History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

The Whiter Funeral Company was started in 1893 by H.A. Whiter and was originally located in Forestport, NY. Following a fire in Forestport the Whiter family relocated in Ilion and reopened the funeral home, in the early 1900's. We have been in our current location since 1935. The name of the funeral home was changed to the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home in 1957, and was owned and operated by Howard and Erminia (Whiter) Hendrix. Erminia and Howard were both licensed funeral directors, and the parents and grandparents to Len and Scott. Len and Scott are licensed funeral directors, assisting in the day to day operations by their wives Sandy and Geri.

In 2021, Heather A. Rauch and Vincent G. "Buster" Iocovozzi, Jr. acquired the funeral home from the Hendrix family. They are proud to continue the legacy and serve the families of the Mohawk Valley with the same care and dignity shown since 1893. Together with the Hendrix family, they offer a complete range of personal, professional and compassionate service to local families.

Our facilities are fully handicap accessible with two ramps and wide doorways. We offer the largest casket display room in the area and have ample off street parking. Our chapel area offers a homey atmosphere, while still being able to accommodate about 200.

We also offer a children’s room with coloring books and videos.

Our Valued Staff

  • Heather A. Rauch

    Heather A. Rauch, Licensed Funeral Director

    Heather has been a Licensed Funeral Director since 2008. She was born and raised in the Buffalo area and has her Bachelors Degree in Funeral Services Administration. Heather has resided in Ilion since 2011 and especially loves the Fall in the Mohawk Valley. She serves on the board for SUNY Canton's Funeral Services Administration Program, serves as the Continuing Education Coordinator for the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association's Bridge Commission and is an Auxiliary member of the American Legion. She enjoys being outdoors, fishing and golfing and spending time with her daughter, Indi.

  • Vincent G. Iocovozzi Jr.

    Vincent G. Iocovozzi Jr., Licensed Funeral Director

    I am Vincent G. Iocovozzi, the dedicated Funeral Director and Owner/Manager of Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home in Ilion, New York. Since obtaining my funeral director license in 2014, I have committed myself to providing compassionate and professional funeral services. My career in the funeral industry spans over a decade, featuring roles such as Sales Manager at Twin Oaks Memorials & Laser Etching and Manager at V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home/Petykiewicz Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home.I hold an Associate's degree in Mortuary Science from the American Academy McAllister Institute and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science Administration at SUNY Canton. My experience includes conducting numerous funeral services and managing critical aspects of funeral operations with empathy and precision.Beyond my professional endeavors, I am also deeply involved in my community, holding memberships with organizations such as the Ilion Elks, St. Francis Society, and the Ilion Marine Corp League. I serve as a trustee for The CVA Foundation.On a personal note, I am happily married to my wife, Gianna, a dedicated preschool teacher, and am a proud father to our 2-year-old daughter, Mila. Together, we cherish our family time and are deeply rooted in our community.

  • Len Hendrix

    Len Hendrix, Licensed Funeral Director

    He has been a licensed funeral director for 50 years and has been running the firm since the passing of his father in 1967. Len is a graduate of Simmons Institute in Syracuse; he enjoys golf and traveling with his wife Sandy. He is recently retired from the Herkimer County Legislature, having served in that capacity for 37 years. He is a member of the Ilion Volunteer Fire Dept and the C.W. Carpenter Hose Co. #2 and has served the community for 50 years there. Len has Three Children Scott, Lynne and Ashley and 4 granddaughters and one great granddaughter .

  • Scott Hendrix

    Scott Hendrix, Licensed Funeral Director

    He has been a licensed funeral director for over 30 years and is the manager of the firm. Scott is a graduate of SUNY Canton, and enjoys cooking, golf, traveling and spending time on the boat with his wife Geri. He is on the board of directors of the New York State Funeral Directors Assn. and serves as a Lieutenant-EMT-CC with the Ilion Fire Dept. Scott has two daughters Victoria and Jacquelyn and a granddaughter Fiona.

  • Sandy Hendrix

    Sandy Hendrix, Funeral Home Associate

    She has been assisting in the day to day operations and bookkeeper for several years. She also enjoys stained glass, several of her pieces decorate funeral home.

  • Geri Hendrix

    Geri Hendrix, Funeral Home Associate

    She has been assisting in the day to day operation for over 15 years. She is also a licensed real estate broker, as well as a Notary. Geri enjoys her trips to Maine as well as golf and spending time on their boat.