Our Staff
Our Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
Brent E. Beckwith
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director
Brent grew up in Rome, PA and graduated from Northeast Bradford High School in 2013. After high school, Brent enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany and Fort Drum, NY.
After his honorable discharge, Brent attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science receiving an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service and Business Administration. After graduation in 2021, Brent returned to the area and currently enjoys living in Newark Valley, NY.
In August of 2025, Brent purchased MacPherson Funeral Home and Sutfin Funeral Chapel from David and Carol Cooley.
Brent E. Beckwith
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director
Brent grew up in Rome, PA and graduated from Northeast Bradford High School in 2013. After high school, Brent enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany and Fort Drum, NY.
After his honorable discharge, Brent attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science receiving an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service and Business Administration. After graduation in 2021, Brent returned to the area and currently enjoys living in Newark Valley, NY.
In August of 2025, Brent purchased MacPherson Funeral Home and Sutfin Funeral Chapel from David and Carol Cooley.
Jody M. Cooley
Licensed Funeral Director
Jody Cooley has always called Newark Valley her hometown. A proud 1988 graduate of Newark Valley High School, she continued her education at Tompkins Cortland Community College and later attended the Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science. After graduating from mortuary school in 1990, Jody moved to Nichols to help her parents, David and Carol Cooley, manage the Sutfin Funeral Chapel. Today, even as her parents have retired, Jody continues to manage the funeral home with dedication.
Married to Ted Dydynski and they are the proud parents of two adult children, Madalyn and Max. For over 35 years, she has been committed to serving families in Tioga, Bradford, and Susquehanna Counties, cherishing the friendships she has built within these communities.
Outside of work, Jody enjoys relaxing in her “she shed” at Hickories Park and taking walks with her dog, Charlie. Her deep roots and ongoing dedication make her a valued member of the community.
Jody M. Cooley
Licensed Funeral Director
Jody Cooley has always called Newark Valley her hometown. A proud 1988 graduate of Newark Valley High School, she continued her education at Tompkins Cortland Community College and later attended the Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science. After graduating from mortuary school in 1990, Jody moved to Nichols to help her parents, David and Carol Cooley, manage the Sutfin Funeral Chapel. Today, even as her parents have retired, Jody continues to manage the funeral home with dedication.
Married to Ted Dydynski and they are the proud parents of two adult children, Madalyn and Max. For over 35 years, she has been committed to serving families in Tioga, Bradford, and Susquehanna Counties, cherishing the friendships she has built within these communities.
Outside of work, Jody enjoys relaxing in her “she shed” at Hickories Park and taking walks with her dog, Charlie. Her deep roots and ongoing dedication make her a valued member of the community.
Phillip M. Holbert
Funeral Assistant
Originally from Nichols, Phillip recently returned home after living in the Harrisburg area since 2008 and is now residing in Newark Valley.
Phillip brings several years of experience in death care and emergency service, including work in tissue donation and pre-hospital care. This background has shaped his strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and professionalism, all of which guide his approach to serving families during life’s most difficult moments.
Phillip is committed to continuing his professional growth and will begin his formal education in funeral service at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in May, as he works toward becoming a licensed funeral director.
Outside of work, Phillip enjoys spending time with family and friends and is often accompanied by his dog, Harley, who is an important part of his life. He looks forward to meeting members of the community and building meaningful, lasting relationships with the families he serves.
Phillip M. Holbert
Funeral Assistant
Originally from Nichols, Phillip recently returned home after living in the Harrisburg area since 2008 and is now residing in Newark Valley.
Phillip brings several years of experience in death care and emergency service, including work in tissue donation and pre-hospital care. This background has shaped his strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and professionalism, all of which guide his approach to serving families during life’s most difficult moments.
Phillip is committed to continuing his professional growth and will begin his formal education in funeral service at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in May, as he works toward becoming a licensed funeral director.
Outside of work, Phillip enjoys spending time with family and friends and is often accompanied by his dog, Harley, who is an important part of his life. He looks forward to meeting members of the community and building meaningful, lasting relationships with the families he serves.