The first time I visited this cemetery was several years ago, and for a very specific purpose: To…read moreattend a concert in the columbarium near Halloween. That was when I first learned what a columbarium is (a place for cremains to be placed). Most often these are outdoor resting places, but this indoor one has a large chapel-like area inside. There are benches near the wall niches for one to visit their loved ones. Bohemian National Cemetery is a major graveyard in the city. Its origins lie in discrimination. After the Great Fire, a woman who was a member of Chicago's Bohemian community was refused burial at one of the Catholic cemeteries. Bohemian in the 19th century did not have the same meaning it has in 2022; the area once considered Bohemia is now Czechia. Thousands of members of this immigrant community worked to establish the cemetery, which saw its first burial in 1877. Bohemian National Cemetery is not affiliated with a specific religion. Upon arrival at this cemetery, you'll see one of its most unique features: The funeral bell that still hangs within the stone cemetery gate. Every other funeral bell in a Chicago cemetery has been removed and/or replaced. I'm not sure, however, if it still tolls when a funeral procession passes through the cemetery. There are several sculptures throughout the cemetery by the artist Albin Polasek. Amongst them is The Pilgrim, just in front of one of the family tombs, and Mother, which is directly in front of the columbarium. I was surprised to find the Beyond the Vines is really a wild monument. Made to replicate the outfield wall at Wrigley Field, major Cubs fans can be interred in this outdoor columbarium. Ivy covers the wall, and there are stadium seats on the west side of the monument for people when visiting. Lastly, this cemetery is home to a memorial for the victims of the Eastland disaster. In 1915, the Eastland was docked and ready to set off for the annual picnic of a local electric company. The ship never left the dock; rather, it capsized where it was docked near Clark Street. 844 people lost their life--and amongst those, 22 full families perished. On the 100th anniversary of this tragedy a memorial was unveiled to those who died that day. Bohemian cemetery is certainly historical and has some very interesting monuments and sculptures, and is a must-visit for any taphophile. However, it's a bit unkempt in some areas, and rumor has it they don't allow tours through here any longer because someone on a prior tour stepped into a dip and hurt themselves. So if you do visit, be careful.

Always looking for a new place to explore, the Bohemian National Cemetery offers a lovely…read moreatmosphere. They have a nice website with a map and several memorials throughout the land. The cemetery is very drivable with places to pull over and share a moment or walk throughout. They have done a nice job keeping it clean with trash cans available throughout. We enjoyed stopping by to pay respects and walk throughout the area.

There are truly no words adequate enough to describe my experience with Tim and Joan Harrington and…read morestaff at Barr Funeral Home over this past week in dealing with my family and myself during this horrible, horrible time. My beloved son, Quinn died last Wednesday at the age of 30. From the moment I called Barr and spoke with Tim, I knew I had absolutely nothing to worry about in making my son's final arrangements. My boy died in Minnesota. Tim, without a second thought, drove all day to go collect my boy and bring him back to Chicago. Tim, with great care and compassion took care of every detail. He guided my family and myself with such care. During the wake and funeral mass, Tim stood vigil with us, keeping his eye on all goings on, quitely in the background, ensuring all were talking care of and that events went smoothly. We are beyond grateful for Tim, Joan and the entire Barr Funeral Home family. Thank you so very much Tim and Joan for standing by us and making the saddest moment of our lives one we bare. Your handling the details and arraignments allowed us to completely focus on celebrating the life if our dear Quinnie and begin the grieving process. Megan, Steve and family

Do not use for your funeral needs. My husband passed and I signed to release his body to this…read morefuneral home. I had scheduled a tour of the funeral home 3 days later. I realized at the tour this was not the facility I wanted to use so I asked the owner how the body would be transferred to the home I did want to use to which he informs me " oh we don't have the body" I was shocked. I was not informed his body was never picked up. In fact the day he passed he informed me his body would be picked up. Months later I attend a funeral for a friend and we were waiting for the ashes for the mass. I was asked to call to see the ETA so I called and the answering service said " Tim is on vacation, he says their is a miscommunication." HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN!!!! Do not use them.

