History

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery was established to serve Buffalo’s Catholic community of Italian heritage at a time when ethnic cemeteries were common. Nearby cemeteries reflected this tradition as well, including the United German and French Roman Catholic Cemetery, founded in 1859, and St. Stanislaus Polish Cemetery located just down the street.

The cemetery was founded in 1913 with the purchase of 20 acres of land along Harlem Road in Cheektowaga, with an entrance located between Genesee Street and the Kensington Expressway. Bishop Henry Colton consecrated the cemetery that same year. In a letter dated November 28, 1916, Bishop Dennis Dougherty, later Cardinal Dougherty, established guidelines for the governance of the Italian cemetery. Additional land was later acquired, expanding the cemetery to a total of 33 acres situated behind the neighborhood known as Tiorunda.

In 1992, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel Mausoleum was constructed. The exterior features beautiful mosaics honoring Italian saints, including St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi. Inside, stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of St. Francis, including the Stigmata, the Greccio Christmas celebration, and the Resurrection. Walking or driving through Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, visitors are reminded of the deep faith and enduring legacy of Buffalo’s Italian Catholic community.