HISTORY & STAFF
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
OUR HISTORY
David Lee Hernandez, Jr has been an embalmer and funeral director since 2004 but his interest in funeral service started at a young age. Influenced by his mother Debora, who began a second career working in a cemetery, he spent his summer breaks going to work with his mother in various roles around the grounds.
Immediately after high school he decided to pursue funeral service and become a funeral director in New Jersey. He began his internship at Waitt Funeral Home. Shortly after becoming a funeral director, the firm he worked at was purchased, and after becoming licensed he began managing the bookkeeping, purchasing/ordering and staffing of the funeral home.
Call volume at Waitt Funeral Home began to increase and ownership decided to build a branch location in neighboring Old Bridge Township. David was responsible for the design of the building and was the project manager throughout construction. Old Bridge Funeral Home opened in May of 2007. Although David was in a management capacity, he grew frustrated with ownership that cared more about revenue and less about families and the team members in the locations.
Less than two years later the opportunity arose to purchase the two firms he started his career at and in 2009, David completed the purchase of Waitt Funeral Home and Old Bridge Funeral Home, completing a goal and dream of owning both funeral homes.
As David and his management began to implement families-first service, best practices, and team member development; the firms continued to grow in call volume organically. After three years of ownership, property was purchased for another buildout of a new funeral home to service the Jersey Shore. This began Jersey Memorial Group and the growth that would continue today across three states with holdings of 14 funeral homes, an insurance agency, and multiple service brands to reach local families.
“You can’t grow faster than the good people you have. Our core philosophy for growth both organically and through acquisition is great people.”
By focusing on the development of our team we can maintain our high standards of family service and sustainable growth. By selecting firms whose ownership and team share the same values and culture, David and the Jersey Memorial Group team can provide the flexibility owners decision, and staff development that your team desires and financial and managerial experience that have made us a leading name in funeral service.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
David Lee Hernandez Jr.
Founder, Principal
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David Lee Hernandez Jr.
Founder, Principal
David Lee Hernandez, Jr, a native of Northeast Philadelphia, after graduating high school from Calvary Christian Academy in Philadelphia, he relocated to Morganville, where he began his career as a mortuary science apprentice. David continued his studies where he earned a Science Degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Services. He became a licensed funeral director in May of 2004, and later continued his education in Legal Studies at St. John’s University, New York.
He acquired his first funeral home in 2009 and has grown to operate Jersey’s largest family owned funeral home company, known as “Jersey Memorial Group”. His holdings include funeral homes and cemeteries in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
David is active in each community the funeral homes serve; past President and member of various local Kiwanis Clubs, currently serving as President of the Old Bridge, Sayreville, South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, as well as Board Member of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center, and Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber. He has served as an officer in Middlesex Somerset Funeral Directors Association and is also a member of NJ State Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and a speaking on a number of topics and trends at Death Care meetings. His firms have been inducted into the Hall of Excellence with NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Winners and was awarded the Best of the Best Award from NFDA as the top funeral home operator in the Country. He has been named Business Leader of the Year in 2016 by Kiwanis Club of Old Bridge as well as in 2017 by the Chamber of Commerce. Most recently he was recognized in 2018 with NJ Biz 40 under 40 as a young leader in business, and in 2019 by the Greater Monmouth YMCA as their Citizen of the Year. He has also been a guest speaker at NYU Schack School of Real Estate and Alan Creedy's Blue Ocean Tours. David, his family and team have been featured in Funeral Business Advisor and American Funeral Director Magazines.
He and his family attend Calvary Chapel Old Bridge and they volunteer in various ministry opportunities. A licensed funeral Director in New Jersey, he also holds funeral director and embalmers licenses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well as a Life Insurance Producers License. David enjoys spending time with his wife, Stacey and their three children, Sophia, David Lee III, and Abigail. He also enjoys competitive fitness, OCR, snowboarding, and golf.
