Norwalk Union Cemetery - Frequently Asked Questions

Union Cemetery View

Why Should I make arrangements ahead of time (Preplan)?

Most deaths are unexpected. Making the right decisions now allows you to take full control financially and protext those you love from making difficult emotional and expensive choices later..

Call Norwalk Union Cemetery first and learn about all the options available to you, so that you can make an informed decision free of pressure or obligation.

Knowing all the options and securing arrangements at the cemetery first can make the difference between saving thousands of dollars now or spending thousands of dollars later.

I thought Norwalk Union was all filled up. Is Norwalk Union a working cemetery?

Yes! Although Fairfield County is faced with an alarming shortage of burial sites, there is space left for thousands of burials throughout the cemetery and room for future above ground mausoleum crypts and niches.

Who owns Norwalk Union Cemetery?

It is owned by the Norwalk Union Cemetery Association Inc. consisting of individuals and families having deeds to cemetery property.

Who is the management company of the cemetery?

Norwalk Union Cemetery are managed by Union Memorial Management, LLC. The owner, William E. Magner, Jr. has over 20 years of cemetery management experience in Fairfield County.

When is the cemetery office open?
When is the cemetery open?

There is no office currently located at Norwalk Union Cemetery. However, if you wish to meet we can arrange to do so either at your home or at the cemetery at a given time. For your convenience, we can also arrange to meet with you on weekends or evenings. To arrange for a meeting, please call us at 203-854-6602 or email us at info@norwalkcemetery.com. The cemetery itself is open from dawn to dusk. This is an ideal location for joggers, strollers and nature lovers. It is also very educational for students.

Do you bury in the winter?

Yes. Since September 1, 1999 Union Memorial Management, LLC made year round burial available at Norwalk Union Cemetery. A seasonable charge may be applicable.

There are cemeteries in the Greater Norwalk Area that do not make interments in wintry conditions, which results in persons being kept in holding vaults. This delays closure for loved ones. However, Union Memorial Management, LLC believes that making interments as needed helps in the process of closure for those that are left behind.

Will my insurance policy pay for the cemetery expenses?

In many cases yes, but a loved one would still have to make all the decisions needed for the emergency. The funeral home may work with life insurance. However, cemeteries must be paid in full for the property and interment before the service is provided.

Remember, insurance policies are designed to stabilize the lifestyle of the loved ones you leave behind. There could be unexpected medical bills that the insurance policy may have to pay first before your beneficiary receives the benefits. Your foresight in pre-planning increases the benefits from life insurance for your loved ones when you will not be there to provide for them.

Keep in mind with the ever increasing costs of overall funeral arrangements, the insurance may not even be enough to cover last minute arrangements.

What if I move? Will I get stuck with the cemetery property?

Norwalk Union Cemetery is one of only three cemeteries in Connecticut which belongs to the ICFA (International Cemetery and Funeral Association) and its exchange plan. There are more than 900 other cemeteries in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. We participate in a credit exchange plan with other member cemeteries.

I am a Veteran - Am I entitled to be buried for free?

Most veterans are entitled to be buried for free in a State or National cemetery. The nearest State cemetery for veterans is in Middletown, CT, which is over an hour and half travel time each way, from Norwalk, making visiting difficult.

That is why Veterans are entitled to receive a free space at Norwalk Union Cemetery in advance of need or at the time of need at no charge for the property. We encourage you to reserve your space in advance, which is something most veterans cannot do in a national or state cemetery.

More importantly we would also be able to provide for other family members. In a State or National Cemetery only your spouse, a child under the age of 21 or a handicapped child can be buried with you due to the severe shortage of burial space for veterans in the tri-state area.

Is it possible for me to be buried at Norwalk Union Cemetery if I am Catholic?

Norwalk Union Cemetery has always been a non-sectarian, non-denominational cemetery welcoming all faiths. We have people of all faiths buried here.

We have the very first Catholic burial in Norwalk Union. Mr. Michael Cooney's grave is recognized by the Diocese as the first Catholic burial in Norwalk.

For a Catholic burial, a priest will typically accompany the funeral and bless the gravesite. An affordable monument can be purchased through Union Memorial management to reflect your faith and beliefs. Nonsectarian cemeteries are more popular today than ever before because of the ability and comfort of acknowledging each individual's faith, while keeping the heritage of loved ones together.

If you have your property at Norwalk Union Cemetery, there is no need to use separate cemeteries due to religious reasons.

Can the Cemetery accept donations?

Donations are always appreciated. Over the years thoughtful individuals and families have been supportive of the cemetery. Many have made annual contributions or a one-time gift; others have remembered us in their wills or estate planning.

