Forest Hill Cemetery by foresthillcemetery.org

Forest Hill Cemetery

By Cheyenne Dorsagno

Forest Hill Cemetery of Utica, NY is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We might usually try to ignore a cemetery, but this location calls attention to itself.

Where It All Began

Frank has been the President of the Board of Trustees, a group of volunteers, since 2022. He grew up across the street from the cemetery and would play there as a child with his brother, David. One day, David joined the Forest Hill board. He took personal responsibility to care for his stillborn son, who’s laid to rest there.

“We have a duty to the people who are buried there,” said Frank.

This duty dates back to the founding of Forest Hill in 1850. Local advocates had it constructed in Victorian Gothic style.

Since, the cemetery has kept the memories of its residents alive. Workers still tell stories about them. Of course, it’s hard not to talk after someone allegedly sees a mysterious blue orb!

The cemetery also offers eternal honor services. Headstone cleaning, flower planting, and holiday decorating.

“Your loved ones will be cared for for centuries to come.”

Their sense of duty to the public is a testament to Forest Hill’s status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

In part, the cemetery is a living artifact of the rural cemetery movement, which emerged in the early 19th century. This philosophy emphasized a park-like setting for burial grounds, combining nature with memorialization. The landscaping has beautiful trees, rolling hills, and winding paths.

This is especially significant as a monument of Utica’s economic prosperity in the 19th century.

Silas D. Childs Memorial Chapel provided by uticalandmarks.org

Additionally, Forest Hill is a historic location because it keeps renowned figures — like the Proctors. Their philanthropic efforts to enrich Utica are still seen in parks and schools.

The cemetery’s elaborate gravesites exemplify both the status of the individuals buried there and the funerary art form as a distinct architectural style.

Breaking the Ice

Frank Williams, President of Forest Hill Cemetery’s Board of Trustees, sometimes holds presentations.

“People are afraid that if they talk about death, it might happen to them,” he began.

He paused and nodded toward the gravesite outside.

“Well, guess what? There’s a lot of proof outside that it does happen.”

Photo of Forest Hill crematory provided by Cheyenne Dorsagno

The attendants laughed. He then reassured everyone that there was no one in the crematory at that moment.

Frank Demonstrated the Educational Potential of Forest Hill’s Mission.

Frank shared some insightful advice that anyone could use, regardless of which facility carries out their final wishes:

Put it in writing! Whatever your directions may be, put them in your will! Otherwise, family members argue over countless details. Honoring your wishes and your legacy are daunting responsibilities. And that’s on top of being sad and stunted by the tragedy of your passing.
- According to a 2017 survey by the National Funeral Directors Association… 62.5% of consumers surveyed “felt it was very important to communicate their funeral plans and wishes to family members prior to their own death.” Meanwhile, only 21.4% had done so.
Burned or buried? These days, cremation is more popular than ever. It’s chosen at a rate of 40-50%! If it’s too hard to pick one, then you could always have a service before the cremation! Mind you, Forest Hill has the only crematory in the city.
Can you afford to die? Every year, Forest Hill donates about 180 burial plots to the county. This allows space for those who’ve passed without means to pay for their own resting place. Burials can’t take place until the lot’s paid in full. So unfortunately, we even have to budget for posthumous responsibilities! Hot tips:
- Most homeowners insurance policies reimburse up to $5,000 if your headstone’s damaged or stolen!
- Don’t buy your headstone off Amazon. I know we’re all struggling, but it’s your last chance to splurge. Go to a dealer you can trust.
Is it the right cemetery for you? Consider your needs. Some smaller cemeteries may close in the winter, for example. Go on a tour to be sure that the place is a good fit.
- Knowing what you want out of funeral processions will help you pick the right cemetery. Not everyone can fulfill your wishes.
- You want to make sure the cemetery is financially stable and well-maintained.
- Does the cemetery have a compatible religious or cultural affiliation?
- Does the cemetery take pride in what they do? Ex: Forest Hill regards their service as a “sacred obligation”.
- Or instead, you can even have a private family cemetery on your own land.
Some people don’t want to part even in death. When you get a burial plot, consider reserving surrounding space for loved ones (even a pet) to join you.
Big picture. What should be the tone of your funeral? It can be an opportunity for loved ones to laugh, reminisce, celebrate life, and realign their perspectives.

Photo of Frank Williams (center) at the Free Mason’s Utica Lodge #47. Photo provided by himself.

To be safe, also look into the reputation of the cemetery that you intend to use. On the extreme end, some have disrespected remains. The Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs mishandled bodies, and the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia mislabeled tombs (ABC News).

In light of that, it may be worthwhile to get to know Frank and Forest Hill a little bit better.

You Can Take Part

Gravesites are a way of honoring all people. Frank hates seeing graves that don’t have headstones. As he explained, human beings feel this innate need to be seen, even after death. Everyone needs something that says, I was here. So, it uplifts everyone to give loved ones a beautiful resting place. For the extra mile, people can donate or volunteer for cemeteries like Forest Hill.

Photo of Forest Hill statue restoration provided by Frank Williams

About Cheyenne Dorsagno

Cheyenne Dorsagno

Cheyenne Dorsagno is an Italian-American born and raised in underdog Utica, NY. She studied English at SUNY Oneonta with a minor in Professional Writing and an Editor-in-Chief role at the newspaper. Currently, Cheyenne strives to make our big world a little smaller by introducing locals to their neighbors via human-interest pieces shared on her blog, Our Neighborhood. She’s pursuing creative writing in her free time and various freelance writing in her professional time, such as by copy-writing.

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Cheyenne Dorsagno

Contributing Author

Cheyenne Dorsagno is a wonderfully talented writer and contributing author on Mohawk Valley Today. Cheyenne highlights artists and creatives along with culture and trends that are happening throughout the Mohawk Valley. She brings her positive energy to everything she does.