Cody-White Funeral Home

Who We Are

Our staff of professionals has years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each comes to us because we are leaders in our profession, with dedication to service and professional integrity.

When we sit down with a family, our shared goal is to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer them a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

Our History

Our Greek-Revival style building was erected in 1845 by the family of Governor Charles Hobby Pond on the historical Milford Green and is handicapped accessible.

During the 1930’s and 1940’s, S. Harrington White served the communities of Milford and Orange and then in 1956, Thomas J. Cody, Sr. purchased the White Funeral Home and renamed it “Cody-White Funeral and Cremation Service”. With caring consideration, sage advice, and judicious council he offered excellent and professional services to the Milford and Orange communities and beyond. When Tom Sr. retired, his children, Tom J. Cody, Jr., Kevin W. Cody, and Jaclyn Cody D’Auria, and later his grandson Brian Cody, joined in the family business. Tom and Kevin still serve our community today. Our funeral home and its staff is very community minded. We are proud of the role that our staff plays in the community. Along with established relationships with Churches, Hospitals, Hospice and Civic Groups, we actively participate with many nationally recognized organizations that help support our community. Every one of our six full time Funeral Directors and support staff either lives in the Greater Milford Community or have family that lives here. We are your friends and neighbors; we shop in the same shops, go to the same churches, go to the same school functions, and participate and cherish the same local activities as you do.

We are the proud sponsor of “The Caring Network”, two ongoing programs for people who have suffered a loss through death. The Caring Network for adults meets the third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm at the MILFORD HOSPITAL, for further information please call Cody-White Funeral Service at (203) 874-0268. There is no charge and no reservations are required. The Caring Network for Grieving Children meets twice a month 5:00-7:00 pm, September through June. Please contact Cathy Fisher, LCSW, at Bridges (203) 878-6365 ext. 445 for more information.

We have established a "Fallen Hero's Service" program. This program has been established to recognize the efforts of all City of Milford employees for their faithful service to our community. If an untimely death should occur during their scheduled work hours we will provide a funeral service of the family's choice including our services and merchandise at no cost to the bereaved family. This is Cody-White's way of showing our gratitude to our community for the many years of trust that has been shown to us. We are proud to be an integral member of the "Small City with a Big Heart". We will always serve our community as family because we are family!

Our Valued Staff

David J. DeRubeis, Managing Partner/Funeral Director

David graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, prior to attending the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, where he graduated in 1977. His career in the funeral profession started with working for the David J. Hodder Funeral Home with locations in the Bronx and Yonkers, NY, eventually purchasing several funeral homes in Central Upstate, New York.
David became Managing Partner at Cody-White in 2001 and resides in the Laurel Beach section of Milford with his family. He is active on numerous civic organizations, serving on various boards and committees.
Thomas J. Cody Jr., Funeral Director

Graduating in 1964 from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, he joined in his father in 1965 has been active in the business for over 40 years. Though currently on a leave of absence he is still very much a part of Cody-White. Tom is very active in the Devon Rotary in Milford and as a Corporator of the Milford Bank, as well as chairman of the Milford Graves Preservation Commission. He is the proud grandfather of three granddaughters.
Kevin W. Cody, Funeral Director

Kevin is a graduate of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, class of 1968 and proudly served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. Joining his father, he has been serving the families of the Milford and Orange communities for over 40 years. He has served on the Executive Board of Connecticut Funeral Directors Association and is active on numerous civic organizations, serving on various boards and committees.
Gina M. Caseria, Funeral Director

Gina graduated from New York University, NY, and then from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, in 1997. She joined Cody-White four years ago. She has recently married and has one son. Her greatest assets include her empathy and kind and caring personality.
Rod Varney, Funeral Director

A graduate of Briarwood College in Southington, class of 1996, Rod has been a Funeral Director with Cody-White for over six years. He and his wife, Laurie, have three children. Rod is on the board of various community organizations and is a catechism teacher at his church.
Gregory James, Funeral Director

A 1976 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Gregory has been a Funeral Director for the past 34 years.
Renate K. Eastman, Office Manager/Insurance Facilitator

Fluent in German and English, she worked at the Milford Senior Center for many years and joined Cody-White in 2003. She enjoys volunteering at the Milford Senior Center. Her varied talents are a plus in any given situation.
Melissa Panas, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper

Melissa was a Paralegal for thirteen years and worked for the Milford Hospital before joining Cody-White. She still volunteers at the Milford Hospital and is a wonderful addition to our staff.
Aimee E. Hallett, Funeral Director Assistant/Administrative Assistant

Aimee was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to a large Italian family, making her fluent in both Italian and English. After marrying and settling into life in Connecticut, she joined Cody-White in 2003. Aimee is a dedicated mom to her two teenage kids, loves to travel and is also active in many outdoor sports. She has recently returned to college as a part-time student.
Susan Pastir, Administrative Assistant

Susan has been a resident of Milford for over 33 years. She worked for People's Bank in Milford for 13 years before joining Cody-White in 2000. She adores her eight grandchildren and spends as much time as she can with them. People can't help but be drawn to her bubbly personality and positive outlook she has on every aspect of life.