Shrewsbury DAR Chapter Marks Graves Of 18 Revolutionary War Patriots

SHREWSBURY, NJ — The Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently placed markers at the graves of 18 Revolutionary War patriots.

The chapter marked these graves in the Christ Episcopal Church and Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury graveyards on June 6.

Chapter Historian JoAnn Slocum-Mazzucca of Shrewsbury researched each patriot over the course of three years, and her research was submitted to the National DAR.

Following this submission, all 18 patriots were acknowledged, confirmed, marked and honored, chapter officials said.

Seven of the patriots were previously unknown to DAR and were newly accepted into the DAR Genealogical Research Ancestors Database.

“This important ceremony is the culmination of years of research and many hours of preparation,” said Shrewsbury Towne Monmouth Chapter Regent Kathleen Mazzacco.

“Our chapter members worked as a team and the honor due the 18 patriots was celebrated by all.”

In addition to Slocum-Mazzucca's work, Mazzacco oversaw the planning of the event, created the program and the ceremony script, and led the ceremony.

America 250! Committee Co-Chairs Liz Dunnell and Rhonda Aminiam also created an invitation to the event, biography pages for each patriot, and arranged for the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Boy & Girl Scouts to attend.

At the event, SAR, assisted by the Boy Scouts of Troop 50 (Shrewsbury), provided a color guard.

Jake Rue V, president of the local SAR Monmouth Chapter, was present in Revolutionary, Stuart and Judy Buncher of the Historical Society uniform, while Leslie Clark, past regent (2022-25), directed the physical setup of the site and assisted in general.

Tricia Hicks filled in for Chaplain Anita Nixon. Kathy Breslin sewed covers for the patriotic markers and, with her hospitality team, arranged an after-party in the Christ Church Hall.

Karen Allas, JoAnn Slocum-Mazzucca, and Leslie Clark located all the graves, while Michelle Mazzucca, a chapter member and a professional photographer, took photos.

Dignitaries present at the event included 11th District Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, who presented a Joint Legislative Commendation from Vin Gopal, NJ State Senator, and the 11th District NJ State Assemblwomen; Mayor Kim Eulner of Shrewsbury; Don Burden, president of the Shrewsbury Historical Society; Chris Sands, president of NJ SAR (NJ Sons of the American Revolution), Catherine Medich, NJ DAR State Vice Regent; and other members of the NJ DAR State Board.

For those interested in learning more about DAR membership, they can contact Registrar Lynn Thompson at registrar.stmdar2@gmail.com.