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Rockland Cemetery

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Orangeburg, NY
Rockland Cemetery

Established in 1847, Rockland Cemetery offers a serene and historic resting place amidst beautifully maintained grounds.

We are dedicated to preserving the memories of those entrusted to our care. Rockland Cemetery, located in the Town of Orangetown, was organized in 1847 by Eleazar Lord, author, educator and first president of the Erie Railroad. As a non-sectarian cemetery, Rockland cemetery is open for burials of all races, religions and walks of life. The Cemetery is the final resting place of many local residents. It is a place to celebrate the lives of those people, each with a story of there own.

05/25/2026

As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who gave everything for our country, we look to the quiet corners of Rockland Cemetery. 🇺🇸

At just 17 years old, David Blakeney left the safety of his Tappan home for the Union Army, driven by a profound desire to protect his country. Tragically, he was struck down by disease in a New Jersey camp, giving his future before it had truly begun.

During the Civil War, nearly two-thirds of all losses happened this way, proving that the devastating reach of war extends far beyond the battlefield. That profound ripple effect echoes down to our modern world, where the true cost of conflict is still felt in every home, community, and family left waiting behind.

David’s monument at Rockland Cemetery stands as a powerful reminder that heroism isn't just defined by a front line victory, but by the courage to stand up and say, "I will go." Next time you walk our quiet grounds, take a moment to honor the brave young souls whose lives were woven into the wider, enduring cost of freedom. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

At Rockland Cemetery, the true spirit of courage rests quietly upon our hillsides, where hundreds of heros from the Civil War to the modern era are laid to rest. This weekend, we invite you to step away from the bustle of daily life, walk our historic paths, and take a moment to "thank a hero."

05/19/2026

HE SURVIVED OMAHA BEACH, BUT NEVER MADE IT HOME. 🪖

The freedom we enjoy today at Rockland Cemetery was paid for by heroes like Piermont’s own Sergeant Bernard F. Haring.

In 1942, Bernard, raised in Piermont, traded the peace of the Piermont Pier for the front lines of World War II, joining the legendary "Blue Spaders" of the 1st Infantry Division. For two brutal years, his boots traced the most hazardous maps of global freedom. He charged the beaches of North Africa during Operation Torch, clawed through the mountains of Sicily during Operation Husky, and stormed Omaha Beach in the terrifying first wave of Operation Overlord.

He survived the Panzer divisions, the grueling Battle of Troina, and the deadly hedgerows of Normandy, aggressively pushing the enemy back to the German border. But on September 13, 1944, in the dense woods near Aubel, Belgium, Bernard’s valiant march was cut short just as Allied forces breached the Siegfried Line.

Today, we honor his legacy by dedicating a stretch of Piermont Avenue to his name. We live in peace because heroes like Bernard bore the storm. Rockland remembers, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.. ❤️🇺🇸

05/15/2026

Hon. Judge Richard G. Ramsay 🕊️

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we share the passing of a pillar of our community and a cherished leader of our organization, Honorable Judge Richard G. Ramsay, who passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 91.

Judge Ramsay lived a truly remarkable and distinguished life. Known widely across Rockland County for his integrity and civic devotion, he served with honor for ten years as a Town of Orangetown Judge, maintained a dedicated 40-year law career, and generously gave his time to numerous local organizations.

To us at Rockland Cemetery, he was so much more. Judge Ramsay proudly served on our Board of Directors for over 25 years, providing guidance, vision, and leadership—including 15 invaluable years as our Board President. His legacy of service is permanently woven into the peaceful grounds we care for every day.

We extend our deepest condolences to his loving partner Gayle, his children Ellen and Richard Jr., his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of his extended family and friends.

Services for Judge Ramsay:

Visitation: Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home (120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ).

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Chapel (Route 340, Sparkill, NY).

Interment: Following the mass, Judge Ramsay will be laid to rest right here at Rockland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the St. John’s University Virginia & Helen Ramsay Scholarship Fund (established by the Judge) or the Joe Raso Hospice Residence.

Rest in peace, Judge Ramsay. Thank you for your decades of leadership and dedication to Rockland Cemetery. You will be deeply missed.

🔗 Read his full obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-ramsay-obituary?id=61469711

04/28/2026

The Man, The Myth, The Elephant: Nyack’s "Omnipotent Oom" 🧘‍♂️

Long before yoga studios were on every block, Pierre Bernard was busy turning the heart of Nyack into the unexpected center of the mystical universe. From his sprawling Clarkstown Country Club on Highland Avenue in Nyack, "The Great Oom" taught Manhattan’s elite the secrets of Hatha Yoga and Sanskrit. He was a master of mystery who never let the truth get in the way of a good story; when wild rumors of "love cults" and secret rituals began to swirl around the estate, Bernard didn’t discourage them, he leaned into the mystique. 🔮✨

Part spiritual pioneer and part local tycoon, Bernard eventually became a pillar of the community, serving as a bank president and building a massive 6,000-seat stadium to keep the area thriving during the Great Depression. ⚾️🏦

However, nothing cemented his legendary status quite like his "backyard" pets. Right in the heart of town, residents grew used to the surreal sight of circus elephants wandering the neighborhood! His beloved elephant, "Mom," was a local celebrity, frequently seen strolling down the street or leading community parades. 🐘🐘

From introducing Eastern philosophy to the Hudson Valley to keeping a literal zoo on the grounds that later became Nyack College, Bernard remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of local eccentrics.