This is the Muzyka Funeral Home that shines the brightest. Whether you're coming to pay your last…read morerespects to a friend, burying a loved one or a vendor coming in through the back door, you are genuinely welcomed, greeted with a smile, treated with dignity and met with professionalism. The staff is very accommodating, helpful and not badgering. A spacious interior, tastefully appointed with ample parking on site. Wonderful! This is a people friendly funeral home. A class act! There is nothing dysfunctional at this funeral home, no pecking order and a staff that is totally polite, sincere and welcoming. No mean people working here! When I go, and hopefully not too soon! Years and years down the road.. :) .... This Ukrainian is coming to this Muzyka Funeral Home on Lawrence Avenue. If they treat you right while you're alive, you can count on them taking care of you respectfully at your funeral.

I have attended multiple funerals at this location, unfortunately. However, lovely experience with…read morethis funeral home and staff. Would definitely recommend.

We had 2 funerals here: my Aunt Stefania J. who died in a hospital & Stanley Z. who died of cancer…read moreat home with his wife. Robert and his staff are great! Since then, I have referred several families to Robert. Since then, I began working as a parish secretary and referred other families here. Some took advantage of my advice while others opted to choose a FH closer to the church. I do praise Pietryka FH for a job well done. You might not find 24kt gold toilets like some expect but if you have a reasonable head on your shoulders, they will not disappoint.

After I posted the same review on google maps Mr Pietryka found a way to remove his negative…read morereviews from there and now he shows up as a 5-star business. This is not true. Yelp doesn't allow businesses to remove the reviews so you will find here more accurate reviews. I chose this funeral home to transport casket to Poland. Through the whole complex process there were many mistakes, poor communication and poor execution. Below I provided some of the examples of Pietryka Funeral Home professional negligence: - The death certificate had to be corrected TWICE because Pietryka funeral home submitted wrong information - as basic as the birthdate of a deceased person, marital status and a county for the address. It's really perplexing how a funeral home couldn't handle correctly their basic responsibility. - After reviewing an initial quote I realized that Mr Pietryka charged me for services not performed and I had to request a credit. I received the credit but it is appalling to take advantage of people in such a painful life circumstances. - Mr Pietryka picks up every phone call, but I have never received a phone call back nor I was informed at any point about the progress of formalities. The phone calls with Mr. Pietryka were quick and dismissive. For example, I was told that death certificate will be completed Monday afternoon, but it was completed on Friday and they didn't inform me about it. They started sending it out to other parties with wrong information (including Polish authorities). I found out about it on Tuesday, and the first mistake was corrected on Wednesday causing a delay in processing all of the formalities that needed to be resubmitted. - Pietryka funeral home assured me that the casket can be open in Poland. But later, while I was already in Poland, I found out from their transportation partner that the Polish law doesn't allow that. How come the funeral home doesn't know the law (in business they claim to be for 20+ years) is beyond me. That was the first thing that their transportation partner told me when I was with them on the phone. - Mr Pietryka gave me wrong information about the final delivery date in Poland (he didn't know how the logistics of their transportation partner work). - Pietryka funeral home did not once call me or took responsibility for handling communication with their transportation partner. I had to call them separately for information and clarifications. There were other conflicting information coming from their transportation partner vs what Mr. Pietryka initially told me (too morbid to describe here). - I had to request an invoice twice after they charged me and I got one a week later (invoice was needed for some formalities). Pietryka's professional negligence and failure to perform basic tasks is staggering. I worried about many things that I shouldn't be worried during this difficult time. I paid a lot of money for an "expert" to handle formalities but as it turned out they were failing at basic tasks, lacking basic knowledge, compassion, sensitivity and decency in this most challenging moment of my life. There is no do-overs in the last journey of a loved one. And once they get you they know you can't change it. I wish I had chosen a different funeral home to help me say final goodbye to my mother. I didn't feel that my mom's final journey was handled in a respectful and honorable manner causing even more pain in this already painful life circumstances. I received a few recommendations for Wojchechowski funeral home, unfortunately, it was after I already started business with Pietryka. Maybe it will be helpful for those who are reading this comment and don't know other alternatives.

