We had a good experience here. When my mom passed I had no clue of what to do or where to go. I spent a day googling funeral homes and cemeteries and chose St. John's because it's a Catholic cemetery and not that far from where my dad lives so it would be easy for him to get to. The front desk staff was fairly friendly and the gentleman that helped us purchase the plot was very helpful and walked us through everything. He was also patient with me, in terms of decision making because I was in a total fog since it was barely 48 hours since everything happened. Once we finished the paperwork the gentleman walked us over to the actual location of the gravesite and showed us. On the day of the funeral everything went seamlessly and they did a great job of coordinating with the funeral home. They coordinated well with monument place when we purchased a headstone later in the year. It is definitely expensive but worth it for what you get. I appreciate that maintenance is included and we don't have to pay that on top of everything else you pay for. The location of the gravesite is perfect, about 2 mins from the entrance on Metropolitan. I appreciate the cleanliness of this place, every time we visit Mom's gravesite is clean as well as the surrounding areas. They also communicate well throughout the year, they will send you a flier for seasonal flowers as well as other mail for other things that may need to be addressed. If you are a Catholic and have a Catholic family member that needs a burial I would recommend this place. read more

I have family in two plots here a few rows away from each other and it's always well-maintained when I visit, unlike another cemetery in the area. The masoleums are gorgeous as are many of the statues. A lot of mafia people buried here. read more

I never really thought I'd be writing a review for a cemetery, but here we are. The majority of my family is buried here (at least 2-3 generations) immediate and extended, and I grew up visiting both sides of my mom's family on the regular. Besides this one, the only other reference point I had was my godfather's very plain military cemetery on Long Island. I 100% preferred St. John's with its grand tombs and mausoleum, ornate gravestones and angel statues everywhere, including a particularly forlorn seraph gracing the top of my grandfather's family grave. I cannot deny that I'd get a secret thrill passing by the Lucania tomb, knowing that the infamous mobster, Lucky Luciano, had been interred inside of it. Read Edward T's amazing review and learn about all the other less famous/almost as infamous gangsters buried here, including the Dapper Don, Gotti. My Uncle recently died and I was worried for my Aunt because it was clearly not going to be "funeral as usual" like nothing is as usual these days (thanks, Coronavirus for robbing us of our rituals. Death is bad enough to deal with as is, but this really is the final insult, isn't it?) We arrived to find the grounds as sparkling as ever, gorgeous red azalea bushes in bloom and grass impeccably groomed. Funeral processions were pretty organized and our tiny group of 8 mourners were allowed to socially distanced gather around the grave as my cousin delivered final words and someone from the cemetery, I presume, gave some kind of prayer. It was very short, as it had to be, but very respectful. There is some comfort to be had within these familiar surroundings. My Uncle's grave is 10 stones away from Lucania so there was that familiar childhood thrill going on. We visited my grandmother's family along the way and close to that, my grandfather's. It's really just as beautiful as can be. Finally, we appreciated the clean restrooms located near the entrance. A precious commodity these days. read more

