Calvary Cemetery (Queens)

Calvary Cemetery (Queens). Calvary Cemetery is a large Roman Catholic cemetery located in Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, USA. Established in 1856, it is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the United States. With over 3 million interments, Calvary Cemetery is a significant historical and cultural landmark in the New York metropolitan area. The cemetery is operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

History

Calvary Cemetery was established in 1856 to address the growing need for a Catholic cemetery in New York City. At the time, the city's Catholic population was rapidly expanding, and existing cemeteries were insufficient to meet the demand. The cemetery was designed by architect Patrick Keely, who also designed many Catholic churches and institutions in the United States. During the Civil War, Calvary Cemetery served as a burial ground for Union soldiers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cemetery expanded to accommodate the growing number of immigrants arriving in the United States, particularly from Ireland and Italy.

Description and layout

Calvary Cemetery covers an area of 225 acres and features a complex layout with multiple sections, including the Gothic-style Cathedral Mausoleum. The cemetery's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and scenic vistas. The cemetery's main entrance is located on Queens Boulevard, and the grounds are maintained by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The cemetery also features several chapels, including the Lady of Sorrows Chapel and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Notable interments

Calvary Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable individuals, including Ethel Merman, Zero Mostel, Bernard Herrmann, and John Joseph O'Connor. The cemetery is also home to the graves of several notable immigrants, including those who arrived through Ellis Island. Other notable interments include Vincent van Gogh's brother, Theo van Gogh, and Fulton J. Sheen, a prominent Catholic theologian and television personality.

In popular culture

Calvary Cemetery has appeared in several films and television shows, including The Godfather: Part II, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Boardwalk Empire. The cemetery's Gothic architecture and sprawling landscape have made it a popular location for filmmakers and photographers.

Management and operations

Calvary Cemetery is operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, which oversees the cemetery's maintenance, operations, and management. The cemetery offers a range of services, including traditional burials, cremations, and memorial services. The cemetery also provides support for families and individuals seeking to honor their loved ones through various memorialization options. Category: Cemeteries in Queens, New York Category: Roman Catholic cemeteries Category: Historic cemeteries