Michael Vito Grandi CFSP
Vice President of Operations
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Michael Vito Grandi CFSP
Vice President of Operations
Michael V. Grandi began his career in funeral service in 1998. He is a 2000 graduate of the Funeral Service program at Mercer County Community College and became a Licensed Funeral Director in November of 2000. His skills in embalming as well as his care and compassion for people elevated him to a Management position with Waitt Funeral Home in August of 2001. Michael also holds a New Jersey Life Insurance License, giving his firm the opportunity to offer alternative funding options to consumers who wish to prepay for their funerals. Michael is a 13-time recipient of the Pursuit of Excellence award, Best of the Best recipient and Hall of Excellence Inductee, the highest honor received in the industry for excellence in funeral service putting his firm in the top 2 percent of funeral homes nationwide. Michael Earned his CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) Designation in October of 2019
He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association which he previously served as a Trustee, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. His community involvement is widespread, and is a charter member and has served 3 years as the President of the Kiwanis Club of Marlboro, 2 years as its Secretary and now is the current Treasurer. Michael has remained a member of the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce since 2001 and is currently a member of the Board. He is a member of the Matawan Italian American Association and supports its charitable endeavors. He is the Chair of the Supervisory Committee for Entertainment Industries Federal Credit Union. In 2013 he became a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop John C. Reiss Council #15964 and earned his 4th Degree November 2, 2014. Michael is a communicant of St. Clement Church in Matawan and is part of the Lector Group. Michael serves on the exam committee for the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. In his spare time, he enjoys wine making and playing golf.
Michael continues to share his experience, knowledge and insight in funeral service with the staff and families he serves.
"The pride comes from helping each family generate their own creative ideas which leads to the meaningful funeral that represents the life well lived, for those they loved."-Michael V. Grandi
Susan Gordon
Controller
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Susan Gordon
Controller
Susan has over 40 years of experience in the fields of accounting and finance. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills and consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of financial intricacies and an exceptional ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. Her expertise spans multiple areas, including mutual fund management, regulatory compliance, optimizing corporate processes, and empowering small businesses to thrive financially.
When not at work Susan enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and caring for her furry friends. Her home is often a haven for four-legged friends in need, as she believes in giving back to the creatures who bring so much joy into our lives. Susan is also dedicated to her Christian faith and is an active member of Colts Neck Community Church. Her commitment to Christian values are a testament to her character and integrity.
* unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm or conduct funerals.
Anthony Cosentino
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Anthony Cosentino
Anthony joined Jersey Memorial Group in August 2024, overseeing the upkeep of all JMG properties. He brings over 20 years of project management experience and served as Maintenance Supervisor at St. Ambrose Church and School for 9 years. Anthony's leadership and community service background includes serving as Trustee at the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce for 6 years, Member of the Old Bridge Municipal Alliance Board for 3 years, Commissioner of Old Bridge Economic Development for 5 years, and Coordinator for the Old Bridge Matawan Aberdeen Toys for Tots for 4 years. Additionally, he has been the Sales Manager at All Around Old Bridge for 7 years. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Anthony and his family moved to Old Bridge, NJ, in 2005.
In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his wife ToniMaria, their daughter Hailey, who is a senior at Old Bridge High School, and their Australian Shepherd, Finn. Anthony also loves to create lasting memories by hosting barbecues for family and friends.
Noreen Hay
Executive Assistant
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Noreen Hay
Executive Assistant
Noreen Hay brings over 30 years of experience supporting high-level leadership to her role at Jersey Memorial Group. Noreen joined our team in 2023 to work closely with CEO David Hernandez, Jr., and the executive team. Her diverse skill set encompasses finance, human resources, publishing, and creative design, allowing her to provide a well-rounded approach to her role.
In her downtime, Noreen enjoys photography, writing, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband Kevin live on the Jersey Shore and attend Cornerstone Church. Together, they actively support a non- profit ministry called "U-Turn for Christ NJ," where Kevin serves as lead pastor and director. U-Turn plays a vital role in assisting individuals and families to find freedom from addiction. They have one amazing son, Daniel along with his equally amazing wife Ashley. And if asked, Noreen would proudly admit that her most favorite role of all is being "Nana" to her two precious grandchildren, Wesley and Clare.
* unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm or conduct funerals.
