History & Staff
Since 1894, the Molden family has owned and operated Molden Funeral Chapel Inc., providing funeral services to the Bucks County community. This tradition of service has been passed down through four generations.
Henry J. Molden, (1860-1940) was the founding Funeral Director who was joined by his son, George Molden, Sr. (1888-1972). Currently George Molden Jr. and Christopher Molden are licensed Funeral Directors who assists with the operation, and are active members of the firm.
Dear friends,
The year 2014 marks an important milestone for the Molden Funeral Chapel, Inc. as we celebrate 120 years of service to the residents of Bristol and the surrounding areas. Four generations of the Molden family have continued to carry on this fine tradition of competent, caring and compassionate service
Our past…
The firm was founded by Harry Molden (1860-1940), who emigrated from Germany as a young man during the 1800’s. Following his marriage to Katie Betz, he and his wife settled on Bath Street. Harry supported his family by working as a barber and paperhanger, which he continued on a part-time basis after embarking on a career in funeral service.
The February 24, 1884 issue of the Bristol Observer announced that “Harry J. Molden, 542 – 544 Bath Street has resumed the Undertaking business, a profession he followed some years ago. He learned the business in Germany, and attending the college of Philadelphia to complete his knowledge of the embalming process.”
In 1910 he joined in the business by his oldest son, George (1888-1972), who became licensed after attending Eckels College of Embalming in Philadelphia. It was necessary for him to supplement his income, too, and he did this by driving a horse – drawn taxi.
During the early part of the 1900’s in our country, funerals were usually conducted from the home of the deceased. Gradually a trend was starting to have the undertaker use his own home, and Harry did this from his residence on Bath Street.
Then in 1938 something very significant happened. The Moldens decided to purchase a lot on Otter Street and construct a new facility, which included a full chapel, waiting room, office space and rest rooms. This was probably the first building in the area to be constructed specifically for use as a funeral home.
Under George’s energetic leadership and with the advantage of a new facility, the business continued to expand to serve the surrounding communities of Bristol Township, Tullytown, Croydon, and Bensalem.
George, Jr. joined his father in the business in 1950 following his graduation from Ursinus College and Dolans School of Mortuary Science. Both men worked very hard and within the 10 year period from 1958-1968, the building needed two additions; the first to add a display room for caskets and a modern preparation area, and the second to increase the size of the size of the public gathering area.
As the business expanded to the outlying areas, there was a greater need for additional parking. The firm met this need by purchasing the adjoining property and then employed the services of a professional landscaper to beautify the entire property.
The family tradition continued when in 1982 the fourth Molden, Christopher, became licensed as a funeral director following his graduation from Susquehanna University and the American Academy McAllister Institute in New York.
Our Present…
David L. Hernandez Jr, funeral director and Christopher Molden, the fourth generation of family directors, leas the staff comprised of Karen Lamb, Lisa Ruiz, Antonio AliBocas and A staff of this size provides the manpower needed to assure 24 hour service.
In response to meeting the needs of the ever-changing requirements of both the families we serve and the state and federal agencies, the firm undertook major capital improvements during this centennial year. With the 2,200 square foot addition, we now have:
· A second chapel
· Increased accessibility for handicapped persons
· More spacious public areas
· A private room for making arrangements
· Enlarged office space, including a private office
· Large, well-appointed rest rooms
Our Future…
As we move into the 21st Century, we make this pledge to our community: to maintain a good balance between making the changes necessary to meet the challenges of a new era while at the same time continuing to provide the highest quality of competent, caring, and compassionate service for which our firm has become known.
Our Valued Staff
David Hernandez, 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 an Associates of 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. Additionally, he also publishes a newspaper, “All Around Old Bridge” and is active in venture capital investments through 29029 Ventures, which focuses on emerging products and services impacting the mind, body and soul of local communities.
David is active in each community the funeral homes serve; he is Charter Member and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Manalapan, member of Old Bridge Kiwanis Club, member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Belmar, trustee and board member of the Old Bridge- Sayreville- South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, board member of Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber. He was recently elected to the foundation board of the Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation in Old Bridge and Perth Amboy as the Vice Chair and Chair of Governance, as well as is a business leader in the Old Bridge Business Alliance. 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). His firms are nine-time NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Winners and was recently 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.
Christopher M. Molden, Supervisor
Christopher M. Molden is a lifelong resident of Bristol. He is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Susquehanna University and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science. Chris has been very active in the community serving as president of the Bristol Rotary Club and the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation. He has also chaired Historic Bristol Day and coordinated the renovation of the Bristol Train Station. Currently he chairs the Bristol Historic Preservation Inc., as well as remaining active and supportive in many area community activities.
George Molden Jr.
George Molden Jr. is lifelong Bristol resident and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He is a graduate of Bristol High School, Ursinus College and Dolans Mortuary School in Philadelphia. George was a member of the Bristol Exchange Club, the Bristol Moose, and the Odd Fellows. He remains active and supportive of the community.
Michael Vito Grandi, General Manager
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 their funerals. Michael is a 8 time recipient of the Pursuit of Excellence award, the highest honor received in the industry for excellence in funeral service putting his firm in the top 2 percent of funeral homes nationwide.
He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association which he serves as a Trustee, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. His community involvement is wide spread and he 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 sits on 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. In his spare time he enjoys boating and playing golf. Michael is an avid toy train collector, his collection has been featured numerous times in various publications and well as a content contributor to magazines.
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
Karen Lamb, Funeral Director
Karen Lamb joined our team at the Inglesby & Sons in April 2014. She is a 2013 graduate of the Funeral Service program at Mercer County Community College and became a Licensed Funeral Director in January 2014. Karen is an active member of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
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 is a member of the Manalapan Kiwanis Club and attends Calvary Chapel Old Bridge.
She enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and children Sophia Gabrielle and David Lee III. Stacey is not licensed or able to make arrangements, embalm or direct funerals.
Joseph C. DePasquale, Advance Planning Director
Joseph C. DePasquale was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. And has been a resident of Manalapan for the last 25 years. Joe and his wife Keri, have three children David, Nicole, and Emily.
Joe became a Licensed Funeral Director after selling his own business and following his life long dream of becoming a Funeral Director. Joe feels the most important aspect of his career is being there for those families who need him during their time of grief.
Being a Funeral Director has been the most rewarding for him, not only spiritually, but knowing that when a family looses a loved one, he can be there to help and guide them through one of the most difficult times of their lives. Joe believes if he can make that transition just a little bit easier, his calling in life has been answered.
Lisa Ruiz, Funeral Director
Lisa Ruiz joined Jersey Memorial Group as an intern and quickly became an integral part of the team. She became a licensed funeral director and is fully bi-lingual in English and Spanish, she leads Funeraria Hernandez and specializes in repatriation services of loved ones to their home countries.
In her spare time she actively grows monarch butterflies, and raises awareness of butterfly conservation.