The J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels has it's beginnings in Newark, NJ in 1902, with the founding of Philip Apter and Son. My great grandfather, Philip Apter, arrived from Europe with my great grandmother Olga and, after there first son was born,started the funeral home.

Years later, my father of blessed memory, Philip "Buddy" Apter, instilled in me the desire to continue in the funeral business. He also instilled in me the philosophy of tzedakah, or charity. He volunteered his time for the blind, as well as raising donations for diabetes research and today, I volunteer on several boards that support our community. As a matter of fact, my wife and I volunteered many years in EMS helping those in need of immediate medical attention.I am now passing on the philosophy of tzedakah to my children.

The J. L. Apter Memorial Chapels proudly donates up to $500 from every full service funeral to either the synagogue of the family's membership or to organizations such as Jewish Family Services and United Jewish Communities.