It was a nice day to stroll around Mount Carmel Cemetery today. I decided to hang out in Section A…read moreand take a few photos. Although I wasn't looking for her, I came across the "Italian Bride" monument. She's got quite the story. So, if you're interested look her up. Her real name is Filomena Buccola. Muscato and Lamanna is a nice looking monument. There are a bunch of rosaries around the neck of the lower statue. And it happens to be next to the "Italian Bride". The Greco monument has what looks like a couple child angels and a cross on top. I think it's cool that this monument has "Mother Theresa" on it. The McDermott monument is very near the corner of section A (nearest to the North entrance.) I LOVE Celtic crosses and really like the way this one looks. It had Celtic designs on the cross as well as symbols on all four ends. I'd like to figure out what the symbol on the top represents. There's not a ton of Celtic crosses in this area, so I appreate when I see them. The Marie Serritello monument grabbed my attention. It's quite different from many other monuments. It always feels much sadder when I see that someone has died so young. There were a few small statues and lanterns nestled inside the nooks. Angelina Serritello's headstone was in front of it. The A. Conforti monument appears to be named after Alessandro Conforti (1861-1933) who is the father of the two young children listed on the front. The mother is Margherita Marzano Conforti (1872-1936) Their two young children died at around 4 years old, but were not alive at the same time. Josephine G. (7/31/1908 - 6/4/1912) Joseph (Feb 1903 - 8/2/1907) They also had an older sibling, Benjamin (3/8/1897 - Jan 1960) Benjamin's spouse was Minni Ronnie (1897-1941) This was a sad one to see. The O'Shea monument also has a beautiful Celtic cross carved into the stone. I like that they added an epithet along the sides. The Rousseau mausoleum is beautiful...especially the front and the ornamental top. I took a photo of the front and also the stain glass window on the side. I'd like to go back and get the names and dates of those who have been interred here. Graziella Tito mausoleum had a bunch of black and white photos on the doorway. Stompanato and Dasto mausoleum had a boarded up entry. I bet the original doorway was beautiful. Enjoy all the related photos.

All cemeteries are repositories of history, of course. Mt. Carmel is one that has some more…read morewell-known cultural history because it is the final resting place of several people from Chicago's criminal underworld as well as the Cardinals of the Diocese. The most famous of these people would be Alphonse Capone. Born on the east coast, he rose to prominence as probably the most well-known leader of the Chicago Outfit. He served his sentence for tax evasion in Alcatraz, died of syphilis in Florida, and then upon his death was laid to rest here in the area where he was most prominent. One of Capone's major rivals, Dion O'Banion, is also at rest in this cemetery but don't worry, they're interred a fair distance apart. Deanie's grave is not nearly as ostentatious as Capones, but does have a significant monument. Dion had a passion for flowers, and owned a flower shop on the north side. But he met his end after he and his North Side Gang cheated Johnny Torrio (Capone's mentor and predecessor), and shortly thereafter Torrio was gunned down in his flower shop when three men came to pick up an arrangement for another mobster's funeral. Amongst the other underworld figures at rest here are Hymie Weiss, Roger Touhy, Frank Nitti, and Sam Giancana. On the other end of the spectrum (or not, depending upon your view of the Catholic Church) are the many high-profile priests laid here. Bishops Mausoleum is where Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, perhaps Chicago's most beloved cardinal, spends eternity. Several bishops and archbishops are also interred in this towering mausoleum. The cemetery is sprawling. There's also a very large number of mausoleums here--over 400, more than any other cemetery in the state; there's also a war memorial here. If you're seeking some of the "famous" gravestones, it can be a bit confusing since the layout is not terribly sensical (there are sections by number, but they're not necessarily in order). Capone is near one of the entrances, and O'Banion is relatively close to the Bishop's Mausoleum.

Never thought to review a funeral home, but feel the need to. I went to a few wakes at The Elms…read moreand was impressed by their welcoming chapel. It is very intimate, as they only have one viewing room, so there is no intermingling with other families, the place is all yours. So when my mother passed away, we decided to go to The Elms. Michael R. was our Director and his professionalism and knowledge left my family at ease that everything would go smoothly. He communicated to us everything that would happen and when, and walked us through the process. He was at our beck and call and helped us with decisions we didn't know we had to make, and I am forever grateful to him for this. Karen C. was present on the day of the funeral, in addition to Michael and besides her caring nature, she provided services that made us extremely happy (mom's make up). I cannot say enough good things about The Elms and will continue to give them our family business. During the most difficult time of my life, The Elms staff was by our side and again, we are beyond grateful that they made this experience one mom would have been proud of. I don't care to "shop around a dozen funeral homes" in the City and Suburbs, or how many funeral homes someone owns. I know where my family and I will continue to patronize.

