It was a nice day to stroll around Mount Carmel Cemetery today. I decided to hang out in Section A and 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. read more

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All cemeteries are repositories of history, of course. Mt. Carmel is one that has some more well-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. read more

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Worth a visit if you're into mob history, this is the resting place of many well known mobsters. Of course, the main one everyone looks for here is ALl Capone. There were many visitors here, also looking for the same thing. I'd suggest to map out the gravesites online before you go. read more

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Chicago's answer to NY's St. John's Cemetery, colloquially known as "the Mafia Boot Hill," it was inevitable I would find myself here, given my interest in the history of organized crime. I came here twice, long before the days of "Find A Grave." Despite that, I was ultimately able to find the gravesites I was looking for, and I never forgot Mt. Carmel. Not to sound irreverent, but for me, it was like a Civil War buff making a pilgrimage to Gettysburg. Founded in 1900 for Chicago's Catholics, Mt. Carmel currently comprises 214 acres. On my 1st visit, I could only spend a limited amount of time exploring, but it was endlessly fascinating, and I was determined to come visit again. On the main cemetery street leading up to the awesomely impressive (and immense) limestone Bishop's Mausoleum, with its bronze statue of the resurrection angel atop it, blowing a horn to summon forth the dead (and I speak as an agnostic raised as a non-Catholic, so if I say it's impressive, it's impressive), I found on the right hand of the road the mausoleum for the "Terrible" Genna brothers, pretty much all assassinated by 1925, and on the left hand side, the spirelike monument honoring mobster Dean O'Banion (I highly recommend Rose Keefe's biography of O'Banion called "Guns & Roses." She relates that in the early 1920s, O'Banion's men complained that one of their bootleg booze drivers was gay. O'Banion told them "the poor b*stard couldn't help the way he was and to find another job if they were that scared of him." Given the time period, it was pretty tolerant, enlightened thinking for the average citizen, not to mention a homicidal crime boss.). At O'Banion's burial, a policeman said, "Strange, isn't it? A murderer and he's buried side by side with good men of the church." Nearby is the mausoleum of O'Banion associate Earl "Hymie Weiss" Wojciechowski, a Catholic despite the nickname and supposedly the only man Capone truly feared. In just walking around at random, I discovered the gravesites of Lou "Little NY" Campagna, James Belcastro, Vincent Ciucci (he died in the electric chair in 1962 for killing his wife and children so he could be with his mistress), and the stately mausoleum...hard to miss, given its size and prominence...of Sam Giancana (an FBI agent jokingly asked him once, "How about a loan?" "What have you got for collateral?" "What do you need?" "How about an eye?"). I called the front office to see if they'd tell me where Big Al was buried. The man I talked to was polite, but said, "His family doesn't want the location revealed. No one will bother you if you find it, but we can't give that info out." I was disappointed, but I figured I'd be back. I was. On the 2nd trip (a few years later), I had done my own "detective work," which amounted to reading a bio by Robert Schoenberg. There was a photo in the book of the large family CAPONE headstone with the iron fence that surrounds the cemetery directly in the background. I figured, "That narrows it down somewhat." Realistically, though, that iron fence encloses 214 acres. That's a lot of fencing to cover! As I passed through the ornate stone gate on Roosevelt, maybe Al's spirit was present and benevolently thought to itself, "Ah, hell, let's give that poor jerk from NJ a break!" I made a right turn, noticed the yellowed, trod upon grass a few yards down, and at last was able to locate Capone's final resting place, buried alongside members of his family (real family, as opposed to crime "family"). The large headstone is covered up with a hedge, obscuring the CAPONE name, but Al's gravestone is there at its foot, with his name and the dates of birth and death, as well as the words imploring Jesus for mercy. If He exists, I hope He's merciful. On that same visit, I was standing a few yards away to take a long shot photo, when a black Cadillac pulled up. A young muscular driver opened the door for a stooped over octogenarian using 2 canes to walk. The elderly man shuffled over to the grave to genuflect. Was he some rich, weird old guy? Or was he a former associate paying his respects? I didn't know, and I wasn't about to ask. I missed a few that I would have liked to have visited. Jack McGurn, Schemer Drucci, Frank Nitti (he's buried just across the road from Al, but I didn't know it at the time, and missed it) are all interred here. Maybe there will be a 3rd visit someday. I hope so. I should mention that the vast majority of people buried here were honest, respectable citizens, with notable sports figures, and actors among them. It's a beautiful, historic cemetery, and I'd like to think I in no way disrespected anyone, given my intense interest in the seamier side of Chicago's history. Still, it's fascinating to think of all the deadly enemies buried here within a stone's throw of each other. As a policeman noted at the 1925 interment of one of the Genna brothers, "When Judgment Day comes and them...graves open, there'll be hell to pay in this cemetery!" read more

