ST. MICHAEL CEMETERY
500 Canterbury Street
Roslindale, MA 02131-3217
617. 524.1036
Esablished: 1905
Acres: Unknown
Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 1 Tombstone

Located just across the street from the astonishing beauty of Forest Hills Cemetery, St. Michael is a pleasant enough cemetery, but it is hardly remarkable! One of the most prominent features is the number of small family mausoleums that line the borders. Beyond that, we will say that inside this tiny cemetery we came across one of the strangest stones we’ve ever seen. We are referring to the Gassaro monument which features the image of a young boy tumbling from a capsized boat. His right hand is entering the water while his left is out-flung skyward where a large cross emblazoned with the letters IHS floats incongruously. Odder still is the expression on the boy’s face. It conveys peace rather than panic. Indeed, he almost appears to be grinning! We’re guessing the grave’s resident died by drowning and that is sad; however, the pious depiction of the moment of death makes the event seem more comic than tragic.

There are several other interesting stones, some of which you will see in our small gallery. If you happen to be fortunate enough to visit Forest Hills in Jamaica Plain, do set aside at least 30 minutes to visit her poor cousin, St. Michael.


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