Modena Rural Cemetery

05/25/2026

We honor, we remember.

05/14/2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD REGARDING TOMORROW'S DEADLINE

To Our Families and Community Members,

The Modena Rural Cemetery Association Board of Directors understands that the cemetery is a sacred place of memory, reflection, and peace. We are honored that you have chosen these grounds as the final resting place for your loved ones, and we share your desire to keep this space beautiful, serene, and safe for everyone who visits.

To maintain the natural dignity of the grounds and ensure the safety of our caretakers, we kindly ask for your cooperation. The Rules and Regulations are posted at the cemetery gatehouse for all to follow. These guidelines are designed to ensure that every monument is accessible and that the landscape remains a cohesive, peaceful environment for all. To highlight some immediate areas of focus:

Floral Tributes
-We welcome the beauty of live flowers. Please ensure they are planted within 10 inches of the front of the monument and modify if necessary.

Artificial Decorations
-Silk or plastic flowers are permitted only if they are securely attached to the top of the monument

Prohibited Items
-Landscaping materials such as edging of any kind (plastic, wood, metal, or stone), mulch, decorative pebbles, loose stones, etc
-Plantings such as shrubs, bushes, or trees
-Glass and décor such as glass containers, decorative flags, wind chimes, bird feeders, etc.

We invite families to visit their plots and remove any items that do not align with these guidelines by May 15, 2026.

Please be advised that following this notice any remaining prohibited items may be removed by the Superintendent to ensure the continued safety and upkeep of the grounds.

We thank you for your understanding and for your help in keeping Modena Rural Cemetery a respectful sanctuary for all who rest here, and those who come to remember them.

With Sincere Gratitude,
The Modena Rural Cemetery Board of Directors

All parties interested in submitting questions, comments, concerns and/or to receive a copy of the rules and regulations are invited to email Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer at [email protected] or call directly 845-883-5913.

If you are interested in mailing a letter, please submit to:

Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer
Modena Rural Cemetery
P.O. Box 458
Modena, New York 12548

05/01/2026

Please be advised, thank you for your attention to this matter.

04/06/2026

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Plot Holders meeting of the Modena Rural Cemetery will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 630pm. The meeting will take place at the Modena Fire House, Route 44/55, Modena.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

To Our Families and Community Members,

The Modena Rural Cemetery Association Board of Directors understands that the cemetery is a sacred place of memory, reflection, and peace. We are honored that you have chosen these grounds as the final resting place for your loved ones, and we share your desire to keep this space beautiful, serene, and safe for everyone who visits.

To maintain the natural dignity of the grounds and ensure the safety of our caretakers, we kindly ask for your cooperation. The Rules and Regulations are posted at the cemetery gatehouse for all to follow. These guidelines are designed to ensure that every monument is accessible and that the landscape remains a cohesive, peaceful environment for all. To highlight some immediate areas of focus:

Floral Tributes
-We welcome the beauty of live flowers. Please ensure they are planted within 10 inches of the front of the monument and modify if necessary.

Artificial Decorations
-Silk or plastic flowers are permitted only if they are securely attached to the top of the monument

Prohibited Items
-Landscaping materials such as edging of any kind (plastic, wood, metal, or stone), mulch, decorative pebbles, loose stones, etc
-Plantings such as shrubs, bushes, or trees
-Glass and décor such as glass containers, decorative flags, wind chimes, bird feeders, etc.

We invite families to visit their plots and remove any items that do not align with these guidelines by May 15, 2026.

Please be advised that following this notice any remaining prohibited items may be removed by the Superintendent to ensure the continued safety and upkeep of the grounds.

We thank you for your understanding and for your help in keeping Modena Rural Cemetery a respectful sanctuary for all who rest here, and those who come to remember them.

With Sincere Gratitude,
The Modena Rural Cemetery Board of Directors

All parties interested in submitting questions, comments, concerns and/or to receive a copy of the rules and regulations are invited to email Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer at [email protected] or call directly 845-883-5913.

If you are interested in mailing a letter, please submit to:

Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer
Modena Rural Cemetery
P.O. Box 458
Modena, New York 12548

11/27/2025

08/30/2025

The Modena Cemetery Board is seeking a dedicated and organized Recording Secretary to join our team.

The Recording Secretary plays a crucial role in documenting the board's discussions and decisions. You will be responsible for creating a clear and accurate record of our meetings, which are held quarterly; and at times where immediate needs are to be addressed. This is a non-voting position.

