
A look inside Forest Lawn: Buffalo landmark, archive of history and active cemetery
As the CEO of Western New York's landmark cemetery, I wear many hats on any given day. First and foremost, we are an active cemetery (and yes, we still have plenty of room across our 269 acres!). But Forest Lawn is so much more than a place of burials and memories.
We are a national landmark, a level one arboretum, a destination for visitors from near and far, a spectacular museum within a park, and we operate upstate New York's busiest crematory. Forest Lawn includes 13 additional cemeteries within our not-for-profit organization, accountable to our lot holders, our local board of trustees and our regulator, the New York State Division of Cemeteries. Every day is different within our iconic gates.
expand
Forest Lawn's mission is to 'serve all stakeholders through the preservation and promotion of Forest Lawn's cemeteries and crematory, offering burial and interment options for past, present and future generations of Western New Yorkers.'
As an employer of choice, we are here to answer questions and educate individuals around a subject that few have had much exposure to. We work to help families in their pre-planning, which accounts for about 65% of our business. When there is an immediate need, we work closely with the funeral professionals in Western New York to assist in decisions and arrangements.
We have invested significant resources for our current and future customers — in our landscapes, in restoration of historic structures and monuments and in adding interment options at all of our cemeteries. Some highlights include new cremation niches for permanent placement and memorialization, Legacy Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, with our construction partner Arc Building Partners, currently in pre-sale stage as we await completion at the end of the year. Green/natural burials are available at both Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg and Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. Finally, the development of special burial areas for private/family mausoleums are also available at Forest Lawn and our other cemeteries across Western New York.
Whether you are helping parents or other family members, friends and partners, or making your own personal plans, please know we are here. Cemeteries are 'forever,' and as we conclude our 175th anniversary year, we are proud of our legacy and our future. Recently, WIVB produced this award-winning feature that tells our story through all four seasons.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Journals
7 days ago
- Business Journals
A look inside Forest Lawn: Buffalo landmark, archive of history and active cemetery
As the CEO of Western New York's landmark cemetery, I wear many hats on any given day. First and foremost, we are an active cemetery (and yes, we still have plenty of room across our 269 acres!). But Forest Lawn is so much more than a place of burials and memories. We are a national landmark, a level one arboretum, a destination for visitors from near and far, a spectacular museum within a park, and we operate upstate New York's busiest crematory. Forest Lawn includes 13 additional cemeteries within our not-for-profit organization, accountable to our lot holders, our local board of trustees and our regulator, the New York State Division of Cemeteries. Every day is different within our iconic gates. expand Forest Lawn's mission is to 'serve all stakeholders through the preservation and promotion of Forest Lawn's cemeteries and crematory, offering burial and interment options for past, present and future generations of Western New Yorkers.' As an employer of choice, we are here to answer questions and educate individuals around a subject that few have had much exposure to. We work to help families in their pre-planning, which accounts for about 65% of our business. When there is an immediate need, we work closely with the funeral professionals in Western New York to assist in decisions and arrangements. We have invested significant resources for our current and future customers — in our landscapes, in restoration of historic structures and monuments and in adding interment options at all of our cemeteries. Some highlights include new cremation niches for permanent placement and memorialization, Legacy Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, with our construction partner Arc Building Partners, currently in pre-sale stage as we await completion at the end of the year. Green/natural burials are available at both Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg and Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. Finally, the development of special burial areas for private/family mausoleums are also available at Forest Lawn and our other cemeteries across Western New York. Whether you are helping parents or other family members, friends and partners, or making your own personal plans, please know we are here. Cemeteries are 'forever,' and as we conclude our 175th anniversary year, we are proud of our legacy and our future. Recently, WIVB produced this award-winning feature that tells our story through all four seasons.


Business Journals
12-06-2025
- Business Journals
Southern Company celebrates another year of positive impact with the TOUR Championship
expand Southern Company The TOUR Championship announced a record $7.2 million contribution from the 2024 golf event, up from $6.96 million in 2023. The TOUR Championship has now raised more than $63 million for local nonprofits since the event was first staged at East Lake Golf Club in 1998. With the support of its proud partners Southern Company, Accenture and Coca-Cola, the event has contributed to five key community organizations: East Lake Foundation, First Tee – Metro Atlanta, Focused Community Strategies, Grove Park Foundation and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta among others. "We're incredibly proud to announce a record $7.2 million in community impact funds this year. This achievement reflects the unwavering support we receive from our partners, fans and the Atlanta community. It's because of that support that we're able to continue investing in initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of those who call Atlanta home,' stated Alex Urban, executive director of the TOUR Championship. Southern Company and the TOUR Championship are proud to support local initiatives and the success of these efforts would not be possible without the incredible support from fans, partners and the community. By attending the tournament and getting involved, fans help fuel these important programs, creating lasting opportunities for Metro Atlanta's communities. Southern Company has a longstanding and deep-rooted relationship with the PGA TOUR. Since 1999, Southern Company has been the official energy company of the PGA TOUR and is now in its ninth year as a proud partner of the TOUR Championship. The company is also the presenting sponsor of the Payne Stewart Award and serves as the Education Patron of First Tee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching life skills through golf, impacting more than 700,000 students annually in 1,400 schools. Help support local organizations by joining Southern Company on the course at this year's TOUR Championship.


Business Journals
29-05-2025
- Business Journals
Jon Purizhansky's Joblio is tackline a global problem from right here in Buffalo
40 Under 40 2025 Business First once again will honor 40 Western New Yorkers under 40 years old for their professional success and community involvement. Nominate today!