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Montefiore Cemetery
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Montefiore Cemetery, also known as Old Montefiore Cemetery, is a Jewish cemetery in Springfield Gardens, Queens, New York, established in 1908. The cemetery is called by several names, including Old Montefiore, Springfield, or less commonly, just Montefiore. More than 150,000 have been buried there.
Key Information
The Shomrim Society, the fraternal society of Jewish officers in the New York City Police Department, has a burial plot for their members in Montefiore Cemetery, and it contains a large granite obelisk erected in 1949.[2]
Notable burials
[edit]- Hyman Amberg (1902–1926), mobster[3]
- Joseph C. Amberg (c. 1893–1935), mobster[3]
- Louis Amberg (1898–1935), mobster[3][4]
- Abraham Coralnik (1883–1937), writer and newspaper editor[5][6]
- Al "Bummy" Davis (1920–1945), boxer[7]
- Herb Edelman (1933–1996), actor[8]
- Paula Eliasoph (1895–1983), painter, poet
- Israel Lewis Feinberg, M.D. (1872–1941), coroner of New York County[9]
- Sidney A. Fine (1903–1982), New York state assemblyman, senator, and U.S. congressman[10]
- Fyvush Finkel (1922–2016), actor
- Alexander Granach (1893–1945), actor[11][12]
- Shemaryahu Gurary (1897–1989), Chabad rabbi[13]
- Philip M. Kleinfeld (1894–1971), New York State assemblyman, senator, and judge
- Israel H. Levinthal (1888–1982), rabbi[14]
- Oscar Lewis (1914–1970), author and anthropologist[15]
- Lou Limmer (1925–2007), baseball player
- Joseph Margoshes (1866–1955), Yiddish journalist
- Samuel Margoshes (1887–1968), Yiddish journalist and newspaper editor
- William Meyerowitz (1887–1981), artist
- Hans Morgenthau (1904–1980), international relations scholar[16][17]
- Barnett Newman (1905–1970), artist[18]
- Joseph Schlossberg (1875–1971), labor activist
- Nathan D. Shapiro (1887–1969), lawyer and New York State assemblyman
- Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880–1950), sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe[19]
- Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe[19]
- Arnold Schuster (1927–1952), Brooklyn clothing salesman and amateur detective[20]
- Aryeh Leib Schochet (1845–1928), rabbi[21]
- Sholom Secunda (1894–1974), songwriter[22]
- Jacob Shapiro (1899–1947), mobster[23]
- Irwin Steingut (1893–1952), politician, New York State Assemblyman from 1922 to 1952, Speaker of the Assembly in 1935[24]
- Dave Tarras (c. 1895–1989), musician[25][26]
- Abraham Telvi (1934–1956), mobster[27]
- Peter Weinberger (1956–1956), murder victim[28][29]
- Sholom Lipskar (1946–2025), rabbi and community leader
New Montefiore
[edit]In 1928, Montefiore Cemetery expanded to a second site in Farmingdale, New York, named New Montefiore Cemetery.
References
[edit]- ^ Montefiores homepage
- ^ "Shaft to Honor Police Dead". New York Times. September 25, 1949. p. 49. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
- ^ a b c Wilson, pp. 18–19.
- ^ "Louis Amberg Buried – No Ceremony Held for Gangster – Hunt for Slayer Pressed". The New York Times. October 25, 1935. p. 17. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ "Coralnik Services Attended by Many – Associate Editor of the Jewish Day Is Eulogized by Dr. Samuel Margoshes". The New York Times. July 19, 1937. p. 16. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ "Montefiore Cemetery – Locator". Montefiore Cemetery. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ Getty Images
- ^ Wilson, p. 219.
- ^ "Dr. Israel Feinberg, Ex-Coroner Here, 69 – Head of Old Board, I910-18, Sought to Abolish System". The New York Times. April 14, 1941. p. 17. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ The Jews of Capitol Hill, p. 190
- ^ Wilson, p. 292.
