Buzzy Stoecklein is a Good Friend to Rural Cemeteries

Since founding Friends of Rural Cemeteries in 2000, CMS Chairman Bernard "Buzzy" Stoecklein has been helping cemeteries in need.  Most recently Stoecklein and the non-profit organization reached out and provided assistance to Greenwood Cemetery Association in Lakewood, New Jersey.

In 2003, the County of Ocean attempted to take a portion of Greenwood Cemetery’s frontage along Cedar Bridge Avenue to widen the road.  The County only offered the cemetery $37,300 for the property.  While attending a New Jersey Cemetery Association board meeting, Stoecklein learned of the county’s inadequate offer.  Through Friends of Rural Cemeteries, he retained legal counsel to assist Greenwood Cemetery Association in receiving a fair market value for the land.  Stoecklein also served as an appraiser regarding the property’s value.

Recently, after more than three years of negotiations, the Ocean County agreed to a settlement of $137,500.  A portion of the funds will be used for cemetery operations and the remainder will be placed in the maintenance and preservation fund. 

“The time and effort spend by Mr. Stoecklein on this matter is reflective of his generosity and is a credit to the industry,” explained Laura Leacy Kyler, the attorney who helped reach the Greenwood settlement.  “His assistance and guidance were invaluable in reaching a successful resolution of this matter on behalf of the Cemetery.”