General Information

The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery is located on the east bank of the majestic Hudson River in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York.   The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery is one hundred sixty-five acres of gently rolling hills, tranquil waters and stately trees creating a park-like sanctuary of abiding dignity and natural splendor.

Full of history with historic figures such as the Honorable Smith Thompson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice from 1823 through 1843 and the Secretary of the Navy under President Monroe, Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College, which opened in 1861, William W. Smith and his brother Andrew Smith of Smith Brothers Cough Drop fame and many others, makes the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery a true American treasure.

The Hudson Valley's Only Full Service Cemetery

The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery will help carefully plan every detail of your family's final arrangements. Whether you prefer traditional burial, entombment in our Mausoleum or cremation and inurnment, the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery can accommodate your wishes. We recognize the importance of giving comfort and support to you now, as we ensure the safe and dignified resting place of your loved ones for all time.

We feel we have a sacred trust, an obligation to you and every property owner, as well as to our neighbors.  From the sympathetic attention of our staff to help you whenever we are needed, to the consistent care of the grounds that make the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery a beautiful part of our community.

Memorial Options

As a full service cemetery, Poughkeepsie Rural provides your family every option available today, ensuring your family's final arrangements and wishes are met with dignity and respect.  The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery can accommodate the needs of your family.

Your options include:

• Traditional in Ground Burial
• Lawn Crypt Burial
• Above Ground Mausoleum Entombment
• Cremation and Memorialization
• Above Ground Mausoleum Inurnment of Cremated Remains

The differences between these options are discussed in detail on their individual Web pages. You can access these pages by clicking their links to to the left.

Making Arrangements

Our professional, experienced and caring memorial counselors are here to provide you with honest and objective assistance at your family's time of need.  We are available whenever it is convenient to you and your family members.

In the event you are unable to meet in our office, a memorial counselor will gladly visit you in the comfort of your home at your convenience.  We can also make arrangements to take you to visit the cemetery and bring you home again at a mutually convenient time.

Advanced Planning

Planning and purchasing memorial property in advance of your family's needs is an important aspect of planning for the future.  By making these decisions now, in the calm of today, you can avoid the emotional and financial stress that a death often brings to a family.  Additional information about Prearrangement can be found on the Pre-Planning Web page. Our experienced counselors are available to meet with you at your convenience.