Cody Bennett Tarkowski

Cody Bennett Tarkowski, 23, of Westmoreland, was taken from his family unexpectedly on March 9, 2025.

He was born on March 4, 2002, in Syracuse, the son of Scott and Patricia Tarkowski. Cody was a graduate of Westmoreland Central High School, Class of 2020. He attended Mohawk Valley Community College for 2 years. Following college, he sought a path in life by learning the masonry trade with his uncle, Mark Tarkowski, in his family business. Last fall he was very excited to join Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local 2 NY/VT, where he was currently working as a Journeyman Mason.

He believed in giving back to his community and helping others. He was a member of Clinton Hampton Lodge #347 F&AM and the Westmoreland Fire Department.

There aren't enough words to be able to describe the kind of man Cody was. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Cody will remember, he had the kindest heart and a smile that could brighten even the darkest days and presence that filled every room with warmth and joy. On the outside, Cody had a tough shell, but deep down he was so loving and caring. Those that were able to experience that side of Cody know how truly special he was.

For such a young man, Cody was an old soul and possessed old school values. He enjoyed working with his hands and the outdoors. He loved fishing with his friends, sunset boat rides and being in any garage with people that shared his passion for cars. Cody cherished his family and his close friendships like brothers that all meant the world to him. He holds a special place in his girlfriend's Gabrielle's heart with the kind of love you hear about in fairy tales. They had a special connection and were best friends. They wanted to move to Arizona as soon as possible to start a new life and adventure together. Cody's dream was to buy a 1980's LS swapped square body Chevy and drive across the country to create new adventures and memories out West with Gabrielle.

He loved the outdoors, fishing and sunset boat rides. He loved old movies - especially Westerns, listening to Johnny Cash and his passion was working on cars. Cody had so much life ahead of him and was on the path to be happy and successful.

He is survived by his parents, Scott and Patti; and brothers, Ryan and Jace, at home. He is also survived by his beloved family, including his grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. Cody shared a special loving bond with his girlfriend, Gabrielle Miller.

He was predeceased by his sister, Brianna Jane Tarkowski.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at Dimbleby Funeral Homes, Inc., 40 Main St., Whitesboro. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Trinity Church, Lincoln Ave., Utica. Interment will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Everyone is invited to the Westmoreland Fire Department, 101 Station Rd., Westmoreland, for refreshments at 1:00 p.m.

To honor the memory of Cody's aunt, Lorraine Walsh, please consider memorials, in lieu of flowers, to ALS, in his name.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy may be left at www.dimblebyfh.com.