Imagine headstones whispering stories of Staten Island’s past at Saint Peter’s Cemetery. This is not just any burial ground. Saint Peter’s Cemetery is the oldest Roman Catholic cemetery on Staten Island.
Saint Peter’s Cemetery began in 1848. It sits where Clove Road, Bement Avenue, and Tyler Place meet. The offices are accessible from Tyler Place or Bement Avenue. The oldest sections reflect the Irish Catholic community. This community once comprised most of Staten Island’s Catholics.
St. Peter’s Cemetery was part of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish. The parish was the first Catholic church on Staten Island. It was founded in 1839. It originally served about 100 Irish people.
Many Irish immigrants arrived in New York in the 1840s. This was during the Great Famine of Ireland. A Quarantine Hospital was located in Tompkinsville. Many sick Irish immigrants were detained here. Passenger ships stopped for medical inspections. Anyone with fever went to the quarantine station. The ship itself was quarantined for 30 days. Some Irish settled on Staten Island, increasing the Catholic population. Some gravestones show the Irish county of origin.
Saint Peter’s Cemetery covers 25 acres. It holds 50000 graves.
Several notable people rest here. These include actor Robert Blake and Medal of Honor recipient Joseph F. Merrell. Charles J. McCormack, a borough president, is also buried here. James Joseph Murphy, a US representative, rests here. Patricia O’Connor, the Staten Island Zoo’s veterinarian, is here. James Wheeler, Richmond County Treasurer, is buried here too. Wheeler was an Irish Famine immigrant.
Most notably, Father Vincent Capodanno is buried here. He was a Navy chaplain killed in Vietnam. He received the Medal of Honor. He is a candidate for sainthood. His grave is a pilgrimage site. People seek his help and protection. They call him the “grunt padre”.
The first Catholic cemetery in New York City was near St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan. It opened in 1785. The churchyard became too small. In 1801, St. Peter’s bought land for a new burial ground. This became the site of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Saint Peter’s Cemetery stands as a testament. It represents faith, immigration, and sacrifice. Walking through Saint Peter’s Cemetery is like stepping back in time. The echoes of history resonate among the headstones. It reminds us of the lives and stories of those who came before us. Their memories live on in this sacred space.