- ^ From the Shtetl to the Stage
- ^ Heilman, Samuel; Friedman, Menachem (2012). The Rebbe: The Life and Afterlife of Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Princeton University Press. p. 54. ISBN 978-0691154428.
- ^ "Locator". Montefiore Cemetery. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ Whitman, Alden (December 18, 1970). "Oscar Lewis, Author and Anthropologist, Dead". The New York Times. p. 42. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ "Hans Morgenthau dies; noted political scientist". Nashua Telegraph. Nashua, N.H. July 21, 1980. Retrieved May 12, 2023 – via news.google.com.
- ^ "Montefiore Cemetery – Locator". Montefiore Cemetery. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ Marzlock, Ron (May 16, 2002). "Francis Lewis Blvd. At 231st St., Cambria Heights". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Heilman and Friedman (2012), p. 17.
- ^ Perlmutter, Emanuel (March 10, 1952). "150 Police Seeking Schuster Slayer; Motive a Mystery – Hunt Sutton Crony – Tenuto, Escaped Felon, the Chief Suspect in Brooklyn Tragedy – Victim Received Threats – Letters, Calls Began After He Spotted Bandit, but Family Did Not Want Guard, Police Say". The New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ Rebbe Aryeh Leib Schochet, Kevarim.com
- ^ Freeman, William (June 14, 1974). "Sholom Seconda Is Dead; Composer, Song Writer". The New York Times. p. 36. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ Wilson, p. 679.
- ^ "Steingut Funeral Attended by 4,000 – Lehman and Farley Are Among Notables Attending Service for Minority Leader". The New York Times. September 29, 1952. p. 23. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ Pareles, Jon (February 14, 1989). "Dave Tarras, 95, Clarinetist, Dies; Purveyor of Klezmer Dance". The New York Times. p. B6. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ "Montefiore Cemetery – Locator". Montefiore Cemetery. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ Pearlmutter, Emanuel (August 22, 1956). "Body is Exhumed in Riesel Inquiry – Hogan Requests Move to See if Telvi Was Acid-Scarred – Ohio Pair Questioned Motive Is Sought". The New York Times. p. 12. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- ^ "Kidnapped Baby Buried – Private Funeral Rites Held for Peter Weinberg". The New York Times. September 10, 1956. p. 17. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ "Montefiore Cemetery – Locator". Montefiore Cemetery. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
Sources
[edit]- Wilson, Scott (2016). Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons (Third ed.). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co. ISBN 978-0786479924. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
External links
[edit]
Montefiore Cemetery
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History
Establishment
Montefiore Cemetery was founded in 1908 by the Springfield Long Island Cemetery Society as a dedicated Jewish burial ground to address the needs of New York City's expanding Jewish population.[6] This establishment occurred amid a massive wave of Eastern European Jewish immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which overwhelmed existing cemeteries in Manhattan and prompted the development of new sites in outlying areas like Queens.[7] The cemetery's creation reflected a broader trend among Jewish communities to secure spacious, rural lands for perpetual rest, ensuring compliance with religious burial practices while accommodating the influx of newcomers.[8] The society selected a 114-acre parcel in the rural Springfield Gardens section of southeastern Queens, along Springfield Boulevard, for its suitability as a serene and expansive cemetery site away from urban congestion.[3] This location, then on the periphery of New York City, provided fertile, level ground ideal for development into a landscaped burial area. The initiative was inspired in part by the philanthropic legacy of Sir Moses Montefiore, whose name the cemetery adopted to evoke ideals of communal welfare and dignity in death.[3] From its inception, Montefiore aimed to offer affordable and respectful interments for Jewish immigrants, families, and fraternal organizations, including landsmanshaftn benevolent societies that pooled resources for collective plots.[1] These groups, common among immigrants seeking mutual aid, found in Montefiore a practical solution to the high costs and limited space of older urban cemeteries. The cemetery quickly became a hub for diverse Jewish sects, with sections allocated to specific congregations and lodges to maintain traditional separation.[3] The first burials took place soon after opening, though the earliest surviving gravestone dates to 1909 in the Wolochisker Benevolent Association section, marking the onset of active use.[6] Planners designed the site with long-term capacity in mind, envisioning it as a major repository capable of serving generations; today, it holds over 158,000 interments, underscoring the foresight in its initial layout.[3]Development
