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Michael W. Nicodemus, 73, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2026.
Born in Altoona, Mike was a proud graduate of Altoona Area High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball and track. He went on to study at Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, N.H., and later enrolled at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. After graduating in 1974, he began a career in funeral service that would span more than four decades.
Mike served as a funeral director with Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory in Virginia Beach from 1979 to 2013. After retiring from Hollomon-Brown, he continued his work in the funeral service profession with the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), where he served as Vice President of Cremation Services.
Throughout his more than 40 years in funeral service, Mike became a respected resource and mentor to many in the profession. He spoke at funeral service conferences across the country, sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow funeral directors.
Outside of his career, Mike enjoyed following his favorite sports teams, including the Boston Celtics and Pittsburgh Steelers. He especially loved college basketball and looked forward to March Madness every year. His career also gave him the opportunity to travel extensively with his wife, Elizabeth. He never minded a long layover -- especially when it meant a visit to the Delta Sky Club. Traveling not only allowed Mike to visit all 50 states, but also gave him the opportunity to experience the many cultures and flavors that each place had to offer. If you knew Mike, you knew that one of his favorite ways to show love and experience life was through a great meal. You could name almost any city, and Mike could likely name several restaurants worth visiting. From Texas Hotdogs in Altoona, Emeril's Fish House in Las Vegas, to the Aberdeen Barn in Virginia Beach, Mike knew where to find a good meal and was always happy to share his recommendations.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Elizabeth; his daughter, Erin (Wendell) Van Houten of Virginia Beach, Va.; his son, Ryan (Stacy) Nicodemus of Midlothian, Va.; and his four grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Garrett, Evan, Ella and Graham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine (Nicodemus) Larson and Richard Nicodemus; his stepfather, Donald Larson; his sister, Ann Harshbarger; his brother, Patrick Nicodemus; and his daughter, Erica Nicodemus.
Family will greet friends from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where Mike was a long-standing member.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com.