New Jersey, rich in history and culture, is the final resting place for many prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields.

From inventors and politicians to artists and athletes, the Garden State’s cemeteries are home to numerous luminaries. This article delves into some of these notable figures and the cemeteries where they are interred.

Thomas Alva Edison

Known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park,” Thomas Edison was a prolific inventor whose innovations included the phonograph, the practical incandescent light bulb, and motion picture cameras. Born in Milan, Ohio, Edison spent a significant portion of his career in New Jersey. He passed away in 1931 and was laid to rest behind his home in Llewellyn Park, West Orange.

Whitney Houston

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Houston was a globally acclaimed singer and actress. With a career spanning decade, she delivered chart-topping hits and starred in notable films. Houston passed away in 2012 and was buried in Fairview Cemetery located in Westfield, Union County.

Grover Cleveland

The 22nd and 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, was born in Caldwell, New Jersey. He remains the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. After his death in 1908, Cleveland was interred in Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, Mercer County.

Yogi Berra

A Hall of Fame baseball player, Yogi Berra was renowned for his time with the New York Yankees. Beyond his athletic achievements, Berra was celebrated for his memorable sayings, often referred to as “Yogi-isms.” He passed away in 2015 and was laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, Morris County.

Walt Whitman

Celebrated as one of America’s foremost poets, Walt Whitman authored the seminal work “Leaves of Grass.” In his later years, Whitman resided in Camden, New Jersey, where he died in 1892. He is buried in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden County.

Dudley Moore

British actor and comedian Dudley Moore was best known for his roles in films like “Arthur” and “10.” In his later years, he resided in New Jersey. Moore passed away in 2002 and was interred in Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, Union County.

Vince Lombardi

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Vince Lombardi became one of the most successful professional football coaches in history, leading the Green Bay Packers to multiple championships. He passed away in 1970 and was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown, Monmouth County.

Joey Ramone

As the lead singer of the punk rock band The Ramones, Joey Ramone was a pivotal figure in the punk music scene. Born in Queens, New York, he passed away in 2001 and was laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst, Bergen County.

Althea Gibson

A trailblazing athlete, Althea Gibson was the first African American to compete in international tennis. She broke racial barriers and won multiple Grand Slam titles. Gibson passed away in 2003 and was buried in Rosedale Cemetery in Montclair, Essex County.

Olympia Dukakis

Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis was renowned for her roles in films such as “Moonstruck.” She resided in Montclair, New Jersey, for many years. Dukakis passed away in 2021 and was interred in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex County.

Sarah Vaughan

Known as “The Divine One,” Sarah Vaughan was a celebrated jazz singer with a career spanning several decades. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she passed away in 1990 and was laid to rest in Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield, Essex County.

Thomas Nast

A political cartoonist and caricaturist, Thomas Nast is often considered the “Father of the American Cartoon.” He created enduring images such as the modern depiction of Santa Claus and the Republican Party elephant. Nast passed away in 1902 and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery in West Long Branch, Monmouth County.

New Jersey’s cemeteries serve as the final resting places for numerous individuals who have left indelible marks on history and culture. Visiting these sites offers a tangible connection to the past and an opportunity to honor the legacies of those who have shaped various facets of society.