St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale: A Peaceful Final Resting Place with Rich History

Introduction to St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale

St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York, is one of the most prominent Catholic burial grounds in Long Island, with a rich history that spans over a century. Established in 1862, this sprawling cemetery has become the final resting place for numerous individuals from diverse walks of life, including notable figures from the world of sports, politics, and organized crime. This article explores the history, services, and notable interments at St. Charles Cemetery, highlighting its role in providing a peaceful and respectful environment for those who have passed.

A Rich History of St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale

The Establishment of St. Charles Cemetery

St. Charles Cemetery was founded by the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1862 to accommodate the growing need for burial space for the Catholic community in Brooklyn and Long Island. Located in Farmingdale, the cemetery was established on farmland originally owned by the local parish, with a vision to create a sacred space for Catholic burials. Over the years, the cemetery has expanded significantly to accommodate the increasing population and offer various interment options.

Merging with Resurrection Cemetery

In the late 20th century, St. Charles Cemetery expanded further with the merger of Resurrection Cemetery, located nearby. The combined space is now referred to as St. Charles/Resurrection Cemeteries, serving as a comprehensive burial ground for Catholics. This merger allowed for more diverse burial options, including traditional gravesites, community mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches.

Services Offered at St. Charles Cemetery

St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale offers a range of services to cater to the needs of families seeking a peaceful and respectful final resting place for their loved ones. The cemetery’s dedication to providing compassionate care ensures a dignified burial process and ongoing support for families during difficult times.

Traditional Burial Services

St. Charles Cemetery offers traditional burial services, including full-body gravesites and family plots. These plots are available in a variety of locations throughout the cemetery, offering serene views and a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance. The cemetery provides various options for grave markers, ensuring that each grave is marked with dignity and respect.

Mausoleum and Crypts

For those who prefer above-ground burial, St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale offers community mausoleum crypts. These above-ground burial spaces provide a lasting tribute to loved ones while preserving the aesthetic beauty of the cemetery. The mausoleum sections are designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, offering a peaceful and sacred environment for interment.

Cremation Services

In response to the growing demand for cremation options, St. Charles Cemetery offers niches for the interment of cremated remains. These niches are available in various locations within the cemetery and provide a dignified and respectful space for families to memorialize their loved ones. The niches are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering families the opportunity to create a lasting tribute.

Memorial Masses and Services

St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale offers memorial services, including daily mass intentions, as well as special masses on Memorial Day and All Souls Day. Families can request a mass in memory of a loved one, and the cemetery regularly holds field masses to honor the deceased. These services provide an opportunity for families and friends to gather in remembrance and prayer.

Notable Interments at St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale

St. Charles Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals from various fields, including sports, entertainment, and organized crime. Over the years, the cemetery has gained recognition for being the burial site of several high-profile figures, adding to its historical significance.

Vitas Gerulaitis – A Tennis Legend

One of the most famous individuals buried at St. Charles Cemetery is Vitas Gerulaitis, a renowned American tennis player. Gerulaitis was known for his charismatic personality and his success on the tennis court, including winning the 1978 Australian Open and reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon. His untimely death in 1994 at the age of 40 left a lasting impact on the sports community. Today, Gerulaitis’s gravesite at St. Charles Cemetery remains a place of pilgrimage for tennis fans and those who admired his contributions to the sport.

Mobster Interments

St. Charles Cemetery also serves as the final resting place for several individuals connected to organized crime. One of the most well-known figures is “Jimmy the Gent” Burke, a notorious mobster involved in the infamous Lufthansa heist, which was later dramatized in the film Goodfellas. Another notable figure buried here is Cesare Bonventre, a member of the Gambino crime family. The presence of these high-profile individuals has added an element of intrigue to the cemetery’s history, making it a place of interest for those fascinated by true crime and mafia history.

Visitor Information for St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale

Location and Hours

St. Charles Cemetery is located at 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY, and is easily accessible by major highways in the region. The cemetery is open to visitors every day of the week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing ample time for families to visit the graves of their loved ones and reflect in a peaceful environment.

Shuttle Service and Accessibility

For visitors relying on public transportation, St. Charles Cemetery offers a complimentary shuttle service from the nearby Pinelawn Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station. This shuttle service runs on the second Sunday of each month and select holidays, making it easier for families to visit the cemetery, especially those without personal transportation.

Conclusion

St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale is more than just a burial ground—it is a sacred space with deep historical roots that reflect the traditions and values of the Catholic community. From its peaceful setting to its diverse burial options, the cemetery continues to serve as a place of remembrance and reflection for generations to come. Whether you are visiting to honor a loved one or learning about the fascinating history of the individuals interred here, St. Charles Cemetery offers a respectful and serene environment for all who enter. With its blend of historical significance and modern-day services, St. Charles Cemetery remains a cherished part of Farmingdale’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale is a historically significant Catholic burial site in Long Island, New York.

• The cemetery offers various burial options, including traditional gravesites, mausoleum crypts, and niches for cremation remains.

• Notable individuals, including tennis star Vitas Gerulaitis and mobsters like “Jimmy the Gent” Burke, are buried at St. Charles Cemetery.

• The cemetery provides a peaceful environment and several services for families, including memorial masses and a shuttle service to the nearby LIRR station.

With its rich history and commitment to providing respectful and dignified services, St. Charles Cemetery remains a place of reverence and remembrance for all who visit.

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