FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
At Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, we try to make every process as simple as possible. If you have any questions or concerns we hope you will find the answer below, if not feel free to contact us by calling (631) 249-6100 Ext. 0.
General Questions
Why is Pinelawn called a “memorial park” and not just a “cemetery”?
Over a century ago, Pinelawn Memorial Park's founder, William H. Locke Jr. made a promise to build a memorial park of remarkable magnificence on Long Island, where every effort would be made to impart an air of tranquility to all. William wrote The Promise of Pinelawn in 1902, which paved a culture that still lives within the organization today. Alfred D. Locke, William’s son, became a passionate steward of the land and delivered his father's promise by introducing magnificent architecture, historically significant sculptures, themed gardens, and striking landscape design. The vision and passion of William H. Locke Jr. and his son, Alfred D. Locke, have transformed the way generations of families remember their loved ones.
Who can be buried at Pinelawn Memorial Park?
Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum is a non-sectarian cemetery, welcoming people of all faiths and religions.
What geographic areas does Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum serve?
Pinelawn serves families from all over the country, but primarily assists families from Nassau and Suffolk County, and the Metropolitan area including Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.
Why does Pinelawn use flat bronze memorials instead of traditional headstones?
As opposed to competing headstones, Pinelawn Memorial Park uses beautiful and tasteful bronze memorials that are set level with the wide-sweeping lawns. By doing so, family and friends are inspired by the scenic beauty of the flowing fountains, unique architecture and lush greenery as they reflect on their loved ones.
How can I see where a loved one is located at Pinelawn?
Visitors are welcome to ask for assistance in locating a loved one’s location at the administration building. Pinelawn’s friendly staff will be able to provide a location card and map for easier reference. For location information via phone, please call (631) 249-6100.
Why does Pinelawn only allow fresh cut flowers?
Only fresh-cut flowers may be placed in vases. No artificial flowers or other artificial items are permitted at any time. Pinelawn is working constantly to maintain a serene, neat and uncluttered memorial park. The aim of management is to continue to keep Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America where visitors can quietly reflect and remember their loved ones.
Do I have to pay for the maintenance of my family’s plot/crypt?
There are never any annual or perpetual care charges. Pinelawn’s Permanent and Current Maintenance Funds provide for the care and maintenance of the cemetery. Such maintenance is included in the memorial property purchase price.
How long do flowers remain at a gravesite after a burial or entombment?
Flowers are removed on the third morning after an interment/entombment. The date of interment/entombment counts as day one.
I want to get a photo of my loved one’s memorial. How can I do that?
There are times when family and friends are unable to visit and would like a photo of a loved one’s memorial plot/crypt. When needed, Pinelawn can provide this photo service to families at a cost of $23. For assistance, please contact our office at (631) 249-6100.
Memorialization
What is a temporary marker?
As a complimentary service, Pinelawn Memorial Park places a temporary marker after a burial. For entombments, Pinelawn places a temporary sticker on the crypt or niche front after an entombment takes place. After 90 days, these temporary markers/stickers will be removed. It will then be the responsibility of the family to provide a proper permanent bronze memorial or have the crypt front inscribed. Samples may be seen, and orders taken, at the Pinelawn administration office. Please call (631) 249-6100 for further assistance.
How long does it take to install a bronze memorial?
For a bronze memorial order placement, manufacturing and installation can take up to 90-120 days. Often Pinelawn Memorial Park cannot install bronze memorials during the winter months due to winter weather conditions. In the spring, Pinelawn begins installing bronze memorials in the order they are received.
How will I know when my family’s bronze memorial is installed?
When a bronze memorial is installed for a loved one’s memorial plot, Pinelawn mails a bronze installation card to the purchaser of the memorial.
Can I include a photo on a bronze memorial?
If you would like to incorporate a photo on a bronze memorial, Pinelawn now offers Lasting Memories® Memorials that combine the art of bronze casting with your treasured family photographs and digital images to reproduce finely detailed, strikingly beautiful images in cast bronze. Samples of the Lasting Memories® Memorials, as well as our traditional bronze memorials, are available for viewing at our administration building. For more information on purchasing bronze memorials, please call our office at (631) 249-6100.
Memorial Property – At Need And Planning Ahead
I am interested in planning ahead and purchasing memorial property. How do I begin?
To purchase memorial property at Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum, please contact our office at (631) 249-6100 and one of our caring, experienced memorial counselors will schedule an appointment for location availability, pricing and a tour.
What are the benefits of planning ahead?
Your future peace of mind begins by planning ahead today. When you purchase your memorial property before a time of need at Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum, you safeguard an important family responsibility and ease the emotional and monetary strains on your loved ones, as well as secure the memorial property location of your choosing. By purchasing now, you will be able to lock in today’s lower prices and choose a completely interest-free payment plan that works best for you, and as low as $40/month.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum offers interest-free payment plans, as low as $40/month, for those wishing to plan ahead and purchase memorial property. For at-need burials or entombments, all payments and fees are due at the time of the burial/entombment.
Can I pay for memorial property with a credit card?
All costs and fees for immediate, at-need burials can be paid for entirely on a credit card. For pre-planning payments, personal credit cards can be used for monthly payments or to pay a balance in full. You may also inquire with your bank to see if they offer automatic online banking. An account balance can be paid off early at any time.
I planned ahead and previously purchased memorial property at Pinelawn Memorial Park, but now my burial plans have changed. Can I sell my property?
For more information on selling/transferring ownership of memorial property, please contact our office at (631) 249-6100.
Are interment fees included in the purchase of pre-planned memorial property?
Interment/entombment fees are not included with the purchase of pre-planned memorial property. These fees are due at the time of need.
Cremation
What are my options for cremated remains?
For those who have decided on cremation, Pinelawn Memorial Park And Arboretum offers many cremation memorialization options. Families can choose to memorialize someone’s cremated remains in one of Pinelawn’s many tranquil memorial gardens, surrounded by flowering trees, flowing fountains and historically significant monuments. Pinelawn's mausoleum niches provide a distinguished above-ground space where a loved one's cremated remains can be placed in elegant white marble, protected and memorialized forever within our majestic Garden Mausoleums. Families can choose from outdoor garden niches, semi-enclosed atrium niches or serene indoor chapel niches.
Why do I need a burial location if I am being cremated?
Those who scatter a loved one’s cremated remains can experience a feeling of regret that there is no permanent memorial location to reflect and pay respects to a loved one. Memorializing a loved one’s cremated remains in a memorial plot within Pinelawn’s beautifully manicured gardens or in an elegant white marble niche in Pinelawn’s Garden Mausoleums allows for family and loved ones to visit and reflect while surrounded in a tranquil and serene environment.
Additionally, families who have previously scattered a loved one’s cremated remains have found solace in choosing a permanent memorial location within Pinelawn’s peaceful gardens and mausoleums so that they can honor and visit with their loved ones in the years to come.