The National Funeral Directors Association is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Mike Nicodemus, NFDA Vice President of Cremation Services and a nationally recognized authority on cremation. With over 50 years of dedicated service in the funeral industry, Nicodemus was a respected educator, leader, and advocate for best practices across the profession.
Nicodemus joined the NFDA team in 2013 following a distinguished 35-year career with Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Over his 13 years with the association, he created and continuously elevated the NFDA Cremation Certification Program, staffed the NFDA Cremation Hotline, authored numerous cremation-focused educational resources, and traveled extensively across the United States and internationally to promote due diligence and professional standards.
Prior to his work with NFDA, Nicodemus served as president of the Cremation Association of North America and was frequently called upon to provide expert testimony in cremation-related litigation. Through his tireless efforts, he educated thousands of funeral professionals worldwide and helped elevate standards across the entire discipline. Under his guidance, the NFDA Cremation Certification Program grew from its founding in 2013 to become an internationally recognized benchmark for funeral service professionals.
“Mike’s impact on NFDA and the funeral service profession is immeasurable,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, CAE. “He was a true authority in his field, but what made Mike so special was how generously he shared what he knew. Whether he was teaching a classroom of funeral professionals or answering a call from a member who needed his help, Mike cared deeply about getting it right and helping others do the same. We have lost a treasured colleague, teacher and friend, and we will miss him deeply.”
Nicodemus is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children. Funeral arrangements and obituary details are not yet available, but NFDA will share additional information as it becomes public.
