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.
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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, is the Continuing Education Coordinator for the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association's Bridge Commission and is an Auxiliary member of the Ilion American Legion. She enjoys being outdoors, fishing and golfing and spending time with her daughter, Indigo.
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Vincent G. Iocovozzi Jr., Licensed Funeral Director
With a deep commitment to serving families with compassion and professionalism, Vincent G. Iocovozzi has dedicated his career to the funeral service industry. He earned his Degree in Mortuary Science from the American Academy McAllister Institute. Vincent is furthering his expertise by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Funeral Services Administration at SUNY Canton.Beyond his role as a funeral director, Vincent has held key positions in the industry, including serving as Sales Manager for a local monument company and owning his own trade business. A strong advocate for community involvement, Vincent is an active member of several organizations, including his local Elks Lodge, Catholic Association, and Marine Corps League. He also serves as a trustee for The Central Valley Academy Foundation.Vincent’s greatest joy is his family. He and his wife, Gianna, a dedicated teacher, are proud parents to their daughter, Mila Rose. Together, they cherish family time and remain deeply connected to their community.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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.
