Barile Family Funeral Home of Stoneham and Reading and Cota Family Funeral Home of North Reading Announce Merger to Strengthen Service to Local Families
North Reading, MA— [August 24, 2026] — Barile Family Funeral Homes of Stoneham and Reading and Cota Family Funeral Home of North Reading are pleased to announce that the three established funeral homes have merged, bringing together their experience, resources, and shared commitment to serving families throughout North Reading, Reading and beyond.
The merger represents an important step forward for both funeral homes while preserving the compassionate, personal approach that families have come to expect. The combined funeral homes will continue providing comprehensive funeral, cremation, memorial, and pre-planning services, with an emphasis on dignity, respect, and individualized care.
“Our funeral homes share the same fundamental values: putting families first, honoring every life with dignity, and being there for our community when people need us most,” said Ralph A Barile. “By coming together, we can build on the strengths of our combined reputations while continuing the traditions and personal service that have made these funeral homes trusted members of the community.”
Families will continue to have access to experienced funeral directors and staff, personalized arrangements, and a range of options designed to meet different cultural, religious, financial, and personal preferences. The merger will also allow the funeral homes to invest in facilities, technology, staff, and services designed to better meet the changing needs of families while maintaining the personal attention that is central to funeral service.
"We are proud to announce that our family tradition will continue on under the direction of the Barile Family. We have had a family relationship lasting over 50 years. Ralph Sr. was instrumental when Anthony Jr. and myself were learning the funeral business. Their values, honesty and professionalism reflect the same as our family and we have all the faith and trust in Ralph Sr., Ralph Jr. and Kevin Barile to continue my grandfather's legacy," said Philip Cota.
Barile Family Funeral Home and Cota Family Funeral Home have each served families in Somerville, Stoneham, Reading and North Reading for close to 100 years. Their combined history reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting local families and participating in the communities they serve.
"Our family business began in Somerville in 1932 and we expanded to our North Reading location in 1995. My parents, Anthony R. Cota Sr. and Maria J. Cota along with my brother Anthony R. Cota Jr. and myself carried on the Cota traditions in North Reading for 30 years and established lifelong friendships that myself and my late family will cherish forever. We cannot thank everyone enough," said Philip.
Ralph A. Barile receives award for 50th year of licensure.
During a recent Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association award ceremony, Ralph A. Barile was presented an award for celebrating his 50th year of licensure to practice in funeral service in Massachusetts.
When receiving his award, Ralph said “It has been an honor to help the families I have been privileged to serve over the last 50 years. We believe that funeral service is a calling and I’m proud to have been called upon completion of high school.”
Ralph A. Barile purchased the Barile Family Funeral Home of Stoneham in December of 1993 and the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home of Reading in March of 2003. A graduate of New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences class of 1970, became a licensed embalmer and funeral director in March of 1971.
A native of Pittsfield, Ralph along with his wife Luanne (Nardella) of Somerville, have been residents in the Town of Stoneham since 1998. Being very active in the community Ralph was president of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Stoneham, member of St. Patrick’s Church, St. Patrick’s Holy Name Society, Sons of Italy, The Appian Club, and continues to serve in many clubs and organizations in Stoneham and Reading.
Ralph is a member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Ralph was a member of the Massachusetts State Board of Embalming and Funeral Directors and was appointed by acting Governor Jane Swift. In his spare time, Ralph loves spending time with his family, most especially his grandchildren.
Their sons joined the family business, Kevin becoming a licensed funeral director in 2003 and Ralph in 2005. Today they continue the legacy with the same sensitivity, trust, respect and dignity that has always been the trademark of Barile Family Funeral Home.
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