Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

A facility for your funeral and burial customs

Our present-day funeral home is a representation of more than 137 years of experience in the funeral industry. We pride ourselves on accommodating your ideal service—from an intimate gathering to a large, formal funeral held in our chapel, seating more than 300 people. It is our unending promise to commemorate the legacy of your loved one's life with funeral services of your choosing. When requested, these services are in accordance with the Jewish funeral and burial customs that are important to you.

All of our services are designed to help you through one of the most personal and challenging stages of life. With an expertise in serving the Jewish community in and around Livingston, we understand the customs and religious significance associated with Jewish funeral tradition.

Contact us

As a proud member of the Dignity Memorial® network, we are here to serve you. Please contact Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel if you need immediate assistance, wish to visit our funeral home or would like more information about our products and services.

History

The formation of Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel is an interesting slice of Jewish history that took place in and around the Newark, New Jersey, area and dates back to the late 1800s. The legacy begins in 1880 when Elias Bernheim founded E. Bernheim and Sons Memorial Chapel on Clay Street in Newark. The location moved to Belmont Avenue in 1923 with the construction of a funeral home that included a full chapel. After Elias' death in 1925, the business continued and was operated by 3 of his sons: Emil, Charles and William. In the 1970s the funeral home merged with Goldsticker Memorial Home and later relocated to Clinton Avenue in Irvington.

During the same era, Philip Apter emigrated from Austria to Newark in 1898. Philip opened a funeral home on Morton Street. He and his sons, Barney and Ellie, followed the trends of the Jewish movement toward the western side of the city and opened a funeral home on Stratford Place. In 1945 Howard Apter joined the business and played a major role in its development. Howard became president upon Barney’s death. In 1960 Philip Apter and Son purchased property on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood and erected a chapel.

Meanwhile, in 1964 Allan L. Kreitzman founded the first Jewish funeral chapel in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In 1970 he affiliated his funeral home with E. Bernheim and Sons and, soon after, with Goldsticker Memorial Home in Irvington. Then, in 1986 the businesses merged again with Philip Apter and Son at their location in Maplewood.

Our funeral home in Livingston, New Jersey, is the culmination of these stories, many generations of history and dedication to funeral service. Our current facility was erected in 2001.