History

Mount Olivet Cemetery began with the purchase of 50 acres of land on Delaware Avenue by Father Francis F. Kelly of Ascension Parish, North Tonawanda, in 1908. It was intended to serve the people of the northern suburbs. By 1923, Father Kelly had purchased an additional 62 acres.

Bishop Charles H. Colton consecrated the cemetery on Oct. 11, 1908. The first mausoleum project of Catholic Cemeteries took place at Mount Olivet. Holy Family Mausoleum, dedicated by Bishop Edward D. Head in September 1979, graces the central mall of this cemetery.

There are over 50,000 burials in the cemetery. There are still 12 acres of undeveloped land for future cemetery use. Bishop William Turner is buried here near the old chapel as are many priests of the diocese. There is also a monument honoring Bishop John A. Duffy, seventh bishop of Buffalo (1937-1944).