1) My standard preamble when reviewing cemeteries--- My hobby is visiting historic cemeteries, but I'm always aware that these are holy places where people come to mourn and remember. Despite the perhaps unusual nature of my hobby, I never lose sight of this when visiting. 2) My preamble when it comes to this specific cemetery-- I'm interested in all history, but I'm especially interested in organized crime history. I don't admire mobsters but I think they're an often fascinating and integral part of any serious examination of the history of any urban area or city in 20th century America. Also, "The Godfather" is one of my favorite movies. Given that, it's perhaps not surprising that this was one of the first historic cemeteries I visited way back when. Colloquially known as "the Mafia's Boot Hill," it's the last resting place for a Who's Who of NY organized crime figures. Comprised of 190 acres in the Middle Village border area of Queens-Brooklyn, St. John's is split down the center by Metropolitan Avenue. It's a peaceful, pleasant cemetery, if not especially beautiful. During my visits to the cemetery, I've always proceeded with some caution. Out of respect, but also because I had read in a book that cemetery management will give you "the bum's rush" if they see you with a camera. That never happened to me, but...I proceeded with caution. The newer section is the less interesting one. As you enter, the surprisingly ornate monument to Murder Inc. killer Harry "Happy" Maione is to the right (his partner-in-crime, Frank "Dasher" Abbandando, who accompanied him to the electric chair, is buried across the street). Down the road are the more prosaic monuments of Joseph Colombo (the Mafia boss who claimed the Mafia was anti-Italian propaganda) and deadly Carmine Galante. The older section is of more interest. Down the road from the entrance is the stately mausoleum of the George Washington of organized crime, Salvatore Lucania aka Charles "Lucky" Luciano. In the middle of this section of the cemetery is the Cloister Mausoleum, which is quite impressive, and stands 6 stories (I think). On the other side of that is the personal mausoleum of Mafia boss Joe Profaci (like other predatory businessmen in history, he was supposedly very religious). Down the road is the angel-adorned monument of Vito Genovese. Across the road from that is the very plain monument for "Murder Machine" killer Roy DeMeo (his simple stone has the name "DeMeo" on it, hidden by a large bush). Inside the Cloister Mausoleum, Carlo Gambino has his own private niche on the 5th or 6th floor. The big draw there these days is the "Dapper Don" himself, John Gotti, who is buried a floor or 2 below Don Carlo. At their worst, the mobsters of yesteryear were malignant businessmen without even a vestigial conscience. I was always more interested in those like Frank Costello, or Carlo Gambino, who were often very smart, prescient in the ways of making illicit money, personally colorful, and even...occasionally..."classy." John Gotti, in my opinion, embodied none of those qualities (to me, he was a murderous media clown, a charismatic thug with a room temperature IQ and a propensity for the stylish clothes his drug money bought), but...out of curiosity...I did seek out his tomb. It's actually pretty tasteful and sedate, but when I first went there, a group of young men were milling about the grave, looking like religious pilgrims to a holy shrine. I left them there to perform their bizarre form of obeisance. If I didn't know better, I might have mistaken them for youthful zealots visiting Lourdes for its spiritual energy. A few years later, a friend of mine wanted to visit, more interested in Gotti than I ever was. I was agreeable, but I said, "We have to go early; NY cemeteries close early." I wanted to emphasize this to him, as he had his drug-alcohol problems, and "early" for him meant 12 noon (he has since sobered up). Needless to say, we got there late. The Gotti acolytes, thankfully, weren't around. My friend casually began snapping pictures. I told him to hurry up. He regarded me with contempt, saying, "What are they going to do? Lock us in for the night?" At that exact moment, all the lights were turned off-- everything went black. Neither one of us were, or are, superstitious. Still, the thought of being locked in all night in the pitch darkness with the shades of Gotti and Gambino for company was not one we were comfortable with. Simultaneously, in utter blackness, we raced down 4 or 5 flights of stairs...miraculously not falling and smashing our skulls open...until we were able to push our way through the doors outside to the fresh air and dwindling sunlight. It's not the most beautiful or historic cemetery...to me anyway...but if you have family or friends buried here, it does provide an excellent environment to mourn, remember, and reflect, and perhaps to indulge in the hope that those departed have gone to a better place. read more

I consider only a handful of people family, it broke my heart to see one of them go. I feel a deep sorrow for those that are losing or have lost brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and sons and daughters during this global pandemic. 100,000 condolences. Please don't send me condolences, please stay safe Yelpers. Without getting personal, I would say three words stick to this first and too recent visit this portion of to St. John's Cemetery near the CVS. Those would be tracks, dust, and masks. Tracks. Watching other masked families track between formation and isolation, I've realized that the grieving process is both a social and a lonesome one. Cars lined the cemetery on both sides, gatherings orbited around three graves in the immediate area. The funeral road is a rear-view, backwards-looking journey, connecting all the emotions and events until this cold-slowed, too-suspended, extended moment in time. The life of the star ends before we know it and what shines is the memories. Dust. Where we were standing, there was a lot of dust. Sandy grains, full rocks, and rust-colored powder swirled around my black shoes. Compared to the cemeteries on the West Coast, this was an industrial ground ready to broken into soon. I wanted there to be grass, but there was only dust. I pressed the balls of my shoes down into the bare land in reflection, trying to connect dust to dust. Trying to stay clean and at the same time trying to connect to the universal 'why' in the dirt. Masks. The last word I'll focus on was inspired by the labor that drove up after the congregation had disbanded to the fringes of several cars. They rode in on back of a dusty garden golf cart. They huddled like soldiers in transport, coverall knees touching, tools in hand, no masks. Essential, but distant, this team had the last job of moving the dirt mounds. That was their last job until the next family plot there. That would be the last scene remembered here. That the unmasked ones would bury the masked. That the uniformed ones would bury the non-uniformed. read more

Very clean and wonderful resting place one day we are all going to be a permanent residents in this place until then keep up the good service read more

