Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio: Catholic Cemeteries of Ohio Statements by Rick Meade

Catholic Cemeteries of Ohio Statements by Rick Meade

http://catholiccemeteryconference.org/ohio/
May 22, 2017

Rick Meade <rmeade@calvarycemeterydayton.org>

"Many of the older historical cemeteries in Ohio are Not for Profit Corps. Calvary along with being Not for Profit, also has religious status as well. Catholic and Jewish cemeteries for the most part are owned and operated by their respective religious organizations or churches. People of all faiths are interred in community cemeteries everywhere, however those cemeteries are not necessarily owned and operated by a religious entity. Included in that group may be townships, villages, cities, or community formed cemetery associations governed by a board of trustees.

All revenues remain in their respective treasuries under guidelines of Ohio law. No dividends or profits are ever taken.

Now, the For Profit side of the industry really began to gain momentum in the 1960’s and has evolved into worldwide funeral conglomerates combining funeral homes, cemeteries, and all other related goods and services. They are publicly traded on the NYSE. Examples, Service Corp International (SCI), StoneMor Partners L.P (STON), Carriage Services Inc. (CSV), along with several others. Some of these do exist right here in the Dayton area. Obviously these are governed by the FTC as well as Ohio law.

Hopefully this brings you up to date.

Cleveland Catholic does a great job. I was just up there for a visit. FYI, many Catholic cemeteries now welcome other faiths as well. It was nice of you to notice the standard of excellence upheld by this group.

It may be of interest to you that we have the Catholic Cemeteries of Ohio in which yours truly is the current president. It is our goal to maintain some of the nicest properties for the families we serve."

Best regards, Rick

Rick E. Meade, Executive Director