Responsibilities
Attend and take detailed minutes during monthly board meetings. Prepare meeting minutes and provide to the Secretary for distribution to the board members in a timely manner.

Skills and Qualifications
Excellent listening and note-taking skills. Strong written communication skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g., word processing, email). Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. A reliable and punctual presence at meetings.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Jonathan Ridgeway, President via email [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!

Send a message to learn more

07/29/2025

We are proud to be a supporting location of Wreaths Across America to honor our veterans with a special ceremony on National Wreaths Across America Day December 13, 2025.

To sponsor a wreath, follow this link:
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NY0386

Send a message to learn more

05/03/2025

Modena Rural Cemetery Association

Rules and Regulations Adopted August 21, 2024

1. All plots in the Modena Rural Cemetery are sold in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of New York and shall not be used for any other purpose than as a burial place for dead human beings.
a. Pets allowed as cremains will/may be included at time of burial

2. Plot owners are prohibited from allowing interments to be made to their plot for compensation.

3. Concrete vault of concrete grave liners will be required for interments in all graves purchased on or after May 25, 2011, in accordance with the provisions of the Cemetery Board Directive 201.6.

4. Interment in a plot is restricted to those entitled to be buried therein according to the terms of Section1512 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. Permission for burial of those entitled to burial according to said section, must be filed with the Modena Cemetery Association by the plot owner.

5. Burial of cremains shall be limited to two (2) per single grave in addition to one (1) full body providing that the full body burial is first.

6. All transfers of graves require the permission of the Modena Cemetery Association.

7. The full purchase price of the plot must be paid before a deed will be given or burial allowed on the plot and any monument is installed.

8. Live flowers are to be planted no more than ten inches from the front of the monument. Prohibited items include edging of any kind (plastic, wood, metal or stone), decorative pebbles or stones, mulch, silk or plastic flowers (unless secured to the top of the monument), glass containers, decorative flags, windchimes, bird feeders, planting of shrubs, bushes or trees. All prohibited items may cause immediate removal by the caretaker after due notice to the plot owner.

9. The Modena Cemetery Association reserves the right to remove all flowers, wreaths or other decorations from the plot as soon as they become unsightly. All Christmas decorations must be removed by February 1st.

10. Veteran flags/American flags must be in an approved holder and placed flush to the monument base.

11. All funerals, processions and vehicles will be under the control of the Superintendent while in the Cemetery.

12. No mausoleum shall be built above the ground without permission of the Cemetery Association and then in such location as they may approve. No mausoleum will be approved unless a sufficient endowment is set up and is maintained by the plot holder.

13. All monuments and markers must be constructed of granite, bronze or marble.

14. No monument or footstone may be placed on any grave without a cement base. This shall include military markers. The base for a single grave monument should be at least one foot by two foot and should not cover any more than two-thirds of the entire plot. No monuments allowed over thirty-eight inches tall (including base). All construction will be under the supervision of the Superintendent. No monument will be allowed to be delivered until the cement foundation is installed, paid for in full and ready to receive the monument. Application for monument approval must be submitted by the monument company to the Superintendent for approval and must include the name of the deed holder, section and plot number, dimensions and construction material of the monument. All poured monument footings must be no less than three feet deep.

15. These rules and regulations may be amended by the Cemetery Trustees of the Modena Cemetery Association, but no such amendments shall be effective until approved by the New York State Cemetery Board. Upon their acceptance these Rules & Regulations become retroactive.

16. The Modena Cemetery Association is not responsible for vandalism. The owners are responsible for re-erecting stones, etc.

Officers:
Jonathan Ridgeway-President
Michael Fowler-Vice-President
Becky Dawes- Secretary/Treasurer
Dorothy Holveg-Recording Secretary
Ralph Hurlbert-Superintendent

Trustees: David Angelillo, Lawrence Cavazza, Rose Guerrieri, Gladys Figueroa, James P***n, Lynne Ridgeway

Send a message to learn more

03/26/2025

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Plot Holders meeting of the Modena Rural Cemetery will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 630pm. The meeting will take place at the Modena Fire House, Route 44/55, Modena.

All parties interested in submitting questions, comments, and concerns are invited to email Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer at [email protected] or call directly 845-883-5913.

If you are interested in mailing a letter, please submit to:

Becky Dawes, Secretary/Treasurer
Modena Rural Cemetery
P.O. Box 458
Modena, New York 12548

Send a message to learn more

01/14/2025