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black granite headstone with American flag etching

Headstone Inscription Ideas: How to Choose Meaningful Words That Honor a Life

Choosing a headstone inscription is one of the most personal and meaningful decisions a family can make. Long after services are over, flowers have faded, and time has passed, the inscription remains—quietly telling a story, honoring a life, and offering a place for reflection and remembrance. At St. Charles Monuments, we have helped families across […]

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dark pink granite upright monument in heart shape

How to Choose a Cemetery Monument – Part 2

Once the foundational decisions are in place—such as monument type, material, and cemetery regulations—the focus shifts to personalization. This stage allows families to transform a monument into a deeply meaningful tribute that reflects a loved one’s personality, values, faith, and life story. In Part 1, we covered the essential planning steps involved in choosing a […]

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headstones in Huntington Rural Cemetery

How to Choose a Cemetery Monument – Part 1

Choosing a cemetery monument is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make after the loss of a loved one. A monument serves as a permanent tribute—one that honors a life, preserves memories, and provides a place for reflection for generations to come. While the process can feel overwhelming, understanding the key considerations […]

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How to Care For Your Monument

At St. Charles, we place a high priority on crafting a beautiful monument to honor the lives and legacies of your loved ones. A cemetery monument is far more than a marker—it is a lasting tribute that preserves memories, values, and family history for generations to come. From the earliest design decisions to long-term care, […]

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Headstone marking an in ground burial and private mausoleum side by side

In-Ground Burials vs Private Mausoleums: Choosing the Right Resting Place

When it comes to planning for end-of-life arrangements, one of the most important decisions families face is choosing the type of final resting place for their loved ones. In New York, where cemeteries range from historic grounds in Manhattan to sprawling spaces in Long Island, families often choose between in-ground burials and private mausoleums. Both […]

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large pink granite headstone for family cemetery plot - epitaph reads For God So Loved the World That He Gave His One And Only Son, That Whoever Believes In Him Shall Not Perish But Have Eternal Life

Christian Epitaphs & Meaningful Headstone Quotes

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound experiences, and planning a Christian or Catholic burial in New York comes with many emotional and practical considerations. One of the most lasting decisions you’ll make is the choice of an epitaph. A headstone inscription serves as a permanent tribute to your loved one’s faith, […]

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Secular Epitaphs & Meaningful Tombstone Quotes

Table of Contents Understanding Secular Epitaphs Why Non-Denominational Epitaphs are Popular in NY Epitaph for a Person Central to a Family Epitaph for an Adventurous Person A Comforting Epitaph for Visitors Epitaph to Inspire Home and Healing Epitaph Honoring Lives Marked by Strength Popular Single Line Epitaphs How to Choose an Epitaph When making funeral […]

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The Heartwarming Tradition of Grave Blankets

Table of Contents What Is a Grave Blanket? Possible Origins of the Tradition Why Grave Blankets Are Popular During the Holidays How Are Grave Blankets Made? Cemetery Rules and Considerations Across cultures, religions, ethnicities, and nationalities, families honor loved ones by bringing gifts to their graves. Many people place photographs, flowers, flags, or personal mementos […]

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Cremation: What Does This Mean for Memorials?

Table of Contents What Happens After Cremation? Understanding Your Memorial Choices Can You Have a Headstone or Monument After Cremation? Cremation Burial Options in Long Island Cemeteries Columbariums: Most Common Way to House Ashes Cremation Urns as Permanent Memorials Can You Have a Family Monument With Cremation? Cremation Monuments vs. Traditional Burial Monuments Cemetery Rules […]

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Sandblasting Monuments: How Does it Work?

At St. Charles Monuments, we believe a beautiful memorial can go a long way in reminding friends and family about the beauty of life. With each headstone, we do our best to create something that will speak to the power of their contributions throughout life. Although selecting a monument for a loved one can be […]

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TESTIMONIALS

What people say about us

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“Thank you Marcus. We drove by the monument yesterday afternoon. My husband and I were very pleased. Thank you for giving us a gift of comfort and peace.”

Mary Amber

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“Thank you so much. It has been a comforting and pleasant experience working with St. Charles Monuments. The memorial set looks great.””

Pam Carter

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“The headstone is beautiful. They did a fantastic job. Again my family and I thank you for all your help with suggestions and with the arrangements.”

Laura Leddy

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“My family and I visited my husband’s grave today. We were very pleased with the results. It looks very nice. Thank you.””

Mrs. Guginsky

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