Meet Our Staff

David J. DeRubeis

Managing Partner / Funeral Director

David graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, prior to attending the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City, where he graduated in 1977. His career in the funeral profession started with working for the David J. Hodder Funeral Home, which has locations in the Bronx and Yonkers, New York, and eventually purchased 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 in serving on various boards and committees for numerous civic organizations.

Thomas J. Cody Jr.

Funeral Director

Graduating in 1964 from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, New York, Tom joined in his father's business in 1965 and 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, New York, class of 1968 and proudly served in the U.S. Army for six 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 serving on various boards and committees for numerous civic organizations.

Amanda M. Veccharelli

Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant

Amanda is a Milford native who graduated from Lincoln College of New England with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. Prior to joining the team at Cody-White, Amanda worked for various funeral facilities serving families of Fairfield County. Amanda is also our firm's Certified Celebrant. For those families who are more spiritual than religious, Amanda helps create a personalized funeral, memorial or celebration of life that is unique and focuses on the individual's life and legacy. In her spare time she enjoys kayaking, volunteering at the Milford Arts Council, attending local fairs/festivals and spending time with her family and friends.

Carly S. Ericson

Funeral Director

Carly was born and raised in Milford. She graduated from Jonathan Law High School in Milford. She then graduated from Lincoln College of New England in 2016 with a degree in Mortuary Science. In her spare time, Carly enjoys hiking, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Bailey.

Molly Vargo

Funeral Director

Molly was born and raised in Milford. She graduated from Jonathan Law HS. She then attended Goodwin University where she earned her Funeral service degree and currently attends Southern CT State University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, painting, and traveling. 

Brian Garrity

Apprentice

Brian graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. Then began a career in the Financial Industry before attending the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City and graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science in August of 2021. Brian is beginning his Funeral Service career at Cody-White Funeral Home as a Funeral Director Apprentice.

Brian is a lifelong Connecticut resident. Brian volunteers as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America in his community.

Renate K. Eastman

Office Manager

Renate was with Cody-White Funeral Home for seven years before moving to Virginia. Five years later she is back in Connecticut. Previously, she managed the Treasure Chest at the Milford Senior Center for eight years. She is bilingual in English and German and enjoys reading, sewing, crocheting, and knitting.

James Cowan

Life Planning / Funeral Director Consultant

Jamie has joined our team with a focus on helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges.

For the past 19 years, he has provided information and guidance to individuals and families on how to protect their assets against long-term care needs, such as nursing home confinement and Title 19 / Medicaid, as well as advance Funeral and Cremation planning and Veterans Pension Benefits. Jamie’s easy going personality and ability to communicate complicated issues using easy-to-understand language have made him an invaluable asset to our firm.

Having assisted thousands of families in protecting and keeping what they have earned, Jamie is also a frequent guest speaker at various community seminars and workshops discussing topics such as Funeral Planning, Medicaid, and Veterans Pension Benefits.

Funeral Assistants

Our Funeral Assistants are: 

Kevin Bell, Brian Burgh, Nancy Campbell, Tony Candido, Chris Counihan, Anthony DiNapoli, Chris Don, Bob Kosiewicz,  Clint LePlant, Dennis Murray, Thomas Nolan, Killee Richardson, Dean Smith, James Swift, Andy Vargo, Brianna Vidalis, and Ray Vitale.