Expenses
What type of expenses can I expect to have at the cemetery?
Cemetery expenses may include, but are not limited to:
Do I have to pay a fee for maintenance, such as grass cutting or seeding?
We do not charge a separate fee for perpetual care. All grass cutting and seeding are provided by the cemetery at no extra cost. In accordance with NJ State Law, a portion of the fees paid to the cemetery goes into a Maintenance & Preservation Fund. This ensures that if the cemetery can no longer maintain itself, the state will have funds to handle the ongoing care.
Grave Purchasing
What types of graves do you offer?
We offer a variety of grave options, including:
Immediate Need Graves
Can I choose the grave location in the Immediate Need section?
No, the cemetery selects the grave location on the day of the burial. We cannot guarantee a specific section will be available, as several factors influence the choice of location. Please note that the section chosen may vary, and we cannot provide prior notice in some cases.
Burials
Can we fill in the grave ourselves?
No, for safety and insurance reasons, this is not permitted.
Can we watch the grave being filled in?
No, for safety and insurance reasons, we cannot allow anyone to observe this process.
Can we return to the grave site after the grave is filled in?
The grave site area must be cleared before filling the grave can begin. You may return after the work is completed for the day. Please be aware that multiple burials may be scheduled in close succession, and the area must be cleared for the next burial. We ask for your understanding and respect for this policy, as well as for the families of those scheduled for services later in the day.
Monuments (Headstones, Markers, etc.)
How do I place a monument on a grave site?
To place a monument, you must visit a licensed monument dealer. In New Jersey, cemeteries are not allowed to sell monuments directly. You can find a list of local monument dealers under 'Local Services' on our website.
What type of monument can I have?
Each section of the cemetery, as well as each individual plot, may have different requirements. We ask that you or your monument dealer contact us to confirm the allowable monument size for your section.
Can I change the type of monument required in my section?
Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions or changes to the monument style regulations. These rules are in place for uniformity and consistency across the cemetery.
What is the monument ordering process?
I paid my monument dealer in full. Why hasn't my monument been set?
The monument dealer is responsible for submitting the foundation order. Once we receive and approve it, we issue a permit for the monument to be set. If a new foundation is required, the permit will be issued after the foundation is poured and complete.
If your monument dealer says they are “waiting on the cemetery for approval,” you can contact us by phone or email to verify whether the foundation order has been received. If we do not have an order on file, you should contact your monument dealer to inquire about when they plan to submit the order.
What should I do if I believe my monument dealer mishandled the ordering process?
If you feel that your monument dealer has not properly handled the foundation/permit ordering process, please submit a complaint using our Monument Dealer Complaint Form.
How long does it take to pour a foundation and send the permit to the monument dealer?
Why is there a foundation fee? Wasn't this included with my grave purchase?
The foundation fee is separate from the grave purchase and opening fees. A foundation is required under every monument in the cemetery, and the fee varies depending on the size of the foundation.
The foundation was already poured when I purchased the grave. Why do I have to pay for it?
If a foundation was pre-poured at the time of your grave purchase or first interment, it is part of our process in high-activity areas. Pre-pouring foundations has multiple benefits:
Can I purchase a monument for a grave I do not own?
Technically, no. Only the Lot Owner can authorize a monument purchase by signing an authorization form. In some cases, a non-lot owner may be allowed to purchase a monument, but there are limitations and consequences for doing so.
Do I have to wait 6 months or a year before ordering a monument?
No, you can order your monument as soon as you wish. The sooner you place your order, the sooner it can be set on the grave. However, if the foundation needs to be poured (and is not pre-poured), the ground must settle first. The settling process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of vault/casket, ground conditions, and weather.
If you wait to place the order until after the grave has settled, you may experience additional delays for the foundation order and pouring, particularly during the months when we do not pour foundations.
Tip: To speed up the process, we recommend talking to your monument dealer about when they submit the foundation order and payment to the cemetery. Once we receive the foundation order and payment, we can add the order to the list and pour the foundation once the grave has settled.
Decorations
When is the cemetery’s annual cleanup?
The cemetery conducts an annual cleanup around January 15th each year. All decorations you wish to keep should be removed before the week of January 15th (weather permitting). Any remaining decorations will be removed by cemetery staff to maintain the grounds. If you wish to replace decorations, please wait until February 1st.
What type of decorations can I place on the grave site?
We ask that all decorations be placed close to the headstone, ideally within 12 inches of the stone. Decorations placed beyond this area may interfere with our maintenance efforts. We recommend using plastic cones for placing flowers (fresh or artificial). Please avoid using small statues, glass, or rocks, as these can pose safety hazards and may damage the monument.
For a full list of prohibited items, please refer to the Prohibited Item List. If you're unsure whether your decoration is allowed, please ask the cemetery staff for guidance.
Where are my fresh flowers? Did the cemetery workers cut them down?
