“Rest in peace” takes on a whole new meaning here at Saint John Cemetery. Founded in 1879 by the Brooklyn Diocese, Saint John Cemetery spans 190 acres in Middle Village, Queens. This Catholic burial ground is one of the largest in New York State. It is a serene landscape now. However, it holds stories of both the famous and the infamous.
Saint John Cemetery has become the final resting place for various notable figures. Among them are politicians, mobsters, and artists. Mario Cuomo, former New York governor, rests here. Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice-presidential candidate from a major party, is also interred here.
But Saint John Cemetery is perhaps most known for its “who’s who” of organized crime. Lucky Luciano is buried in the family mausoleum. He is credited with structuring the modern American Mafia. Other notorious mob bosses at Saint John Cemetery include Carlo Gambino and Joe Colombo. John Gotti, the Teflon Don, is also here.
There are also military members. Medal of Honor recipients William H. Morin, Patrick Reid, and Louis E. Willett are interred here. Fitness guru Charles Atlas and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe also chose Saint John Cemetery.
Stories swirl around Saint John Cemetery. Some visitors report strange sounds and cold spots. Could it be the spirits of mobsters? Or perhaps the echoes of political debates? Maybe it’s the artistic energy of Mapplethorpe lingering.
The cemetery is divided into two sections by Metropolitan Avenue. The northern section saw its first burials in 1881. By 1895, it held 32,000 interments. The southern section opened for burials in 1933.
Saint John Cemetery offers a unique glimpse into New York’s history. It is a place where politicians, mobsters, and artists find common ground. Take a moment to reflect on the lives and stories buried within these grounds. While here, remember that you can request pictures of graves from the service department of Saint John Cemetery.