WESTFIELD – The Board of Trustees of Fairview Cemetery announces the departure of long-time esteemed Executive Director Richard M. Ralph and Assistant to the Director Sharon Rossman-Ralph. Mr. Ralph joined the cemetery in 1982 and has served as its Executive Director. He has been instrumental in many positive developments at the cemetery, including the construction of four mausoleums; the refurbishment of the cemetery offices and maintenance building; the accreditation of the cemetery as a Level II Arboretum; and the 150th anniversary celebrations in 2018. Additionally, he has developed many areas of the cemetery into tranquil burial spaces, including a meditation walkway and a flowering Tribute Meadow. During his tenure, he has guided families through times of grief and sorrow. Mr. Ralph also served as a past president of the NJ Cemetery Association.

Mrs. Rossman-Ralph has served the cemetery in the areas of grief support and allied care. She was instrumental in the development of informational seminars, a butterfly release program, and a library of compassionate books for adults and children.

Mr. Ralph and Mrs. Rossman-Ralph have made invaluable contributions to Fairview Cemetery and together share 85 years of dedicated service. They will continue to consult with the new Executive Director, leveraging their knowledge and expertise during the transition process and ensuring the continuity of excellence for which the cemetery is known.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, President Neil Vanderbilt stated, “Under the leadership of the Ralphs, Fairview has become, and continues to be, a special place of solace and tranquility. Their unwavering dedication has transformed Fairview and strengthened our community in profound ways. They will be missed, but they leave behind a robust organization poised for the future. We congratulate them on their remarkable careers.”