09/23/2026

Obituary for Mike Nicodemus

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Mike Nicodemus, NFDA vice president of cremation services and a nationally recognized authority on cremation.

Nicodemus joined NFDA in 2013 following a 35-year career with Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During his 13 years with NFDA, he created and continuously elevated the NFDA Cremation Certification Program, staffed the association’s Cremation Hotline, authored numerous cremation-focused resources and traveled throughout the United States and internationally to promote due diligence and best practices.

Over the course of more than 50 years in funeral service, Nicodemus became a respected educator and expert on cremation. He previously served as president of the Cremation Association of North America and was frequently called upon as an expert witness in cremation-related litigation.

Through his work with NFDA, Nicodemus educated thousands of funeral professionals and helped advance cremation education and professional standards throughout the funeral service profession. Under his leadership, the NFDA Cremation Certification Program, which was established in 2013, expanded to serve funeral professionals in the United States and around the world.

“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 two children.

Funeral arrangements and obituary information are not yet available. NFDA will share additional information as it becomes available.