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Of the city cemeteries I've visited, St. John's is one of the most well maintained. There is no litter blowing around, the grounds are neat and tidy, and the tombstones practically gleam. A Catholic cemetery with a primarily Italian population, St. John's is the final resting place of organized crime members ranging from John Gotti to local politicians (see what I did there?). Here you can also find the grave of Edward Payson Weston, a "notable pedestrian". I had to look up what this meant; in the 19th century Pedestrianism was a form of competitive walking, a sport that still exists today and is referred to as "racewalking". Edward lived to be 90 and actually crossed the entirety of the US by foot twice, breaking records. I've always said that urban competitive walking should be a sport - maneuvering through the rush hour crowds on Flushing Main Street deserves similar recognition! While I do have a penchant for more overgrown cemeteries with quirky tombstones, winding hills and paths, or other unique features, this is a relaxing oasis to stroll through. It's also close to Juniper Valley Park, so if you're spending time outdoors it's easy to see both. read more

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St. John's cemetery until seven years ago was predominately all Italian since it first started at least 70 years ago. My husband has many relatives buried here from his uncle to his grandmother. In Chicago where I'm originally from the cemetery comparable to all the rich and famous and infamous Italians would be Mount Carmel or Queen of Heaven. (they are across the street from each other) Saint johns cemetery has all the famous and infamous Italians from New York buried here so if you were historian you have family originally from New York or just curious this is definitely the place to see. So many beautiful monuments and impeccably clean. The staff are always incredibly nice. What I don't like is they have expanded it a great deal to add more plots so they're all new residents buried here at St. John's. Many are not Italian and for me it takes away from that old World feeling. read more

I want to give 0 star rating for service because they don't deserve 1 star. Don't do business with Robert Krause or anyone from St John Cemetery. I have made a request from 2018 for him to give me a copy of the picture on the niche. Not done yet and it's 2023! I don't plan to use them for myself and I don't wish him well. read more

I had a dwarf Alberta spruce planted at my mothers grave. It was removed by cemetery workers after being there 30 years. I inquired at the cemetery office as to the reason for the removal, there is a record of removal but no reason for removal .The customer service rep only speculated as to a reason. I was informed by an other worker that it was removed in error. The cemetery refused to replace the shrub. They informed me that I could replace it with The same type of shrub at my cost as this is not a violation of rules. read more

Lost a lot of fine people thus far along my road of life, as I'm sure we all do. And in so much as we remember those that have left us for hopefully a better place, it's normally only the memories that remain. With a proximity stretching from Cooper to Dry Harbour along Woodhaven Blvd and set westerly from that rough area. Very convenient for setting flowers, cleaning up the leaves and twigs while saying a solemn personal prayer to those that remain here. The grounds are well kept, no litter to be spotted and not over run by squirrel vermin and Canadian Geese and all the problems they leave at cemeteries. read more

I have relatives buried here, but I live in Virginia. The staff has been helpful, when I had questions about modifying a family monument and placing flowers on the plots. The process for modifying the monument (headstone) was long and painful, but very rewarding. I had to provide documentation connecting me to the plot owner (my great great grandmother). I am an amateur genealogist, otherwise I might have given up. I am glad I did not. Street parking is available outside of the cemetery and limited parking by the cemetery office. Flowers and such are available across the street; very nice staff. Fasolino Auricchio Monuments worked with the cemetery to get my uncle Oscar's name added to the monument; may his memory be a blessing. read more

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I've been coming to the cemetery since I was about seven years old back in the 70s when my father used to take us to my grandparents gravesite. I recall the pretzel guy selling pretzels along Metropolitan Avenue. After my father passed away 30 years ago he was also buried in a different grave yet my entire paternal side is buried in this beautiful manicured cemetery. I travel all the way from Staten Island now to see my grandparents, father, uncles, and etc. and it is so peaceful so I could just sit on the grass and reminisce about all the good times. It totally amazes me how clean they keep this cemetery & Just started recently bringing my children to see where their grandfather is buried and tell them stories about when I was a child and how are used to leave rocks on top of the stones. read more

A Roman Catholic cemetery where my beloved Godmother is laid to rest. The burial plots are cleaned and spacious for the grounds are well maintained. It's located on Woodhaven and Metropolitan Boulevards thus accessible by the Q11 bus or by car. read more

When one thinks of their final resting place, one might picture a big oak tree, or a babbling brook. St. John's Cemetery, the final resting place of my 80 something year old friend, is always beautifully manicured and well taken care of. There is an entrance into the cemetery from Metropolitan Avenue, but it closes by 2-ish; something to keep in mind when planning for a visit. I have noticed that alot of the plots do have planted flowers or shrubs, which always tempts me to do it myself. This practice isn't usually allowed, but you might want to inquire first before breaking sacred grounds. Bring flowers, an American flag, or a rock to place on top of the marker so someone knows you were there. St. John's - thank you for making every visit comforting and peaceful. read more

