Cemetery Services

Vale Cemetery, the final resting place of 33,000 people, is located in downtown Schenectady, NY on 300 beautiful acres.

Although many now rest in Vale Cemetery, there are still choice lots available in the older sections and in the new Brandywine section. This new section is ideal for families whose desire is to be together when all have laid down their earthly work. The area is laid out in five sections containing 963 burial lots containing two to 20 graves per lot.

Two-thirds of these plots are "no monument" while the remaining third is available for monuments.

Cremation at Vale

Another option is Vale's beautiful Urn Garden for interment. Flat stones or bronze plaques are permitted. Cremation burial lots are available for $175 for one and $320 for two.

Caretaker's House

The historic circa 1899 caretaker's house is available to families wishing to have a reception after a burial at Vale. There are 2 large living rooms with fireplaces, a full kitchen + 3 bathrooms.

Caretakers have not lived in the house for years and it presently is the genealogy center, cemetery archives and business office.

Arrangements can be made with a caterer for food and beverages. A contribution may be made for the use of the caretaker's house.

Other Services

Holiday Remembrance Program – Vale Cemetery volunteers place fresh balsam wreaths on loved ones' gravesites at Christmas. The wreath, with a large red velvet bow attached, is secured to the site by a 36” tripod.

Memorial Day – A bouquet of three red geraniums are planted on a loved ones' gravesites before Memorial Day. The geraniums usually last throughout the summer. A donation of $30 covers the cost of the geraniums and their planting.

Gravesite Medallions – A commemorate medallion for veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and Civil War are placed on their gravesites. Medallion flag holders are also available for Grand Army of the Republic, DAR, police officers, firefighters, and members of the Masons, Elks, and Odd Fellows.

Vale Cemetery Memorials - Vale can order bronze grave plaques for families wishing to place them on a grave. A wide range of styles - flowered borders, grapevines, angels, musical notes - is available. There is a charge for a precast concrete foundation to keep the bronze plaque level and for installing the marker.