Stacey Hernandez
Special Events Coordinator
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Stacey Hernandez
Special Events Coordinator
Stacey Hernandez, joins our team as our special events coordinator. She is responsible for the many community events that are held within each of our home's local areas. She works diligently to create and implement programs that are dedicated to the memory of loved ones and for the families they leave behind. She was instrumental in creating one of our most cherished events, the Holiday Ornament Program, which is held every year.
Stacey also works as a licensed Radiologic Technologist in the Meridian Health System. A graduate of Marlboro High School in 2000, she later received her degree with honors in Health Sciences.
Stacey attends Calvary Chapel Old Bridge and is active a number of various ministry outreaches.
She enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and children Sophia Gabrielle, David Lee III and Abigail. Stacey enjoys searching for sea glass on the beach and on Amazon.
Stacey is not licensed or able to make arrangements, embalm or direct funerals.
Carl Hasson
Senior Director - Mathis, Huber Moore, and Moore Funeral Homes
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Carl Hasson
Senior Director - Mathis, Huber Moore, and Moore Funeral Homes
Born in Sunbury, PA, and raised in Blackwood, NJ; he is the husband of Deborah M. (Home); They have two sons, Noah and Jacob, and currently reside in Shamong, NJ;
Graduate of Highland Regional 1 High School, Blackwood, NJ i
Graduate of Mere-er County Community College, West Windsor, NJ with an Associate in Science and a Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service
Certified Zamboni Driver
Certified by the National! Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States Licensed Funeral Director in New Jersey
Licensed lnsurance Agent in New Jersey
Certified Funeral Service Practitioner designation in 1996
Member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association
Member of Burlington County Funeral Directors Association
Alumnus of the Sigma Phi Sigma Mortuary Fraternity
Former President and Secretary of the Mercerville Lions Club
Member of Medford Business Association
Member of the Historic Medford Village Association
Parishioner at the Church of the Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle, NJ
Member of the Medford Historical Society
4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus- Holy Eucharist Council 8733
Brittany Watters
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Brittany Watters
Brittany began her journey in the death care industry shortly after graduating from Emmaus High School in 2011. While pursuing her degree in Mortuary Science, she worked at Schantz Funeral Home, PC., in her hometown. During her studies, she served as the treasurer for Sigma Pi Sigma, the funeral service education club. Brittany obtained her Pennsylvania state funeral di: rector's license in 2016 and furthered her education at The
Professional Embalmer's Institute in Greenwood, South Carolina, when she specialized in embalming techniques and best practices. She later worked at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home in Bethlehem, where she became a certified crematory operator.
Brittany resides in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with her husband, Benjamin; their daughter, Brooke; and their two beloved boxers, Zeus and Xena. Hackettstown is home to Benjamin's sixth-generation family farm, "Maple Row." Like Brittany, Benjamin is aIso a funeral director who takes pride in serving families.
Brittany is a member of Rockport Presbyterian Church in Port Murray, the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce, the National Funeral Directors Association, Lions Club International, and the Lehigh Valley Young Republicans. When she's not serving families, Brittany enjoys spending time with her loved ones, the great outdoors and watching sports, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles!
Jayme Fuscaldo
Managing Funeral Director - Silverton Funeral Home
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Jayme Fuscaldo
Managing Funeral Director - Silverton Funeral Home
Jayme Fuscaldo began her journey in funeral service in 2016 and quickly discovered it was her calling. She joined Jersey Memorial Group in 2020 and developed her skills working alongside seasoned funeral directors while diligently pursuing her goal of becoming a Licensed Funeral Director. She received her license in 2023 and has recently moved into the role of location manager at Silverton Funeral Home.
Jayme loves to cook and completed the Culinary Arts program at Brookdale College in 2015. In 2020, she graduated from Mercer College, earning a degree in Mortuary Science.
When not at work, Jayme enjoys spending time with family and friends and cooking for them. She has a talent for creating delectable cheesecakes and homemade pasta dishes. But her most favorite thing to do is to explore the world alongside her partner, Brandon.
Funeraria Hernandez goes over and beyond for families during this grievous time Their professionalism exceeds to excellence everyone who walks through their doors are given the utmost respect and professional services Thank God for Funeraria Hernandez