Our welcoming funeral home

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. Our promise is to commemorate the legacy of your loved one's life with funeral services of your choosing.

Jewish funeral traditions

All of our services are designed to help you through one of the most personal and challenging stages of life. Guiding you every step of the way, our team is mindful of every need, faithful in observance of every wish and watchful of every detail.

With an expertise in serving the Jewish community in and around Livingston, we understand the customs and religious significance associated with Jewish funeral tradition.Whether you select to have the service in our facility, at your synagogue or at a cemetery, we are here. 

We honor veterans

At Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, we understand the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level Four Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, we are honored to serve our nation’s heroes and take this responsibility seriously. We have taken steps to ensure our staff is knowledgeable of all the benefits available to military veterans and their families.

In addition, we host community events annually in honor of our veterans and work closely with local veterans organizations. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran’s memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Planning ahead

We also recognize that funeral arrangements and associate expenses can be overwhelming. In addition to assisting during your immediate time of need, we specialize in working with families to plan final arrangements in advance. By preparing these details ahead of time, you provide a sense of relief, peace of mind and comfort to your loved ones while ensuring your wishes are met. We are here to discuss your options should you wish to do so in advance.

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.