To accommodate the influx of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe during the early 20th century, the cemetery acquired additional land and expanded burial plots, enabling hundreds of Jewish societies, congregations, and lodges to secure dedicated sections for their members.[3] These expansions were crucial as Queens' Jewish population swelled, driven by waves of immigration. By the mid-20th century, the cemetery had developed into one of the largest Jewish burial sites in the region, reflecting the community's emphasis on communal and fraternal organizations in death practices. Key milestones in this period included the establishment of dedicated society plots in the 1920s, which formalized spaces for landsmanshaften and benevolent groups, such as the Old Sandetzer Society, whose gate was erected in 1917 and expanded in subsequent years. A notable feature was the granite obelisk in the Shomrim Society plot, honoring Jewish members of the New York City Police Department and symbolizing the integration of professional fraternal groups into the cemetery's landscape.[9] This period of development culminated in the cemetery's response to sustained population growth in Queens, resulting in over 158,000 graves by the late 20th century, underscoring its role as a vital repository of Jewish heritage amid demographic shifts.[3]Location and Facilities
Grounds
Montefiore Cemetery is located at 121-83 Springfield Boulevard in Springfield Gardens, Queens, New York.[10] The site spans approximately 114 acres of land.[3] Its coordinates are 40°41′16″N 73°44′55″W.[11] The terrain consists of flat land featuring well-maintained, parklike grounds with lush lawns, mature trees, and shrubs that enhance the natural setting.[3][1] Concrete pathways facilitate easy access for visitors to reach most plots.[12] Central administrative buildings, including the main office, support cemetery operations.[13] The cemetery is conveniently accessible by major roadways, such as the Belt Parkway via Exit 22 onto Springfield Boulevard, approximately 1.5 miles south.[14] Public transportation options include the Q77 bus on weekdays (from the F train at 179th Street, stopping across from the cemetery on Springfield Boulevard) and the Q84 bus on Sundays (from the E train at Jamaica Center, stopping at Springfield Boulevard and 120th Avenue, followed by a short two-block walk south to the entrance).[14]Plots and Sections
Montefiore Cemetery is organized into numerous blocks and sections to facilitate the allocation of burial spaces according to Jewish communal and organizational affiliations. The cemetery encompasses over 150,000 graves, reflecting its role as a major burial ground for the Jewish community in Queens. These divisions allow for systematic management of interments while honoring the diverse needs of families and groups. A significant portion of the cemetery is dedicated to plots reserved for landsmanshaften—immigrant aid societies formed by Jews from specific towns or regions—as well as synagogues and fraternal organizations. Hundreds of such groups maintain their own sections, preserving communal ties and providing collective burial spaces that underscore the social fabric of early 20th-century Jewish immigration to New York. These dedicated areas often feature uniform headstones and memorials that reflect the originating shtetl or society's heritage, fostering a sense of continuity and shared identity. Specialized plots include the Shomrim Society section, reserved for Jewish law enforcement officers, which honors members of the New York Police Department's fraternal organization. This area prominently features a granite obelisk as a memorial to fallen officers, symbolizing vigilance and service within the Jewish community.[9] Traditional Jewish sections incorporate ohelim, small tent-like mausoleums that enclose the graves of revered rabbis, adhering to customs that emphasize respect for spiritual leaders and ritual purity.[4] The entire cemetery consists of consecrated ground, where burials follow Jewish traditions across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform denominations, including the requirement for simple wooden caskets, ritual washing (taharah), and prompt interment without embalming. While traditional Jewish practice prohibits cremation, the cemetery permits the burial of cremated remains in designated graves under specific conditions, such as using a rigid container and not combining with a body burial.[15]Management
