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
Phillip M. Holbert is a proud graduate of Tioga Central High School, Class of 2005, and a lifelong native of Nichols. After living in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area for many years, he recently returned home to the Southern Tier and now resides in Newark Valley, where he is honored to serve the community he calls home.
Phillip brings extensive experience in death care and emergency service and is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) through the American Association of Tissue Banks. His background includes the recovery of donated human tissue for transplantation and research, including skin, corneas, bone, tendons, veins, and heart tissue.
He will begin his formal education at the 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. He is grateful to serve the families of his hometown and surrounding communities.
Phillip M. Holbert
Funeral Assistant
Phillip M. Holbert is a proud graduate of Tioga Central High School, Class of 2005, and a lifelong native of Nichols. After living in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area for many years, he recently returned home to the Southern Tier and now resides in Newark Valley, where he is honored to serve the community he calls home.
Phillip brings extensive experience in death care and emergency service and is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) through the American Association of Tissue Banks. His background includes the recovery of donated human tissue for transplantation and research, including skin, corneas, bone, tendons, veins, and heart tissue.
He will begin his formal education at the 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. He is grateful to serve the families of his hometown and surrounding communities.