Arrangements
IMPORTANT NEWS...
At St. Matthew's and our sister cemeteries in the the Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries we recently made significant changes to our Rules and Regulations, and these changes may enable you to save a substantial amount of money on at-need or pre-need cremation burial space at any of our cemeteries.
For New Lot Purchases
We have expanded our "burial rights" - we now allow up to 4 burials in a single, full-size grave. This may include 1 full casket and 3 cremation urns or a total of 4 urns.
For each grave that a family purchases, four family members can be interred in that single grave, which can represent a significant cost savings. It also ensures that the family remains together forever. For example, 2 side-by-side graves can now include a total of 8 burials, which can include 2 caskets and 6 cremation burials or a total of 8 cremation burials.
For Heirs of Existing Lot Owners
Because of the expanded burial rights (allowing up to 4 burials in a single grave), an individual with an ancestor who purchased burial space at any of the Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries may be entitled to FREE burial space for themselves and their spouse at that cemetery.
The descendant of the original lot owner can pursue their right to utilize the free burial space in one of two ways – one which guarantees that the space will be theirs to use, and another which documents their intent to use it.
We’ve made it simple for you to determine whether or not you are entitled to free burial space at any of our cemeteries and, if so, to pursue your options. All it takes is a phone call to us at 716-885-1600. Please Note that other NYS mandated fees for burial services would still apply.
Pet Burials
Following the passage of New York State’s Pet Burial Law in September, 2016 the Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries (which includes St. Matthew's) have become the first New York State regulated not-for-profit cemeteries to allow pet owners to inter the cremated remains of their domestic pets with them in a cemetery. Prior to the enactment of the new legislation, New York’s cemetery regulations had prohibited the interment of pets in human cemeteries. The new law does not require cemeteries to allow pet interments, but rather gives them the option to do so.
We are pleased to be able to take the important step of permitting pet burials, which will allow us to better meet the emotional needs of the many families and individuals who have a strong bond with their pets. Pet burials will also support the our promise of perpetual care made to all those people who are interred in our cemeteries. Under the new law, all fees associated with the burial of cremated domestic pets must be deposited into the cemetery’s permanent maintenance fund. So, any revenue derived from pet burials will go directly to the maintenance of our cemeteries, which helps us to keep our solemn promise to provide the finest in perpetual care to all those who rest within our gates.
A garden cemetery with endless possibilities.
Take a tour of our renowned gardens, and you’ll discover a wide variety of memorials nestled among the hedgerows, trees and bushes. At St. Matthew’s, all of our peaceful resting areas allow upright monuments and flush markers for both traditional and cremation burials. You can choose nearly any shape or style monument, from a traditional marker to a bench, plaque or other memorial.
Of course, in addition to areas named for popular saints and apostles, we also offer a Field of ValorSM and Veterans Plaza for veterans and their spouses, as well as an area for firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel.
We're pleased to also offer above-ground options in our newly-opened Faith Mausoleum and Resurrection Chapel.
At St. Matthew’s, we encourage you to “comparison shop,” because we are proud of our grounds, our history, and the countless choices you will find here.
To learn more about arrangements at St. Matthew’s, please call one of our Family Service Representatives at (716) 822-1960, or email smc@stmatthewscemetery.com