Cemetery is huge. Ive never seen so much statuary and religious icons. One of the most beautiful and unique grave markers you will find anywhere identifies the final resting place of Angelo and Rosa Di Salvo. The elaborate and detailed marble statue features five very detailed figures. The entire statue is mounted on a platform and it rotates. It doesn't move on its own, but if you push it, the entire top half of the monument swivels 360 degrees. Considering the size and weight of the monument, it isn't too difficult to move, which means it must be perfectly balanced. There is a beautiful monument of a young bride in her gown. Julia Buccola Petta look her up and you will find her story. At the highest point a large building to memorialize the Bishops of the church. We only went thru a small portion. Al Capone is also buried here. read more

Mt Carmel Catholic Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

Beautiful cemetery that is filled with history and lots of Chicago lore! There are many notables buried here in addition to some highly unique monuments and markers. There are quite a few Art Deco tributes to be found here, in addition to the revolving stone, the marker of the Italian bride, and so many more. You could easily spend a day admiring the grounds, art, and architecture here. Absolutely worth visiting. read more

Vast and although beautiful. I think it's a bit stark. It has a lot of twist and turns so if you are not sure where your loved when is situated at, you better ask somebody. Mary Queen of Heaven has been around since the early 1800's and has grown to the acres and acres of land it is today. Still, it has the most winding turns in cemeteries. The two prominent features is Queen of Heaven Indoor Mausoleum that boast probably the most caskets in walls that I have seen. Actually it has over 30,000 to be exact, can you count that high? And then there is the King Garden Crypt Complex that again contains way over 20,000 more crypts. Are you really thinking what I am thinking? I don't want to be the cleaning lady who has to dust is what I am thinking. All in all I had a nice afternoon wandering this cemetery and was really surprised when I went towards the back where the Mausoleums are at and saw a nice river. Filled with Geese no less. Just a nice and serene place to think and wonder, when???? read more

Queen of Heaven has the most beautiful and peaceful Mausoleum I have ever seen. It's like time stood still. The chairs are from the 60's maybe even 50's and they look brand new. There are saints rooms with beautiful stain Glass color that shines through. The church inside is so pretty. I love that it is Catholic and predominantly Italian. Many family and friends I have there, and in the cemetery. There is no availability that I am aware of but I would love for that to be my final resting place. read more

Mount Carmel is the first cemetery I have ever been to outside small, tiny cemeteries I grew up around back home. I find it very peaceful to come to Mount Carmel and check out the history, and pay my respects to all who lie there. Being able to see Al Capone, 'The Italian Bride', and numerous other 'famous' graves is awesome. The history in this cemetery is so vast. I've been obsessed with coming here. I've had a few creepy incidents here too, such as taking close up photos of a statue of Mary and my camera telling me 'blink detected'. Mount Carmel is definitely one of the most interesting cemeteries I have been to. I highly recommend researching it before you visit! read more

It's a little bizarre to review a cemetery but this I where Al Capone is buried so it was an essential stop on my trip to Chicago. The grave is right off of the road and is clearly visible. They cemetery obviously has perpetual care because it was pristine. There are also a few other gansters and other famous people. If you are truly a fan of gangsters this cemetery is a must see! read more

This Catholic cemetery contains a large mausoleum in the center with the remains of the 20th century archbishops of Chicago. Whether or not you think it is appropriate, they are surrounded by the final resting places of many of it most famous gangsters, including Al Capone. You can also find Deannie O'Banion here as well as Sam Giancana, Hymie Weiss (he was Polish despite his Jewish-sounding name) and the Genna family. among others. The place is interesting not just for these miscreants, however, but for the beautiful stone carving and elaborate nature of many of the monuments. In many cases individual tombstones far surpass the mausolea in splendor. Especially notable are the scuplture of an entire family which rotates on its stone base and the eerily spooky "Italian bride" (if you haven't guessed already, most of the cemteries denizens are children of Italy). Wirth a drive to Hillside on a nice afternoon to see! read more

