Hi Everyone. I have a question and it is something that I have been wondering, but it is purely curiosity...I've been to several different cemeteries where my grandfather and great grandparents are buried. My grandfather's plot is in the L.I. National Cemetery and it was meant for two burials...my grandfather and my grandmother. They were divorced and most likely, if she is even alive (I have yet to find her), she would not be buried with him. This past summer, I went out to St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx, where one of my greatgrandmother's is buried. At the cemetery, I was told that the gravesite is three deep, but only my ggrandmother is buried there. The plot is listed as being owned by her daughter, my gr-aunt, who is also deceased. So there are two graves that belong to the family. My other ggrandparents are in East Hillside Cemetery near Glen Cove. The caretaker told me that there was one more site that belonged to the family. I don't know who in the family owns that one. My question is, if the owner of the plot is deceased, can a family member claim the remaining gravesites? Again, I am just curious and wondering if anyone else has dealt with this type of situation. I am not looking to gain possession for my own burial (I don't live in NY anymore), but what if there were family members that could not afford a plot...and this space, bought by ancestors, exists. I, personally would at least like to be listed as a next of kin in case any other family members are out there looking for my family. Just wondering...any thoughts? Liz _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/
Hi Liz The short answer is yes. By NYS law any blood relative can claim ownership of a family plot. You need to speak to the cemetery or, I believe, the Department of Health to find out what the procedure is. Depending on how long ago the last burial was the cemetery may be less helpful though. I've been told that cemeterys are allowed to reclaim abandoned plots 100 years after the last burial. Dave Smith