Located in the Woodside section of Queens, established in 1848, I was only here a few times years ago, but it has always remained a vivid memory. It covers 365 acres and is divided into 4 separate sections. In some significant ways, it's a quintessential urban cemetery- a sprawling, densely-packed, but historic necropolis imbued with an eerie beauty. If a city's history is contained in its cemeteries, NYC's history is very much contained here. I searched out the monument of pioneering hero policeman Joe Petrosino, the police officer who fought organized crime in the early 20th century and was killed in Sicily in 1909 while on a fact-finding mission. In another part of the cemetery is the massive mausoleum dedicated to his antithesis in every way-- Joe the Boss Masseria, who was killed in 1931 in a hit set up by Lucky Luciano (I recommend the book "The First Family" by Mike Dash, an exhaustively researched, fascinating history of NYC's Mafia that covers the careers of Petrosino, Masseria, and others). I also have to confess I sought this cemetery out because of my love for the film "The Godfather" (which is a mythology of the Mafia in much the same way "Gone With the Wind" was a mythology of the antebellum South, but in spite of that, "The Godfather" remains one of America's greatest films). It was here that Don Corleone's burial scene was filmed. I found the exact location where it took place. At the job I had at the time, I became friends with an older Orthodox Jew who had been best friends with actor Richard Castellano (Clemenza) and he recounted for me that Castellano and others of the cast, including Richard Conte, had been sneaking nips from a flask that Castellano was carrying on that very cold day; they had snuck down between the mausoleums to "micturate" when nature inevitably called. When I found the site, I halfway expected to find a stone with the words CORLEONE chiseled on it (I didn't). (A nice side story-- when I was a kid and became angry at my adoptive parents, who were in actuality warm, loving people, I sometimes, in my youthful stupidity, fantasized about being adopted into the Corleone family like Tom Hagen, the Irish-German orphan. When I recently told that to my oldest, best friend...we grew up together obsessed by the movie...he said, "Don't worry; you're MY Irish consiglieri!") A lot of famout people are buried here, including Tony Bennett, Dom De Luise, Una O'Connor (not so "famous," but she was the screaming crone in "Invisible Man" and several other old-time Universal horror movies), Tony Sirico (The Sopranos), Governor Alfred Smith, Mayor Robert Wagner, Texas Guinan (the speakeasy manager during Prohibition who "welcomed" her guests by shouting, "Hello, suckers!"), and others. There are also the thousands of graves belonging to honest, hard-working citizens whose efforts helped to transform NYC into the booming metropolis that it became, and still is. For Catholics, Calvary is a sacred place of reverence, mourning and remembering those who have traveled the path we'll all follow someday. For respectful visitors without personal connections to Calvary (like me), it's a rich and fascinating trip through history, and it also offers some glorious and magnificent views of the NYC skyline (especially of interest to the photographer, or...perhaps...the painter). read more

See all

my Father was buried in section 69 in 4th calavary in 1956 the section was brand new then , my Mother was buried here in 1996 Place is well taken care of read more

Calvary Cemetery - mom and dads gravesite - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Woodside, New York

Not to be confused with Calgary Cemetary which is in freaking Canada people. Also not to be confused with the Cavalry Cemetary, which is where all those people that used to kill Native Americans are buried. Annnnnd not to be confused with the First Calvary Cemetery which is the one that you look across as you see the skyline of Manhattan from the BQE, when you cross from Brooklyn into Queens or vice versa. But still an absolutely gorgeous Cemetery that is basically right across the street and a spillover from the first version of it. These are some of the most romantic locations for cemeteries and I guess you really don't mind all the pollution when you're dead. read more

Calvary Cemetery - If you get attacked in the cemetery then don't worry the calvary will soon arrive - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Woodside, New York

I love taking walks in cemeteries and Calvary has been on my list forever because of it's size. But if you're coming for interesting tombstones and nice landscaping I don't think this is the best choice. The cemetery is split in half by the BQE and I visit for quiet and solitude, so this isn't ideal. Maybe because of this it didn't feel as big as other smaller cemeteries do. The tombstones and grounds were clean and well maintained, but their wasn't much artistry or personal touches like you see elsewhere, and the landscaping is plain and sparse. There was also only one bathroom open during COVID on 50th Street & 54th avenue, keep this in mind if you're walking or taking public transport. Nearby Mt. Zion is one of my favorite places to visit and has a bit more of an overgrown and full landscape, with older graves that are a bit more varied in style. read more

