, Krista and Nicholas, were of school age, Lynn was very actively involved in supporting their school band and music curriculum at the Somerset Berkley Regional High School. Krista is now a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN and Nicholas is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Mike was born and raised in Fall River. He is a graduate of the BMC Durfee High School class of 1995. While at Durfee, he had the opportunity to make numerous friends and was on the varsity basketball team.

He attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, and eventually graduated from FINE Mortuary College. Mike is a licensed funeral director, insurance agent, and a registered notary in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has been with Hathaway Family Funeral Homes for over 20 years and finds it a true privilege to serve and guide people during difficult times.

Mike currently resides in Little Compton with his wife, Andrea, his son, Timothy, and their Airedale terrier, Penny. Mike is member of the Fall River Lodge of Elks #118, East Warren Rod and Gun Club, Sakonnet River Outfitters, and is active with the local Jewish communities in Fall River and Taunton. In his spare time, he enjoys taking his son to flight lessons, working in the yard, attending New England sporting events, and spending time with his close family and friends.

Alex joined Hathaway Family Funeral Homes in 2016. He had grown up in northern New Jersey, but made the decision to move to Somerset, Massachusetts in 2008, bringing him closer to his father’s roots in Bristol, RI. Alex is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, the Fall River Rod & Gun Club, and is a volunteer for the Taunton Emergency Management Agency. 

He graduated in 2005 from West Morris Mendham High School in Mendham, NJ. He went on to receive his mortuary science degree from Lincoln College of New England (formerly Briarwood College in Southington, CT) in 2008. He is a licensed funeral director in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

Alex lives in Somerset with his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Anna Catherine. He enjoys hiking and kayaking with his family, as well as shooting skeet and sporting clays.

For 35 years, Jay Moran has shown his commitment to his local community, serving families at the Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home located in Taunton. Jay has deep roots in the community as he was born and raised in Taunton, and still resides there today. Additionally, Jay is an active member of St. Andrew’s Church and serves as the vice chair of the Cemetery Commission in Taunton.

Jay graduated from Coyle High School in 1962 and went on to receive his funeral service education from New England Institute, graduating in 1963. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and completed his apprenticeship at a local firm upon his return.

He became a licensed funeral director in 1970 and began working at Crapo Funeral Home. He was honored to stay on as the manager of that location when it was acquired by Hathaway Family Funeral Homes in 1989, and continues today as a valued member of the Hathaway team.

Jay has two children, Catherine who lives in New Hampshire, and Jay Jr., who lives in East Providence. He is the widower of Patricia (Caramos) Moran. When he is not serving families, Jay enjoys spending time with his two granddaughters.

Amanda worked as a funeral director for 10 years before joining Hathaway Family Funeral Homes in 2021. She has come to be known as a hardworking and steadfast professional who gives the utmost care and compassionate service to the families she works with.

Amanda graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 2002. In 2005, she received an associate degree in liberal arts from Bristol Community College, and in 2011, an associate degree in Mortuary Science from FINE Mortuary College.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys a variety of different activities, including spending time with her husband, Matthew, and son, Brody, and playing the drum with the Colum Cille Pipe and Drum Band of Sandwich.

In her home parish of St. John of God in Somerset, she strives to grow in her faith and share it with others.

Amanda is also a member of the Fall River Rotary Club and the Fall River Diocese ECHO and Emmaus retreat programs. She is a woman who dreams of tomorrow, while working hard on today.

Lauren joined Hathaway Family Funeral Homes in October of 2021. She was employed in the medical field for many years before deciding to pursue a career as a funeral director. She graduated from FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA and served her apprenticeship in the Boston area. Lauren is a licensed funeral director in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, live entertainment, and reading. Her favorite pastime is being with her family and friends. She is a proud mother of a U.S. Marine and an avid supporter of animal rights.

Kiara, who is fluent in both Spanish and English, grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Rhode Island at the age of 10. 

Kiara graduated in 2012 from Davies Technical High School in Lincoln, RI. She then went on to receive a mortuary science degree from FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA. 

When Kiara is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son. In her free time, she likes to paint, ride motorcycles, and listen to music.

During her 25 year career with Hathaway Family Funeral Homes, Lisa has become the "go to" person and is known as a great problem solver. She is proud to be one of the many support team members who work behind the scenes to support families during difficult times.

