About
Championing Cemetery Excellence: A Commitment to Advancing Practical Knowledge, Fostering Ethical Standards, and Supporting Our Community
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Calendar of Events
Learn more about upcoming NJCA and industry events.
Business Partners
Business Partners are instrumental to keeping New Jersey cemeteries running professionally. Connect with one of NJCA’s Business Partners today.
News & Resources
Cemetery Industry updates and helpful links to related resource.
About NJCA
Since 1932, The New Jersey Cemetery Association has represented more than 225 religious, municipal and non-sectarian cemeteries located in New Jersey. Our member cemeteries are represented by active, progressive superintendents and administrators who work to ensure that every individual’s life is remembered and valued.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the advancement of practical knowledge in the operation and maintenance of cemeteries, to create and sustain high ethical standards in the conduct of business and to serve and support our membership. Our organization strives to keep membership current on legislative issues by monitoring proposed legislation in the state. We sponsor and conduct educational forums throughout the year to keep management and supervisory personnel informed. These include the physical care of cemetery properties, financial, legal and accounting procedures and the endowment of funds for cemetery maintenance and preservation.
History of NJCA
The New Jersey State Association of Cemetery Officials was organized at Trenton, on September 14, 1932. The members at that time were William H. Atkinson, John C. Beihl, Fred H. Byram, Walter L. Foulk, Sidney J. Heminsley, Frank L. Howard, Oliver E. Iler, John S. Parsell, Henry C. Rodermann and Herbert A. Walls.
On September 24, 1935, the group incorporated the New Jersey State Association of Cemetery Officials. On November 7, 1963, the Certificate of Incorporation was amended changing the name of the Association to New Jersey Cemetery Association and also amending the membership requirements from cemetery officials to cemeteries.
NJCA Goals
The Association fosters the following commitments to its member cemeteries and the public:
- Nurturing positive consumer relationships by promoting high ethical standards and the adoption of policies that promote a lasting memorial to the families we serve.
- Proactive leadership on legislative, regulatory and legal issues and the creation of mutually beneficial relationships with state, regional, international and allied associations
- Promoting the value of selecting and funding cemetery services in advance of need, including the education of the public concerning pre-arrangement procedures
- Support for the maintenance and beautification of all cemetery properties to the end that they remain civic assets within their community
- Fostering of member cemeteries as guardians of a nation’s heritage and as places of fitting tribute to the memory of those who have gone before us.
NJCA Officers
John Dodgson
President
Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River
732-255-1870
President@njcaonline.org
Richard Ralph
Vice President
Fairview Cemetery Westfield
908-232-0781
Ed Faulkner
Treasurer
Rosedale & Rosehill Cemetery, Linden
908-523-2370
Treasurer@njcaonline.org
Richard Gilman
Secretary
Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge
(908) 766-0522
Matthew Halpin
Executive Director
609-503-7703
Judy Welshons
Assistant Executive Director
609-503-7703
Years Established
Art Adair
New Cemetery
Somerville
908-725-1871
Stan Banes
Director NJCA
Atco Cemetery
Jeff Dodgson
Director NJCA
Glendale Cemetery
Bloomfield
Mary Ellen Gerrity
Dioceses of Metuchen Cemeteries
Piscataway
800-943-8400
Jonathan Pace
Director NJCA
Franklin Memorial Park
North Brunswick
732-545-4184
Debbie Santangelo
George Washington Memorial Park
Paramus
201-652-4300
Matthew Sweatlock
Director NJCA
Cedar Park Cemetery
Paramus
201-262-1100