I can't say enough about how nice and helpful they were to me. I know I have three relatives buried in one plot. Wasn't even sure if this was the location. Nice lady who answered the phone transferred me to helpful man who did a manual search of cards while I waited. I had tried the online search but that works mostly for newer burials. Thanks again and may God bless for their kind and courteous service. read more

How do you rate a cemetery? My dad is buried here so on one hand, it's 5 stars, but I'm not happy about my dad dying, so it should be 1 star, lol. It's a HUGE place. You could easily get lost in there. It's very clean too. I notice that every time I come here. I have the same exact routine when I come here. First stop, Dominick dogs. Next stop, the flower shop for 2 roses, 1 red, 1 white. Next, the grave. I have a lot of family buried here. I come here every time I come to NY. read more

Hard to rate a cemetery when I do not do business with a great number of them and so my peer comparison information is limited. That said, they run the business of cemeteries for the Brooklyn Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. That includes cemeteries as far away as St. Charles in Suffolk County. And, it is a business. It is not a very efficient or customer-friendly business. They typically have their customers in a situation with some serious constraints. The St. John's staff go through the motions and are not disruptive, but they are far from helpful. Like most other components of the Roman Catholic Church they are far more concerned about their own, slow, inefficient routines and self-imposed rules of little merit than they are of doing something valuable for their customers and stakeholders. It shows in nearly everything they do: no web payments functionality, not even regular credit card payments, arcane sales and pricing arrangements, tedious, time-consuming tasks which waste everyone's time. After trying to resolve a situation with the St. John's staff it is difficult to not leave disheartened and frustrated. Without formidable competition, it is hard to see how any of that will change. Perhaps, over time, over a very long period of time, it may improve slightly. Don't hold your breath waiting. As for me, scatter my ashes at sea and we'll all be better off! read more

Hauntingly beautiful cemetery. Very clean and well-maintained. I went to see my father today to commemorate his 2 years in Heaven. Flowers are not allowed inside the mausoleum, but admittedly, I left one on his stone. When I came back 15 minutes later, it was already removed. I wish they would amend the policy to allow mourners to remember their loved ones in a small way. RIP Daddy. read more

St. John's Cemetery is alright. After that tornado incident, a lot of the older larger trees fell down and kinda messed up the scenery. They planted new trees but it's those super thin cheap looking ones. This cemetery is mostly flat, no hills. My friend's father works here and gave me a tour of the place after my friend's funeral. There's some history here but I like Green Wood Cemetery more. The tours over there are much more interesting. Anyway, as for St. John's, it's a convenient location off of Woodhaven Blvd in Middle Village. read more

St John's Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Middle Village, New York

My Grandfather purchased a family plot when he was a young man so our family has been burying our relatives there for over 70 years. When my mother died last year I had to PROVE that my mother, who was 87 at the time of her death, was a practicing Catholic. The local funeral director and her parish priest were shocked. My mother attended and supported the Church her entire life. She even died in a Catholic nursing home. Her final request was that she be buried with my Grandfather, Grandmother, father and sister at St. John's. I was finally able to prove her worthiness so I was able to bury her in our family plot. Now I am trying to get them to let me add her name to the headstone. This all has to be done long distance because I do not live in NY. I have already sent in 2 notarized documents. Not good enough. I will need to do another. What is wrong with these people? Not that they would care, but I will not be buried there. read more

Four generations of my family are buried here. When I visit I stop by everyone's grave and say a prayer and leave a flower. It is beautiful and well kept. read more

i called to find the location of my friend's burial plot today. i was put on hold for 9 minutes. i hung up and called back, only to be put on hold, with no opportunity to ask for help. it was 12:46 pm. i called until 1 pm. they pick up, put you on hold and do not come back staff have no respect for people. Shame on the staff of Catholic Cemetery!! Are they out to lunch or just disrespectful? read more

How does one review a cemetery? I didn't have any interaction with the cemetery as far as the burial process and such so I can't comment on that. I can comment on how well kept and beautiful this cemetery is. Every time I go there (my maternal grandparents are laid to rest here) they are always doing landscaping and upkeep. Very clean, spotless and beautiful. The main entrance on 80th Street and Metropolitan Avenue is accessible by various buses. The office is right at the entrance, as well as a map, water fountains and restrooms. Very convenient. It isn't all flat like someone previously mentioned. I have to walk up a very large hill to get to my grandparents burial spot. One obnoxious part about this cemetery is all of the picture takers here. People coming to visit and take pictures of John Gotti's burial spot, Lucky Luciano's gravestone, etc. LOTS of gangsters buried here. Living in Queens and being inundated with cemeteries, St. John's is the best kept one in my opinion. read more