Lisa enjoys being challenged by the multifaceted issues of day-to-day facilities maintenance; it has motivated her learning and taught her so many new and unexpected skills throughout her career.

Lisa received an associate degree from Bristol Community College where she graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. Her studies focused on mathematics, the environment, and aquaculture. Lisa is also a certified aquaculture technician.

For fun she likes to golf, kayak, fish, and operate an amateur ham radio.

Cathy grew up in Somerset and graduated from Somerset High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UMASS-Dartmouth.

For 34 years she has worked in accounting, having spent the majority of those years at Hathaway Family Funeral Homes, where she has been since 2003.

Cathy lives in Somerset with her husband, Paul, and their two pets: Wolfgang (a golden retriever) and Frankie (an orange cat). She has two sons: Benjamin and Zachary, and three stepchildren: Jonathan, Amanda, and Daniel. She’s also Mimi to two grandchildren (from Amanda): Liam and Ethan.

In her spare time, Cathy enjoys walking, hiking, skiing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with family and friends. She’s also a flutist in a local concert band that brings music to local nursing home residents.

Patty has always been passionate about comforting those who are hurting, and for over 17 years she has put her passion into her administrative assistant role at Hathaway Family Funeral Homes. 

She loves her job and finds it rewarding to provide a state of calmness and compassion to people who are experiencing a tremendous loss. 

Originally from Rhode Island, Patty now resides in Somerset. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She enjoys her dog, cat, koi pond, and gardens.

Kathleen has overseen the day-to-day needs in Hathaway Family Funeral Homes’ Fairhaven and New Bedford locations for 12 years. Prior to this, she served as a teacher’s assistant for over a decade. 

She enjoys working with managing director Larry Sylvia, and the rest of the staff, to ensure every detail is handled well. Kathleen’s proud to meet the individual needs of each family in her care, and she’s always mindful of the fact that she, too, has walked in their shoes.

Kathleen graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1974, and lives in Fairhaven with her husband Nils. She has two daughters, Kendra and Hillary, and three beautiful grandchildren. When not at work, she enjoys time with her family and quiet time on her boat.

Melinda began her work at Hathaway Family Funeral Homes in 2021 and has quickly come to appreciate how important a role it is to so often be the first point of contact for grieving families. She is dedicated to putting families at ease and to providing comfort for those who are mourning a great loss. She strives to treat those on the other end of the phone the same way she herself would want to be treated.

She is a first generation U.S. citizen, born to parents who immigrated from the Azorean Islands and who instilled the values of respect and hard work. Melinda is fluent in Portuguese, which can be of great help in serving families from the Portuguese community.

She is a 1997 graduate of Dartmouth High School and studied business administration at Kinyon Campbell Business School.

Melinda grew up in Dartmouth, but has resided in Fall River for a number of years. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for more than 20 years. Together they have two sons: Ethan and Matthew.

When not working, Melinda enjoys gardening, home improvement projects, biking, hiking, and spending time with family.

Denise has worked at Hathaway Family Funeral Homes’ Crapo-Hathaway office in Taunton since September of 2021. She says that coming to work every morning is very rewarding and she appreciates the opportunity to help ease the grief and sadness for those who have lost a loved one. 

Denise was born in Washington, D.C., and currently lives in Taunton. As a proud daughter of an Army veteran and the wife of a U.S. Marine, she feels a strong sense of loyalty to the veteran community. 

She enjoys spending free time with family and friends. Denise has three children and a grandchild. 

Denise would like to share this quote: “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” - Washington Irving

Dave is currently pursuing an associate degree in funeral service at Cape Cod Community College. He began working at Hathaway Family Funeral Homes as a funeral assistant in 2019.

Prior to this, Dave had earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from New England Institute of Technology. He worked many years in the broadcast television and radio industry and holds a degree in computer programming.

He has roots going back many years in the funeral industry. His great-grandparents, hailing from Southern Illinois, were makers of caskets, a sideline to their other jobs; his great-grandfather built the shells, while his grandmother sewed the interiors.

Dave is a native of Somerset and current resident of East Providence. He enjoys attending concerts as well as going to Patriots and Red Sox games.