We have special programs to perpetuate the gift or memory of loved ones and organizations which include handsome bronze memorial plaques, granite benches, fountains and new specimen trees.

Whatever the amount, your tax deductible donation helps greatly with the planting and maintenance of specimen trees as well as preservation and restoration of historically valuable monuments.

What is Perpetual Care?

It is the mowing and trimming of lawn as well as leaf removal. Perpetual Care is included with the purchase of interment space. This eliminates the need to bill families annually for care of the grounds.

Once I purchase a grave or Family plot, at Norwalk Union Cemetery, does it belong to me forever?

Yes. Once the notarized deed is issued, there is no change of ownership or rights of interment without the written permission of the lot owner or his/her duly authorized representative.

What is a burial vault?

There are two types of burial vaults. One vault is a concrete box with an inner plastic lining. The other which we can offer for far less than other sources, is a heavy duty ABS Polymer vault with a one hundred year warranty which is installed in a grave at the time of burial. The casket is then lowered into the vault and then the lid of the vault is put in place. A burial vault prevents sunken graves and eliminates yearly maintenance charges to the lot owner.

Does State Law require or mandate a vault or liner for casket burials?
Why do most modern cemeteries require a vault or liner for earth burials?

Many people are inappropriately led to believe that burial vaults or grave liners are required by Connecticut State Law.

Progressive cemeteries, such as ours, require vaults and liners for in-ground burials to protect against the weight of the earth from crushing the casket, which causes the grave to sink. A sinking grave is unsightly and dangerous for visitors and maintenance crew.

Where are vaults and liners required?

Vaults are required for all in-ground burials.

If I currently have a grave, can I upgrade my coverage to include sealed burial vaults and monuments to help save my family more money?

Absolutely. This encourages families to preplan in a dignified and affordable manner.

Is it permissible to plant shrubs or a garden at gravesites?

No. The cemetery provides planting for these sections to keep these areas uniform and beautiful. Flowers are permitted and welcomed at all monument sections of the cemetery for all to enjoy. Shrubs of any kind other than what is provided by the Association or its Management Company are prohibited.

What ornamentation may I place on my relative's grave?

Fresh flowers only are permitted. Flowers can be planted at monument sites provided that the family weeds and cultivates them on a regular basis.

Are artificial or plastic flowers or decorations allowed?

No, they are not permitted at any time so as to preserve the dignity of the natural settings. However, from Thanksgiving through March 1st, winter holiday decorations are permitted.

Does Norwalk Union Cemetery allow customized monuments and should I order one before a death occurs?

Yes, we do, provided that the customized monument is in keeping with the location, will not offend visitors and owners or detract from the historical and natural setting. We welcome obelisks, large monuments, benches and granite statuary to compliment the array of existing customized tributes.

There are several benefits of ordering customized monuments, benches or private mausoleums before a death occurs. First, you get what you want, not someone else's taste. Second, you save a lot of money. Finally your burial is ensured to be properly marked to your own wishes.

These can all be ordered through the Union Memorial Management group for far less than other sources.

I don't want to be cremated and I am concerned about the rising costs and affordability of traditional burial. What can I do?

Whether you have the need or want to plan in advance, before going to your funeral home, the smartest thing you can do is make an appointment with one of our staff members to learn about the options, great savings and payment plans that Norwalk Union Cemetery offers.

Have many families chosen Norwalk Union Cemetery?

Yes, we have had well over 4,000 interments over the last 150 years. Norwalk Union Cemetery has a historic heritage and has been a prominent choice for many of Norwalk's founding families.

How much does a plot cost?
How much does a monument or memorial cost?
How much does a sealed burial vault cost?
How much does it cost to open or close a grave?

For information on pricing, please call us at 203-854-6602 or send us an email at

Which highway is Norwalk Union Cemetery near?

Norwalk Union Cemetery is off I95 AND THE MERRITT PARKWAY. See our map for further directions.

Are pets allowed in the cemetery?

No.

How early or late in the day can a burial service take place?

Depending on the time of year, a burial service can be provided as early as 8:00am until dusk. For the convenience of families, we do offer sunset services; these are subject to overtime costs. We provide for burials 7 days a week to meet religious needs, except for Federal Holidays where the cemetery is closed for interment services.

How long is a burial service permitted to extend?

Monday through Friday a burial service is required to be complete by 2:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday a burial service is required to be complete by 11:00 am. Services that run beyond these times are subject to an overtime charge.

When making burial arrangements, how much notice does the cemetery require?

Norwalk Union Cemetery is very flexible when making burial arrangements. We accommodate all religious needs, 7 days a week, except for Federal Holidays.

Is Cemetery property tax deductible?

No, the purchase of cemetery property is not tax deductible. Also there is no tax on the purchase price of cemetery property.