It's hard to articulate how happy I was that we chose The Elms to help us say goodbye to our…read morebeloved mother. First, the space is modern, bright and elegant--not at all stuffy and dark like some funeral homes. With only one salon, the whole place is dedicated to one family. The ample parking turned out to be essential. But it was really the attentive, compassionate service from Michael and his team that made everything so easy. Because of them, our sadness was not compounded by stress or frustration. They helped us display photos, collect cards, greet visitors and just enjoy the company of our friends and family. At no turn did anyone decline our requests or try to upsell us on anything; honestly, I was able to forget that The Elms is a business at all. Within a week afterward, Michael gave us digital copies of the guest book (sorted alphabetically) and a digital photo of every card that came with a flower arrangement, making it easy for us to thank everyone who had expressed condolences. I don't wish for anyone to need the services of a funeral home, but when that time comes, I emphatically recommend The Elms.

Lovely grounds including large older trees and spring bulb flowers. I took a walk and visited…read moretoday to satisfy my curiosity about a memorial I've seen dozens of times as I rode down Irving Park on my way to the airport. I've often seen a large white statue enclosed in a glass case so today I took a walk to investigate. I found the statue with the name Raithel on one side and Sei getreu bis in den Tod or Be thou faithful undo death on the front of the monument. I'm still curious - more investigation to be done...

Nice older cemetery. They sustained a lot if tree damage during the tornado in chicago. They have a…read moregorgeous marble statue that has been encased in glass or lucite container to keep it from damage. The flower carvings are beautiful. A few forgotten stones covered in vines and some surrounded by bushes. Beautiful symbolism and and epithet that said " A good time was had by all " Someone had decorated a plot for Halloween and Day of the Dead. The Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery was next door and very over grown. We weren't able to go inside.

This is a small neighborhood funeral home! In fact, it is almost hidden! How do you really rate a…read morefuneral home? It's not like you really want to go there. And the person using the services will never rate it on Yelp or ever use Yelp again. We choose this location because it was the neighborhood my grandfather grew up in. We figured since all the neighbors knew him, then we should do it local for everyone. No issues here. Everything went off without a problem. The CTA blue line stops here at Chicago Ave. LAZ parking has a ton of spots right outside. There is a subway for a quick snack. And The Matchbox if you need a drink to get through the service. Also a CVS for some aspirins if you have a headache. So you are covered if you need anything.

I am writing to formally express my profound disappointment and distress regarding a recent…read moreinteraction with Dalphine . Which has significantly compounded my family's grief during an already profound difficult period . The incident occurred when I attempted to obtain essential documentation pertaining to my parents funeral services.. as I lost both parents some time ago leaving a state of emotional vulnerability. My request was straightforward and I believe entirely reasonable. I sought to obtain copies of the Funeral service for both my mother and father. These documents are for my personal records and reference.. from a common and expected request from a greving next of kin. However my experience with Delphine was deeply upsetting. Unacceptable.. when I presented my request she unequivocally refused, asserted that I had not paid personally paid for a funeral services. Incorrectly claim that my Sister covered the expenses for my father's funeral. I must clarify that assertion is entirely false the cost of my father service directly through his estate. Beyond a factual inaccuracy Dalphine demeanor, was dismissive, unprofessional, and frankly rude to my establishment and dismay during our conversation. I believe I inherited the right to access these Vital records. Dolphine conduct was not only merely unhelpful insensitive and a complete dereliction of the compassionate support that Grieving families rightfully expect from a Funeral service provider. Her enormous claims and hostile attitude served only to escalate my distress and add to immense pain. I am already experiencing.. the core expectation from any establishment assisting families during difficult times of their loss is offering understanding, empathy and respectful service. Instead, I encounter such a profound lack of respect and professionalism is my view inexcusable for a funeral service.