This place is beautiful. We have been here several times. It is cool to see all the gangster burials because it is such a part of Chicago and Chicagoland history. I did not realize till this visit that the Cardinals and Bishops are buried here as well. An interesting mix of Cardinals and Cons. We went on a quiet cold weekday and pretty much had the place to ourselves. It's odd that a cemetery would make Chicago history come alive. read more

Yes, sometimes in my free time I like to check out cemeteries- there is so much history, love and intrigue to take in, so please don't judge. At this one, there was a ton of amazing Italian names too. The grounds here are VAST and well maintained. If you enter in off Roosevelt, and turn right into plot 35, you can see the grave of Al Capone, as many others have mentioned. We walked around a lot here, to admire beautiful head stones/monuments (even some statues of the actual person!), some with historic photos, family mausoleums with ornate stained glass shining through the back- I enjoyed that a lot. You just have to pull over and walk around on this side of the cemetery, no parking here. If you're looking for the Italian Bride's monument, it is clear on the other side of the cemetery, in plot A. There is another entrance to the cemetery on the other side, not sure of the street. Hers was also a beautiful site to be seen. *** TIP: there are parking spaces on this side of the grounds*** The large mausoleum in the middle was another site to behold! It's not a creepy atmosphere by any means... highly recommend checking it out. read more

The History HERE app on my phone took me here. I was 1.2 miles away when I checked this app for anything interesting and this for sure make a awesome place to take the 10 mins and pay my respects to the most famous gangster ever. I LOVE the fact that his family is all buried in this section 35 just inside of the cemetery read more

Just a lot of history in the cemetery as mentioned by many reviewers. Capone, Giancanna, the Cardinals of the Chicago diocese and the italian bride. It's huge and you could spend the day here looking for all the famous graves. read more

This is a huge part of history for Chicago. Not only because Al Capone and his family are buried here. I would love to see if there is any resources to find out more about this place. read more

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Big cemetery, seemingly well maintained. I took my brother here to see where all the big players are buried since he is really into gangster history. An interesting stop read more

Beautiful cemetery with over 400 family mausoleums. This is great to visit for anyone who loves Chicago history. The Italian bride Julia Buccola is buried here, along with Mike Merlo leader of the Unione Siciliana, the archbishops' mausoleum, the "terrible" Gennas, Frank "the enforcer" Nitti, Dion O'Banion, and of course, The Capones. read more

This is the only listing for Mount Carmel cemetery, so that's what I'm reviewing. It's beautiful and easy to get around in. I'd love to spend a few hours wandering around. read more

Beautiful monuments; however, it is bringing folks to see Al Capone that is the primary draw.

This is a very clean and historical Catholic Cemetery, It is Consecrated ground so pleases respect it if you visit. If you're not religious, just imagine visiting your boss's home. Julia Buccolla Petta is buried here. I believe she is considered a Martyr because she died during the birth of her first child-which is why she is buried in her wedding dress. The story I heard is that her mother had to get permission from the Vatican to exhume Julia's body; upon which her body was found 'incorruptible' or as beautiful as the day she passed on. this is considered to be like a miracle. I visit her and pray, apparently I am not alone as evidenced by the worn soil in front of her grave. read more

I know people visit the cemetery to see the graves of the gangsters and especially Al Capone. However, please remember this is consecrated ground and families who are there to visit the graves of their family, do not appreciate the mess left behind, the beer cans left behind, the loud music being played, the traffic blocking the way. This is NOT tourist trap, this is a solemn place that means a lot of sadness for families. Please do turn into a joke. read more

I loved visiting this place! I am from Eureka CA and came here while on a vacation trip to Chicago so that I could visit Alphone Capone's resting place. I love prohibition history, and was blown away by all the historic mobsters that are buried here. I am Sicilian, and found a number of headstones with my family's last names on them, although not directly related. Amazing!!! Even if you are not into mob history, if you are Italian or Sicilian, you will be amazed at all the beautiful names on the headstones. read more