If your fresh flowers appear cut or damaged, it is most likely due to animals (such as groundhogs, deer, and foxes) that roam the cemetery. These animals often treat decorations as a snack. Cemetery staff do not remove fresh flowers.
My decorations are missing. Did the cemetery remove them?
If the item is listed on our Prohibited Item List, it will be removed and stored near our garage. The cemetery may also remove decorations if a grave is heavily decorated or overrun with weeds, which can create a habitat for pests like mice and snakes.
Often, decorations go missing due to other visitors who may take items from one grave to decorate their own. We recommend writing your name on any decorations you place. If you spot your decorations on another grave, kindly remove them and place them back on your own.
My decorations are broken. Did the cemetery workers break them?
We can assure you that our cemetery workers do not intentionally damage decorations, monuments, or other items on the grounds. If damage occurs, staff are required to report it. While rare, some damage may occur due to animals, weather (such as high winds), or the natural wear and tear of items left outside for extended periods.
Miscellaneous
My relatives owned graves in the cemetery. Are they now mine?
To claim ownership of a grave via heirship, you must file an Affidavit of Heirship with our office.
I have the original deed to a grave site owned by someone other than myself. Is it now mine?
Holding a deed does not automatically grant ownership of the grave. Anyone can obtain a deed, but to establish ownership, you must file an Affidavit of Heirship with our office.
I have graves I am not using. Do you buy them back? Can I sell them?
The cemetery does not buy back grave sites. If you are the original lot owner, you may attempt to find a buyer for the grave sites. Once you have a buyer, please contact our office to initiate a deed transfer. Please note, there will be fees involved, including a 15% sales fee imposed by the State of NJ.
Do you ever remove the interred bodies, or is there a time frame after burial when they are removed?
No, we do not remove interred bodies unless the family schedules a disinterment through a funeral director. This is typically done to relocate the individual to another grave site or cemetery.
Once an individual is interred, they remain there permanently. We have graves that have been in our cemetery since it opened in 1883.
What type of expenses can I expect to have at the cemetery?
Cemetery expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Grave Purchase
- Opening Fees
- Foundation/Permit Fees
Do I have to pay a fee for maintenance, such as grass cutting or seeding?
We do not charge a separate fee for perpetual care. All grass cutting and seeding are provided by the cemetery at no extra cost. In accordance with NJ State Law, a portion of the fees paid to the cemetery goes into a Maintenance & Preservation Fund. This ensures that if the cemetery can no longer maintain itself, the state will have funds to handle the ongoing care.
Grave Purchasing
What types of graves do you offer?
We offer a variety of grave options, including:
- Cremation-size graves
- Cremation niches in a columbarium
- Child graves
- Standard adult graves
- Immediate need graves
Immediate Need Graves
Can I choose the grave location in the Immediate Need section?
No, the cemetery selects the grave location on the day of the burial. We cannot guarantee a specific section will be available, as several factors influence the choice of location. Please note that the section chosen may vary, and we cannot provide prior notice in some cases.
Burials
Can we fill in the grave ourselves?
No, for safety and insurance reasons, this is not permitted.
Can we watch the grave being filled in?
No, for safety and insurance reasons, we cannot allow anyone to observe this process.
Can we return to the grave site after the grave is filled in?
The grave site area must be cleared before filling the grave can begin. You may return after the work is completed for the day. Please be aware that multiple burials may be scheduled in close succession, and the area must be cleared for the next burial. We ask for your understanding and respect for this policy, as well as for the families of those scheduled for services later in the day.
Monuments (Headstones, Markers, etc.)
How do I place a monument on a grave site?
To place a monument, you must visit a licensed monument dealer. In New Jersey, cemeteries are not allowed to sell monuments directly. You can find a list of local monument dealers under 'Local Services' on our website.
What type of monument can I have?
Each section of the cemetery, as well as each individual plot, may have different requirements. We ask that you or your monument dealer contact us to confirm the allowable monument size for your section.
Can I change the type of monument required in my section?
Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions or changes to the monument style regulations. These rules are in place for uniformity and consistency across the cemetery.
What is the monument ordering process?
- Visit a Monument Dealer: Start by visiting a licensed monument dealer, or multiple dealers if you’d like to compare options.
- Design Your Monument: The dealer will work with you to design the monument.
- Foundation/Permit Order: The monument dealer will submit a foundation/permit order to the cemetery, along with the appropriate fee, to ensure we can prepare the foundation.
- Permit Issuance: Once the foundation order is processed, we will issue a permit to the monument dealer, allowing them to set the monument on the grave site.
I paid my monument dealer in full. Why hasn't my monument been set?
The monument dealer is responsible for submitting the foundation order. Once we receive and approve it, we issue a permit for the monument to be set. If a new foundation is required, the permit will be issued after the foundation is poured and complete.
If your monument dealer says they are “waiting on the cemetery for approval,” you can contact us by phone or email to verify whether the foundation order has been received. If we do not have an order on file, you should contact your monument dealer to inquire about when they plan to submit the order.