See all

Amazing Place, can't see it all in one day! Need to go back!! Make sure to bring water and snacks. read more

Calvary Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Woodside, New York

Calvary Cemetery is a Roman Catholic cemetery, and holds the largest number of burials in the country (3 millions). It is separated into four parts. The oldest, First Calvary (also called "Old Calvary") is the most beautiful, while the second, third and fourth sections are united in the "New Calvary." The First Calvary is gorgeous, and although public transportation here is spotty, it's well worth a visit. read more

Calvary Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Woodside, New York

I discovered that my great great grandparents are buried here and when we went to see their plot the front office was very nice and even gave us a chart with details of exactly where the plot is, as well as who was buried in what order in the plot. But, when we got there we were surprised to find that there was no headstone. When I inquired about it I was told that the headstone was removed due to nonpayment of dues. When I asked how much the dues were, I was told that he would first need all of my info and they would need to find out how many living descendants there still are. Considering I don't know how much the dues have racked up to by now, I don't want to give them my info in case it might be in the thousands of dollars by now. I wish he would just tell me so I could decide if it's a doable amount. Very sad. read more

Such a beautiful cemetery! Not only does it have millions of graves to explore, but they come in all shapes and sizes: from the small headstones, to the family tombs, and of course the ornate marble mausoleums. The history and size of Calvary is truly humbling; for me, it's less of a 'creepy' experience and more of a reminder of our inherent transience which makes me appreciate the present all that much more. I came on a Saturday and I guess I didn't get the memo but they apparently close at 5PM. While I was admiring a sweet, headless statue the security guard came rumbling up in his truck and yelled at me to get out. Then as I was making my way to the exit some guys with dogs literally barked at me to get out too. Sweet. Despite the unceremonious exit I still had an amazing experience at Calvary. There's still so much to see, though, and a return trip is a must. read more

See all

We've got a lot of cemeteries to choose from in this area (Woodside is affectionately known as "suicide's paradise"). Since we have a paucity of parks, a pleasant stroll through the stones and greenery of these burial grounds is our best hope. The Calvary Cemetery is one of the most scenic around. Thanks to its elevation and proximity to Manhattan, there are some great views to be had. The juxtaposition of the tall tombstones against the Manhattan skyline is stunning. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=64107&CScntry=4&CSst=36&CScnty=2018&CSsr=41& read more

Good lord I love this cemetery. I find myself visiting at least twice a year, usually once in the winter after a heavy snow, and sometime in the spring/summer. Aside from its fascinating history, it is aesthetically the most beautiful cemetery I've ever been to. Its size alone is astounding. Lots of old mausoleums and marvelously sculpted headstones. Perfect for late-night adventures, though the fence is rather sharp and has torn many pants, I'm sure (speaking from personal experience). It's very well-kept. I've never seen any groundskeepers, day or night, but they seem to take very good care of the place. read more

A very well respected Catholic Cemetery with an excellent staff that truly cares. The grave diggers do their job with compassion and dignity. They never rush the mourners. The office staff is top notch and very professional and accommodating. I have dealt with them for more than 40 years literally hundreds of times because I am a funeral home owner. I owe them a debt of gratitude for always being so accommodating to the families I serve. read more

Very nice cemetery. My wife's family are buried here. In Calvary 2. Very peaceful, even though major highways are overhead. Rest in peace. read more

Calvary Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Woodside, New York

Spoke to the rudest woman on the phone. I'm trying to get information on my family plot, you'd think she would be more sensitive. Anyway, when I asked more than one question the woman sighed loudly and got an attitude. When I asked her to repeat herself she got very annoyed. Lady, you sound like you have marbles in your mouth. Learn to treat people with respect. Get a new job if you don't like answering questions. I feel like exhuming all my family members to get away from your negative energy. read more

Contacted them to get the location of my grandparents grave prior to our visit there. They were rude, rude, rude! Refused to provide any information and were just nasty and unpleasant on the phone. I guess they are only polite to family members until after your loved one is buried. Afterwards, good luck! read more

Calvary Cemetery- Elaina is a wonderful asset for the Calvary community, her abilities are endless!!!! Thank You for your help and wealth of knowledge. Regards Wanda M. read more

This cemetery is amazing. The mausoleums and sculptures are amazing. I haven't seen a lot of cemeteries in this country that are so ornate with so much character. read more

it is so beautiful, but it is a maze you get lost easily...we were trying to visit my other uncle but was not able because it was too late, and we got lost read more