Connie Rodhy

1939 - 2012Oakwood Cemetery Association is saddend to announce the passing of Board of Director Connie Rodhy.  Connie was well loved by all who knew her.  Her involvement in various Community and Church related activities brought her in touch with so many people.  Connie was a "people person".  She loved to get to know new people and would offer them the shirt off her back if she thought it would help.  She volunteered at Niagara Memorial Medical Center and was active with the Ladies Order of Ancient Hibernians.  The Catholic Church was a big part of Connie's life where she volunteered in the offices at The Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph Parish.  Connie served on the Board at Oakwood for the past 3 years helping restore the cemetery to it's former glory.

We wish her family and friends our deepest sympathy.

A visitation will be held at the M.J. Colucci & Sons Funeral Chapel at 2730 Military Road on Thursday, December 20, from 3pm - 6pm.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 21, at 10am at Mt. Carmel Church, 27th and Independence.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony 2012

NIAGARA FALLS, NY (Oakwood Cemetery) -  Over 20 members of the Western New York Chapter of Patriot Guard stood at attention by their flags as Mayor Paul Dyster, Assemblyman John Ceretto and David Fabrizio from the Niagara Falls Memorial Commission spoke to the crowd.  They were joined by the Niagara Falls Police Honor Guard who presented the colors.  Monte Jones led those in attendance in a rousing edition of the Star Spangled Banner.  The 2012 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery joined over 800 sites across the country to remember our fallen Veterans, to thank our living Veterans and those currently serving, and to teach our children that freedom does not come free.  Pipe Major Duncan Hollinger of the MacKenzie Highlanders' Pipes and Drums played Amazing Grace on his pipes as 7 ceremonial wreaths were placed in honor of each branch of the services.  Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POWs/MIAs were all recognized.  Marcia Jones led the crowd in God Bless America.  Members of the 1812 Re-Enactors performed a gun salute with their muskets.  Taps was played by bugler Dominic Schrock of the Boy Scouts.  Wreaths were laid on graves with stands donated by the Military Officers of Western New York.  A special thank you to Lt. Col. Robert Bienvenue for arranging for the stands involving the Military Officers.  Tim Horton's kindly provided the coffee and hot chocolate.  Thank you to all who participated and to those in attendance.  Another great ceremony was achieved, but more importantly, our Veterans were honored and remembered with a fitting service.     

The small way Oakwood helped establish St. Joseph's Cemetery

NIAGARA FALLS, NY  (Oakwood Cemetery) - The latest Kratts Korner chronicles the birth of a well know Niagara Falls cemetery.  It all began with a nationally famous baker's family.  Click here to read "Tu Scende Dalle Stelle".

Wreaths Across America

NIAGARA FALLS, NY (Oakwood Cemetery) - The 2012 Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012 in front of the flag pole at the front of Oakwood Cemetery. Oakwood is one of over 700 sites across the country holding a Wreaths Across America ceremony to coincide with the one taking place at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony will begin at 12 noon sharp.

Click here to see the 2011 Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

Wreaths may be sponsored in honor of or in memory of a Veteran. All wreaths are $15. You can download an order form by clicking here. You can send the form directly back to the National Wreaths Across America office, or if you would like us to place the wreath on a specific grave, send the form to Oakwood Cemetery office at 763 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. For more information call 716.284.5131. All orders must be in by 11/23/2012.

2013 Oakwood Photo Calendar

NIAGARA FALLS, NY  (Oakwood Cemetery) - The 2013 Oakwood Cemetery Photo Calendars are now on sale in the Oakwood office (inside the gate and to the right).  The calendar features outstanding photographs from local photographers Tim and Barbara Maloney.  The Maloney's also edited the calendar.  All monies raised from the sale of the calendar will go to the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery Preservation Fund.  Friends of Oakwood Chairman, Bob Kazeangin said, "We are honored to have these beautiful pictures to use as a fundraiser.  Oakwood is a jewel in Niagara's crown, and the Maloney's have done a great job capturing the essence of the cemetery." 

Calendars are $20.  To puchase a copy come to the cemetery office, or call (716) 284-5131 to reserve yours.