What should I do if I believe my monument dealer mishandled the ordering process?
If you feel that your monument dealer has not properly handled the foundation/permit ordering process, please submit a complaint using our Monument Dealer Complaint Form.
How long does it take to pour a foundation and send the permit to the monument dealer?
- For sections with pre-poured foundations, the process is faster. In these areas, your monument can generally be set without delay, and permits are sent to the dealer within 2 weeks.
- For graves without a pre-poured foundation, the process may take 6 to 8 weeks.
- If the foundation is for a new grave with a recent interment, it may take longer as the ground needs to settle first. The speed of settling depends on weather conditions and whether a vault is used.
- Note: Foundations are generally not poured from December 1st to March 20th, depending on weather conditions.
Why is there a foundation fee? Wasn't this included with my grave purchase?
The foundation fee is separate from the grave purchase and opening fees. A foundation is required under every monument in the cemetery, and the fee varies depending on the size of the foundation.
The foundation was already poured when I purchased the grave. Why do I have to pay for it?
If a foundation was pre-poured at the time of your grave purchase or first interment, it is part of our process in high-activity areas. Pre-pouring foundations has multiple benefits:
- No waiting period for the ground to settle.
- Larger, continuous foundation slabs offer greater stability for the monument and surrounding graves.
Can I purchase a monument for a grave I do not own?
Technically, no. Only the Lot Owner can authorize a monument purchase by signing an authorization form. In some cases, a non-lot owner may be allowed to purchase a monument, but there are limitations and consequences for doing so.
Do I have to wait 6 months or a year before ordering a monument?
No, you can order your monument as soon as you wish. The sooner you place your order, the sooner it can be set on the grave. However, if the foundation needs to be poured (and is not pre-poured), the ground must settle first. The settling process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of vault/casket, ground conditions, and weather.
If you wait to place the order until after the grave has settled, you may experience additional delays for the foundation order and pouring, particularly during the months when we do not pour foundations.
Tip: To speed up the process, we recommend talking to your monument dealer about when they submit the foundation order and payment to the cemetery. Once we receive the foundation order and payment, we can add the order to the list and pour the foundation once the grave has settled.
Decorations
When is the cemetery’s annual cleanup?
The cemetery conducts an annual cleanup around January 15th each year. All decorations you wish to keep should be removed before the week of January 15th (weather permitting). Any remaining decorations will be removed by cemetery staff to maintain the grounds. If you wish to replace decorations, please wait until February 1st.
What type of decorations can I place on the grave site?
We ask that all decorations be placed close to the headstone, ideally within 12 inches of the stone. Decorations placed beyond this area may interfere with our maintenance efforts. We recommend using plastic cones for placing flowers (fresh or artificial). Please avoid using small statues, glass, or rocks, as these can pose safety hazards and may damage the monument.
For a full list of prohibited items, please refer to the Prohibited Item List. If you're unsure whether your decoration is allowed, please ask the cemetery staff for guidance.
Where are my fresh flowers? Did the cemetery workers cut them down?
If your fresh flowers appear cut or damaged, it is most likely due to animals (such as groundhogs, deer, and foxes) that roam the cemetery. These animals often treat decorations as a snack. Cemetery staff do not remove fresh flowers.
My decorations are missing. Did the cemetery remove them?
If the item is listed on our Prohibited Item List, it will be removed and stored near our garage. The cemetery may also remove decorations if a grave is heavily decorated or overrun with weeds, which can create a habitat for pests like mice and snakes.
Often, decorations go missing due to other visitors who may take items from one grave to decorate their own. We recommend writing your name on any decorations you place. If you spot your decorations on another grave, kindly remove them and place them back on your own.
My decorations are broken. Did the cemetery workers break them?
We can assure you that our cemetery workers do not intentionally damage decorations, monuments, or other items on the grounds. If damage occurs, staff are required to report it. While rare, some damage may occur due to animals, weather (such as high winds), or the natural wear and tear of items left outside for extended periods.
Miscellaneous
My relatives owned graves in the cemetery. Are they now mine?
To claim ownership of a grave via heirship, you must file an Affidavit of Heirship with our office.
I have the original deed to a grave site owned by someone other than myself. Is it now mine?
Holding a deed does not automatically grant ownership of the grave. Anyone can obtain a deed, but to establish ownership, you must file an Affidavit of Heirship with our office.
I have graves I am not using. Do you buy them back? Can I sell them?
The cemetery does not buy back grave sites. If you are the original lot owner, you may attempt to find a buyer for the grave sites. Once you have a buyer, please contact our office to initiate a deed transfer. Please note, there will be fees involved, including a 15% sales fee imposed by the State of NJ.
Do you ever remove the interred bodies, or is there a time frame after burial when they are removed?
No, we do not remove interred bodies unless the family schedules a disinterment through a funeral director. This is typically done to relocate the individual to another grave site or cemetery.
Once an individual is interred, they remain there permanently. We have graves that have been in our cemetery since it opened in 1883.