04/23/2026

🌧️ WEATHER UPDATE: Historical Walking Tour Rescheduled 🌧️
Attention history buffs! Due to the forecast of inclement weather this Saturday, we are moving our Historical Walking Tour to ensure everyone stays dry and safe while exploring our grounds.

📅 NEW DATE: This Sunday, April 26th
🕒 NEW TIME: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

All current tickets will automatically be honored for the new Sunday time slot. We recommend wearing sturdy boots or walking shoes, as the grass may still be a bit damp from Saturday’s rain!

We can't wait to share the fascinating stories of those who rest here in a much sunnier setting. If you have any questions or can no longer make it, please send us a DM or contact the cemetery office.

See you Sunday! 🏛️🌳

04/16/2026

The history of Haddock’s Hall is forever tied to the mysterious tragedy of its creator. In 1891, Rodger Haddock-the village's most successful businessman-took his own life in the building's second-floor wit a shop full of customers.

At the time, the Hall was Piermont’s nerve center, housing the Village Hall, the library, a music hall, and the county’s largest general store. With no motive ever found, his death remains a local mystery. 🔍

After Haddock, the building evolved into an industrial powerhouse. It produced yacht engines in 1900 before becoming the famous "Silk Mill" in 1926. During WWII, it even pivoted to manufacturing parachute cords and military medals for the war effort. 🪂

While it’s still known locally as "The Silk Mill," it stands as a lasting monument to Rodger Haddock’s ambitious dreams and the ongoing revitalization of our community's history. 🌳

Want to dive deeper into the stories that shaped our community? Join us next Saturday, April 25, for a historic walking tour! 🚶‍♀️ We’ll be exploring the rich history and expansive views of the area from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985316508119?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/07/2026

Steel, Steam, and Legacy: The Stones at Rockland Cemetery 🏛️🚂

Ever wonder about the giants who built the American Industrial Revolution? Meet Andros B. Stone (1824–1896), a true titan of the Gilded Age resting right here in Sparkill.

Andros didn't build his empire alone. Alongside his brother, the legendary railroad magnate Amasa (owned a regional railroad empire centered in Ohio, contemporary of C. Vanderbilt & J.D. Rockefeller), he helped lay the literal foundation of 19th-century America. Together, the Stone brothers were a powerhouse duo, constructing massive bridge projects and the steel rails that fueled the nation's westward expansion. 🛠️💨

While his brother Amasa focused on the rails, Andros pioneered the modern steel industry as a leader of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company. But after a career spent in the industrial heartland, he found a new mission in the Hudson Valley. 🌳✨

In the 1880s, Andros brought that same visionary drive to our community, serving as President of Rockland Cemetery. He spearheaded major infrastructure projects on the grounds, dreaming of turning the site into a landmark of national importance. Today, he rests in the very sanctuary he helped shape, a permanent link between the smoke of the midwestern mills and the historic beauty of our hills.

Join us on Saturday April 25th for our historic walking tour and learn more about Mr. Stones Gilded age story.

Tickets at:
https://WalkingRocklandCemetery.eventbrite.com

03/30/2026

Make the Most of Your Saturday! 🌳

Looking for something different to do on April 25th?

Come spend the afternoon exploring the winding paths and incredible views at Rockland Cemetery. This isn't just a walk—it's a chance to dive into the 19th-century history and local legends that make Sparkill so unique. 🏛️📜

From stunning monuments to stories you won't find in a textbook, it’s the perfect blend of fresh air and local heritage. ⛰️🥾

The Details:
📍 Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY
🗓️ Saturday, April 25th
🎟️ Register on Eventbrite: April 25th Walking Tour

Space is limited, so grab your tickets early! 🎟️✨

03/25/2026

The Architect of Our Trails: Honoring George Zoebelein 🌲🥾

Did you know that the Long Path runs through Rockland Cemetery because of the relentless advocacy of one man?

We are honoring the memory of George Zoebelein (1917–2001), a giant of the conservation movement and a longtime resident of Grandview-on-Hudson. As a former President of both the New York-New Jersey and Appalachian Trail Conferences, George’s most enduring local achievement was securing "extraordinary status" for the Long Path by legally cementing it onto official Rockland County planning maps. This ensures the trail remains a permanent consideration in all local development proposals, a gold standard for land protection nationwide.

George was a "marvelous diplomat" for the Hudson Valley, playing a key role in the grassroots battle to save Storm King Mountain and working with the Friends of the Shawangunks to ensure the creation of Minnewaska State Park. His vision even extended to public transit; while serving on the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council, he suggested the 1990 creation of the Appalachian Trail station. This dedicated stop remains one of only three limited-service stations in the entire system built specifically for hikers.

George now rests here in Rockland Cemetery, just a few hundred feet from the very path he championed-a fitting final home for a man who dedicated his life to keeping our green corridors wild. ✨

https://www.nynjtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ja01.pdf

https://www.nynjtc.org/lp-section-2/

https://appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Trail_Years.pdf (Page 34)

Address

201 Kings Highway
Orangeburg, NY
10976

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4pm
Friday	8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+18453590172

Website

http://www.rocklandcemetery.org/

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