The Mentor Municipal Cemetery is a quiet place to reflect on Mentor’s past and acknowledge the contributions of those who came before us.
The original Mentor Cemetery was located at the northwest corner of Mentor Avenue and Center Street and was relocated to the corner of Jackson Street and Hopkins Road in 1854. Since then, over 15,000 souls have been interred including veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War.
It is the final resting place for a number of prominent Mentorites whose names are familiar, including the Reynolds, Munsons, Sawyers, Parkers, and of course, the Garfields. Although President James A. Garfield and first lady Lucretia are buried at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, several of their family members were laid to rest in section 15.
This beautifully maintained 60-acre property offers a choice of internment options with traditional graves as well as columbariums. Unlike some cemeteries, Mentor does not restrict stone size or carvings as long as the monument fits on the plot and is respectful. Visitors can find monuments featuring diverse personal embellishments ranging from the grand to the whimsical including cats, boats, and even one in the shape of a Model-T. And, as a municipal cemetery, it is among the most affordable options in the area – often half the cost of private cemeteries.
The cemetery is non-denominational but can accommodate burials of all faiths. Whether you are preplanning or are in immediate need, the caring staff is readily available to accommodate you. A new administration building was dedicated in 2021 and enables people to make their arrangements conveniently and at their own pace.
Another improvement is the recently completed Memorial Promenade which offers a space to honor those who risked their lives to protect our freedoms.
The Mentor Municipal Cemetery is located at 6881 Hopkins Road. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. To learn more, call (440) 974-5733 or www.mentorcemetery.com.