BUFFALO, N.Y. — Clarence Fillmore Cemetery and Forest Lawn Cemetery Group announced they've successfully merged as of Sunday. Clarence Fillmore Cemetery, located in the Town of Clarence, is now legally owned and operated by the Forest Lawn Cemetery and Crematory Group, located at 4580 Ransom Road.
“We are honored to welcome historic Clarence Fillmore to the Forest Lawn family of cemeteries," chief executive officer of the Forest Lawn Group Julie R. Snyder said. “Our lot holders at Clarence Fillmore can be assured that the beauty and sanctity of these sacred cemetery grounds will continue to be maintained perpetually.”
There are approximately 8,800 “permanent residents” in Clarence Fillmore’s 13 acres. The cemetery was named after Rev. Dr. Glezen Fillmore, who donated the land. Fillmore was a cousin of President Millard Fillmore and was known as the “founder of Methodism” in Western New York.
“The leadership of Clarence Fillmore Cemetery is very pleased to place future stewardship of the cemetery into the very capable hands of the Forest Lawn Cemetery Group," vice president of Clarence Fillmore Cemetery’s board of directors Tom Bull said. “Over the years, as costs have continued to rise and our limited resources have been stretched, it has become increasingly difficult for our very small organization to maintain this historic cemetery. The team at the Forest Lawn Group has the resources and the expertise to do so very well, assuring that the promise of perpetual care is kept for all who rest within our gates.”
Families interested in purchasing burial space at Clarence Fillmore Cemetery will now be able to take advantage of the same benefits available at all Forest Lawn Group cemeteries. In the coming months, current and future lot owners at Clarence Fillmore will also have the ability to access their burial records online on the newly created Clarence Fillmore Cemetery website (clarencefillmorecemetery.com).
Burial space is still available at this historic cemetery and inquiries can be made by calling (716) 885-1600.
The Forest Lawn Cemetery and Crematory Group includes over 10 cemeteries across the region including Forest Lawn in Buffalo, St. Matthew’s Cemetery in West Seneca and Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg to name a few.
To learn more about Forest Lawn, go to forest-lawn.com. For details about all the cemeteries in the Forest Lawn Group, go to cemeteriesofwny.com.
