In the heart of Staten Island, nestled amidst the bustling city, lies St. Peter’s Cemetery. This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s a living testament to Staten Island’s rich history. St. Peter’s Cemetery is the oldest Roman Catholic burial ground on Staten Island. Founded in 1848, it’s intrinsically linked to St. Peter’s Catholic Parish. This parish holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church and parish on Staten Island. Established in 1839, it initially served a small Irish community of about 100 people. The cemetery’s location is unique, sitting at the intersection of Clove Road, Bement Avenue, and Tyler Place. It’s divided into two sections, spanning both sides of Clove Road.
St. Peter’s Cemetery began its journey with a modest three acres on the west side of Clove Road. It expanded in 1878, adding another three acres. A larger expansion occurred in 1898 with five acres added across Clove Road. Over the 20th century, the cemetery grew to encompass 25 acres, holding the stories of 50,000 souls. The oldest sections of St. Peter’s Cemetery whisper tales of Staten Island’s early Irish Catholic community. Many of these immigrants had fled the Great Famine in Ireland. Some gravestones bear inscriptions of their Irish counties, poignant reminders of their journey. During the famine, many Irish immigrants, weakened by their voyage, were quarantined at the nearby Tompkinsville Quarantine Hospital. Some settled in the area, contributing to the growth of the Catholic community on Staten Island and filling the grounds of St. Peter’s Cemetery.
St. Peter’s Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures. Among them lies Father Vincent Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain killed in Vietnam. Father Capodanno’s bravery earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor. He is now a candidate for sainthood, his grave a place of pilgrimage. Other notable burials include Civil War General Patrick Henry Jones, early baseball player Matty McIntyre, and champion boxer Frankie Genaro. World War II Medal of Honor recipient Joseph F. Merrell and three Staten Island borough presidents also rest here. James Wheeler, an Irish Famine immigrant who became a prominent builder and founded the newspaper The Staten Islander, is also buried at St. Peter’s. He served as Richmond County Treasurer and held several other important positions within the community.
St. Peter’s Cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is a tapestry of lives lived, a testament to faith and community. As you stand here, amidst the quiet stones, you’re not just surrounded by history. You’re surrounded by the stories of those who shaped Staten Island.