Chestnut Hill Cemetery, East Brunswick, NJ

Losing someone you love is never easy, and navigating cemetery decisions afterward can feel overwhelming. If your family recently laid a loved one to rest at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in East Brunswick, New Jersey, you may be wondering what comes next. This guide gently walks you through the monument regulations specific to this location—offering clarity, reassurance, and expert support as you honor their memory with a lasting tribute.

A Historic Resting Place in East Brunswick

Founded in the mid-1800s, Chestnut Hill Cemetery in East Brunswick, NJ, began as a Protestant burial ground serving German and Dutch settlers. 

Over time, its serene hills welcomed a diverse tapestry of faiths and ethnicities. Though not formally affiliated, it remains closely tied to the East Brunswick Reformed Church. Its name evokes strength and renewal—chestnut trees once symbolized endurance across generations.

Design Traditions Rooted in Faith and Heritage

Chestnut Hill’s memorials reflect Protestant simplicity and Dutch-German craftsmanship. Expect granite and marble headstones with soft gray or earth-toned finishes, engraved epitaphs, and modest religious iconography—such as crosses, open Bibles, or praying hands. 

Shapes range from classic tablets to slanted bevels, often personalized with floral carvings or family emblems. Each marker becomes a quiet act of remembrance, blending cultural symbolism with heartfelt commemoration.

Monument Rules and Placement Guidelines

Choosing a memorial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery involves more than design—it requires careful compliance with cemetery regulations. These rules protect the grounds and ensure respectful, uniform commemoration.

Key monument guidelines:

• Placement: All monuments must be installed at the head of the grave. Veterans' markers are the only exception and are placed at the foot.
• Depth: All graves are single-depth only.
• Vaults: Concrete vaults are required for all burials.
• Foundations: Only cemetery staff are authorized to construct monument foundations; fees are applicable based on the square footage.
• Fees: A $0.05 per square inch charge supports the Maintenance and Preservation Fund, per NJ Cemetery Act 8A:4-5C.
• Size limits:
• Flat markers: Single grave—30" × 16" × 4"; Two-grave lot—36" × 16" × 4"
• Upright monuments: Two- or four-grave lots—Base 36" × 12" × 6"; Monument 30" × 24" × 8"
• Design restrictions: No cornerstones, curbing, wire trim, statues, wooden crosses, or ornamental flower pots.
• Materials and finishes: Smooth-bottom markers and sawed-back bases are required.
• Inscriptions: Must fit within approved dimensions and surface area.
• These rules may feel rigid, but they’re designed to preserve dignity and harmony. Shevchenko Monuments can help you navigate every detail with clarity and care.

Compassionate Guidance Every Step of the Way

At Shevchenko Monuments, we understand how overwhelming cemetery rules can be—especially during times of grief. Our team provides compassionate and knowledgeable support to help you navigate Chestnut Hill’s regulations with ease. From selecting compliant materials to finalizing inscriptions, we simplify every step and prevent costly errors. 

Reach out anytime to discuss your loved one’s memorial—we’re here to ensure it’s both beautiful and fully approved.

Getting There and Nearby Sacred Sites

Chestnut Hill Cemetery, located at 848 Old Bridge Turnpike, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, is managed by the Chestnut Hill Cemetery Association at (732) 254-0933. Easily reached via Route 18 and Rues Lane, it’s near the East Brunswick Reformed Church. 

Other nearby cemeteries include Saint Euphrosynia Belarusian Orthodox Cemetery and Frost Woods Memorial Park, offering families additional sacred spaces for remembrance and reflection.

Driving to Shevchenko Monuments

Shevchenko Monuments is approximately 25 minutes from Chestnut Hill Cemetery. The route is straightforward and scenic, passing through key corridors in Middlesex County. Use the embedded map for real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation.

1. Head south on Old Bridge Turnpike toward Ryders Lane.

2. Turn right onto Ryders Lane and follow to Route 18 South.

3. Merge onto Route 18 South and continue for 6 miles.

4. Take the exit for US-1 South toward Perth Amboy.

5. Merge onto US-1 South and follow signs for Route 35 North.

6. Continue on Route 35 North for 4 miles.

7. Turn right onto S Florida Grove Road.

8. Shevchenko Monuments will be on your left at 329 S Florida Grove Rd, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861.

This route offers a smooth drive and connects two places of remembrance with care and dignity.