Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home

Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home Family owned & operated funeral home providing compassionate guidance to assist you with a personal, memorable service for your loved one. Robert E.

Kanapaux, Mgr. (NJ Lic #3215) **Obituaries can be found on our website.** The founding members of Whitham Funeral Home, George and his wife Sophie Whitham, both licensed funeral directors, originally began serving families when visitations were held in the deceased family's home. As time went on, families were more frequently asking the Whitham's to use their home as a viewing parlor for the family's deceased loved one. Eventually, it was decided upon that a new facility was needed in order to continue serving the community, so in 1920, Whitham Funeral Home was built. The Whitham's continued to serve Rockaway and it's surrounding communities for several decades thereafter. In 1979 Robert E. Kanapaux, a licensed funeral director, and his wife Linda, purchased the funeral home and in keeping the well known Whitham name, it became Whitham - Kanapaux Funeral Home. More recently, their daughter, Melissa Kanapaux has joined the family business, becoming a licensed funeral director in 2002. Together, Mr. Kanapaux and his daughter provide a variety of at-need services, along with pre-need planning. The Kanapaux family continues to serve the community in a professional and caring manner, following in the tradition of the Whitham family.

This photo captures a special part of our history — our founders, Sophie and George Whitham, pictured alongside Mary Var...
11/21/2025

This photo captures a special part of our history — our founders, Sophie and George Whitham, pictured alongside Mary Varga, a Registered Nurse who was part of our staff for many years (pictured left to right).

Mary offered nursing support to anyone in need during services. While these services were never required, they were provided as a courtesy and a comfort to the families we served. Her presence reflects the commitment to care and compassion that has guided our funeral home from the very beginning.

We’re proud to honor their legacy and the heartfelt service they brought to our community.

🌿 Did you know? Our cremation services include biodegradable urn options at no extra cost — a simple, natural choice for...
10/24/2025

🌿 Did you know? Our cremation services include biodegradable urn options at no extra cost — a simple, natural choice for families who want an eco-friendly farewell.

With family and friends living farther apart than ever before, moments of loss can feel especially isolating. A visitati...
10/04/2025

With family and friends living farther apart than ever before, moments of loss can feel especially isolating. A visitation gives us the chance to come together, to lean on one another, and to create a sense of community during difficult times.

It allows those both near and far the opportunity to share memories, offer support, and most importantly, say goodbye. It’s not just about honoring a life—it’s about surrounding one another with love when it’s needed most.

To say we’re a jack of all trades is an understatement! Today we’re refreshing the art supplies in our children’s area —...
08/29/2025

To say we’re a jack of all trades is an understatement! Today we’re refreshing the art supplies in our children’s area — making sure even the smallest details are ready for our youngest guests.

08/12/2025
Did you know? 🕊️Our funeral home holds a unique place in New Jersey history — it was the first building in the state des...
07/24/2025

Did you know? 🕊️
Our funeral home holds a unique place in New Jersey history — it was the first building in the state designed and built specifically as a funeral home, all the way back in 1919.

While many funeral homes at the time were simply converted houses, ours was purpose-built to serve families with care and dignity from the start.

Here’s a look at the front of our 1979 business card, the year the Kanapaux family proudly purchased the Whitham Funeral Home. A little piece of our history, and New Jersey’s too. 💙

Happy & safe 4th of July to all!
07/04/2025

Happy & safe 4th of July to all!

Here’s a great fundraiser for our local biker followers!
06/24/2025

Here’s a great fundraiser for our local biker followers!

Did you know we have two locations? One in Rockaway and one in Netcong. No matter where you are, we’re here for you. 🫶🏻
03/23/2025

Did you know we have two locations? One in Rockaway and one in Netcong. No matter where you are, we’re here for you. 🫶🏻

In a word, yes! Oftentimes guests are focused on getting to the service on time and immediately start chatting with fami...
02/28/2025

In a word, yes! Oftentimes guests are focused on getting to the service on time and immediately start chatting with familiar faces when they arrive, and forget to sign the register. But after a few emotional and busy days, looking back through the names in the register is a nice way to reminisce on all the guests that came to pay their respects. Be sure to add a little notation on how you knew the deceased. 💛

Address

20 Keller Avenue
Rockaway, NJ
07866

Telephone

+19736270075

Website

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