If you have ever traveled to Patchogue, chances are you have passed the Lakeview Cemetery located on Waverly Avenue and Main Street. Many residents from Patchogue and surrounding communities, including Brookhaven and Blue Point, are interred here. At one time, this historic cemetery was nearly unrecognizable due to overgrown vegetation and years of neglect. That is until the formation of the Cemetery Restoration Committee and the hard work and dedication of Committee Chairman Steve Gill, Patchogue Village Historian Hans Hanke and a group of volunteers determined to return the cemetery to its former glory.
Today, the cemetery is quite lovely with views from the street of the towering monuments gifted by Patchogue’s famed Smith Sisters, flowers marking visits from loved ones and the ability to walk the property once again.
Last fall marked the first Greater Patchogue Foundation Dia de los Muertos Celebration, created to help raise the funds necessary to continue with maintenance, restoration of headstones and so much more.
Traditional Mariachi music filled the night air, guests were given guided history tours of the cemetery, luxury restrooms were provided by event sponsor Direct Drainage and of course fabulous food and specialty beers from Brick House Brewery’s master brewers were enjoyed by all. It was a fantastic night and a sight to see as many attendees arrived with painted sugar skull faces and ghostly regalia. The proceeds went to a much needed lighting upgrade, beautification projects and to the support needed to create a permanent perpetual care organization.
We invite you to join us on Saturday, November 4, 2017 as we celebrate the lives of those laid to rest in the Lakeview Cemetery and raise money to keep the property beautiful for generations to come.
Leave a Reply