Ownership
Montefiore Cemetery is owned by the Springfield Long Island Cemetery Society, a non-profit organization established in 1908 specifically to develop and manage a Jewish cemetery in Springfield Gardens, Queens.[6] The society operates under a perpetual charter granted under New York State's Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, which authorizes cemetery corporations to exist in perpetuity for the purpose of providing burial grounds and ensuring their ongoing preservation and care without dissolution.[16] This structure supports long-term maintenance funded through endowment care funds and plot sales, dedicated exclusively to Jewish interments while accommodating diverse traditions within the community. The Montefiore Cemetery Corporation, a related 501(c)(13) non-profit entity tax-exempt since 1936, oversees day-to-day operations, including maintenance, expansions, and plot management for both Montefiore Cemetery and its affiliated New Montefiore Cemetery.[17][18] Established to benefit plot owners and the broader Jewish community, the corporation functions without restrictions on specific religious denominations, allowing burials from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other Jewish frameworks as long as they align with general Jewish practices.[1] Although historical records indicate involvement of key figures in management, the cemetery's governance emphasizes community service through its non-profit framework rather than private family control.[17]Services
Montefiore Cemetery provides a range of burial options tailored to the needs of the Jewish community, including individual graves, family plots, and dedicated sections for burial societies. These options accommodate varying preferences for personal, familial, or communal interments, with pricing determined by factors such as plot location, size, and type. Interment charges vary and are subject to approval by the New York State Cemetery Board.[19] The cemetery ensures ongoing maintenance through its perpetual care program, which covers essential upkeep such as lawn mowing, general groundskeeping, and monument preservation to maintain the site's dignity and accessibility. Additional specialized services include seasonal plantings around graves, with options like mature evergreen yews priced at $739 or special yews at $562, available during spring (April 1–May 1) and fall (September 1–October 15) seasons. Seasonal care for planted areas costs $98 per lot from May 1 to November 1, and the cemetery guarantees replacement of plants that die within one year at half price if planted in season. Payments for these services must be made in advance via check, with separate checks required for planting and perpetual care components.[20] Visitor services at Montefiore Cemetery facilitate respectful and informed visitations, including an online interment search tool that allows users to locate graves by entering details such as first and last name, date of death (month and year), society affiliation, block, row, or interment number, with partial information accepted as long as at least two characters are provided. A grounds map is available to help visitors navigate the 121-83 Springfield Boulevard site in Springfield Gardens, Queens, aiding in the location of specific plots and sections.[21][22] Modern updates enhance accessibility and convenience, such as the online payment portal for services like grave care orders, which can be submitted directly from interment detail pages using credit cards. The cemetery's website also incorporates accessibility features, including screen reader support for visually impaired users, ensuring broader usability for genealogy research and planning. Pre-arrangement plans are offered without interest, allowing payments over time at current prices to mitigate inflation effects.[23][1]Notable Burials
Montefiore Cemetery is the resting place for numerous individuals prominent in arts, entertainment, music, organized crime, and sports. Among them are:- Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe and leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.[4]
- Barnett Newman (1905–1970), abstract expressionist painter known for works such as Vir Heroicus Sublimis.[24]
- Sholom Secunda (1894–1974), composer and songwriter best known for "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen".[25]
- Fyvush Finkel (1922–2016), actor in Yiddish theater and on television, including the role of Douglas Wambaugh in Picket Fences.[26]
- Hyman Amberg (1902–1926), Joseph C. Amberg (c. 1893–1935), and Louis Amberg (1898–1935), brothers and associates of the Shapiro Brothers gang during Prohibition.[27][28][29]
- Al "Bummy" Davis (1920–1945), professional boxer and welterweight contender.[30]