The expansive, tranquil beauty of Knollwood Cemetery has been the final resting place of choice for the famous, the infamous, and thousands of local families

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Knollwood Cemetery responded to the growing demand for aboveground burial by commissioning the design and construction of a new building. Call or stop to view this beautiful new structure and learn more about it and all other services at Knollwood. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Patricia Nugent

Over a century ago, the founders of Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights planned and executed a peaceful haven spread throughout more than 100 rolling acres of green space.

“The goal is to continue to create a setting that is esthetically and artistically suited to those original ideals of beauty, a true garden of eternal rest,” says Forest Reichert, who has been president of the cemetery’s association for the past 30 years. “We have helped generations of families, my own included, deeply cherish the memory of their loved ones.”

Carrying on the Tradition
Five years ago, the cemetery responded to the growing demand for aboveground burial by commissioning the design and construction of a new building.

“We asked the architect from a firm in Wisconsin to create something stunning, something completely different yet complementary to our existing mausoleum,” says Forest.

As one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in Cleveland, it’s no surprise that there are more than a few famous and historic figures interred at Knollwood. Dr. Sam Sheppard and his wife Marilyn are buried here, as are Sonny Geraci, lead singer of The Outsiders, and the family of comedian Bob Hope

Providing both indoor and outdoor space for 435 aboveground burials and 192 niches, the impressive building was finished early this year.

“This serene setting features soaring walls of glass on its east-west axis to provide sunrise and sunset views,” he continues. “The ‘wow’ factor also shines through in the materials, a mix of pale oyster gray and black granite, natural pine wood ceilings and a copper roof. We spent a great deal of money and time putting this together, as we see the new building as a bridge to the future.”

He points out that they only used materials made in America and employed people who had already done work at Knollwood. Parking spaces adjacent to the new building provide easy access for visitors.

“Ultimately, a cemetery is built as much for the living as the deceased,” he says. “We strive to provide a haven of peace for families to visit their loved ones at rest.”

Knollwood’s main mausoleum, which, at 200,000 square feet, is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Started in 1926, it’s dotted with a gorgeous collection of 17 Tiffany windows. The awe-inspiring stone structure houses 7,000 plus full-sized burials and 1,000 plus cremation spaces

Celebrating a Majestic Mausoleum
The new building joins several other crypts and the main mausoleum, which, at 200,000 square feet, is one of the largest of its kind in the country. It was built in 1926.

Dotted with a gorgeous collection of 17 Tiffany windows, the awe-inspiring stone structure houses 7,000 plus full-sized burials and over 1,000 plus niches.

The mausoleum is open to the public and would make a fascinating field trip for any art-lover or history buff interested in our city’s storied past.

As one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in Cleveland, it’s no surprise that there are more than a few famous and historic figures interred at Knollwood, from politicians and captains of industry, to philanthropists, sports legends, musicians, poets and artists, and even an infamous mobster or two. Dr. Sam Sheppard and his wife Marilyn are buried here, as are Sonny Geraci, lead singer of The Outsiders, and the family of comedian Bob Hope.

Finished earlier this year, the impressive new building provides both indoor and outdoor space for 435 aboveground burials and 192 niches

Looking Ahead to Future Growth
In addition to the new building, crypts and mausoleum, the cemetery has a long sightline for continued expansion.

“Not many businesses have a plan through the year 3000, but we do,” says Forest. “We have designs for future structures to keep up with our growing need.”

The operation is also forward-thinking with its technology. He says families looking for an existing grave is a common occurrence, and one that can be difficult with such a large piece of land.

“With our HMIS system, seconds after someone calls in with a request, not only can we find a grave, but we can also print them out a map of exactly where it is and how to find it,” he says.

The founders of Knollwood Cemetery, in Mayfield Heights, planned and executed a peaceful haven spread throughout more than 100 rolling acres of green space

The Advantages of Planning Ahead
Selecting an internment space calmly and wisely before it is needed saves your family money and anguish. It allows for peace of mind that comes by avoiding a truly emotional situation that can cause stress and confusion within a family.

“Meeting with our compassionate staff to explore the options for pre-planning is like giving a gift to your loved ones,” says Forest. “There are many considerations, such as burial vs. cremation, aboveground vs. inground burial, etc. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you the courtesy of time to make these important life decisions.”

And on the financial side, you’ll save significant funds as you lock into today’s prices for something that will hopefully happen far in the future.

Forest also emphasizes the wisdom of securing your desired space so your family can rest together.

“Both with inground plots and aboveground burials, once a space is gone, it’s gone,” he says. “We are already filling requests for the new building with couples and families that choose to one day be together. The time is now to make sure you have a space saved for all the people in your family.” Call for an appointment with their professional service staff.

Look for a series of Ask the Expert columns to follow in the coming months. Knollwood Cemetery is located at 1678 SOM Center Road, in Mayfield Heights. Call 440-442-2800 or visit KnollwoodCemetery.net for details.

Categories: Eastside Smart Living