Nestled in the heart of West Babylon, New York, Wellwood Cemetery celebrates the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage on Long Island. Originally established as an annex to Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, Wellwood has become a prominent resting place for many notable individuals.
First, A Brief History of Wellwood Cemetery
Wellwood Cemetery was founded to accommodate the growing Jewish population in the New York metropolitan area during the early 20th century. As the Jewish community expanded on Long Island, families required a cemetery that respected Jewish customs and provided a place for lasting remembrance. Wellwood was established as an extension of the historic Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York, offering additional space and specialized sections.
Today, Wellwood Cemetery includes numerous sections managed by individual synagogues, landsmanshaftn (heritage societies), and community groups. These sections are often marked by ornate stone arches or pairs of stone columns, reflecting the distinct heritage of each group. Many sections also include Holocaust memorials dedicated to victims from ancestral towns in Europe, such as Baranovichi (Belarus), Ioannina (Greece), Pilica (Poland), Sokołów Podlaski (Poland), and Burshtyn (Ukraine). These memorials honor the memory of those lost while educating future generations about the tragedies endured by Jewish communities abroad.
The cemetery has served as the final resting place for countless families, providing a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance. Its design combines serene natural landscaping with traditional Jewish symbolism, offering visitors a peaceful environment to honor their loved ones.
Notable Burials at Wellwood Cemetery
Wellwood Cemetery is home to many individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on American society. From politics and law to arts, literature, and medicine, the lives of these notable figures reflect the diverse impact of the Jewish community.
1. Maury Allen (1932–2010)
Maury Allen was a celebrated sportswriter, actor, and columnist. With decades of experience in sports journalism, he provided insightful commentary and captivating stories that informed and entertained readers. His dedication to chronicling the sports world earned him recognition as one of the most trusted voices in the industry. Allen’s burial at Wellwood Cemetery reflects his lifelong ties to the Jewish community on Long Island.
2. Jules Bass (1935–2022)
Jules Bass co-founded Rankin/Bass Productions, the studio behind some of the most beloved television specials of all time, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Beyond producing, he served as a director, lyricist, and author, leaving a lasting mark on American entertainment. Bass’s burial at Wellwood Cemetery ensures that his memory remains close to the community he loved.
3. Shulamith Firestone (1945–2012)
Shulamith Firestone was a radical feminist, author, and artist, best known for her groundbreaking work The Dialectic of Sex. Firestone challenged societal norms and advocated for gender equality, inspiring generations of activists and scholars. Her burial at Wellwood Cemetery underscores the community’s recognition of her influence and the importance of honoring diverse contributions.
4. Craig Gilbert (1919–2017)
Craig Gilbert was a film writer, producer, and director whose career included work on the television series All in the Family. The series revolutionized American television with its bold exploration of social issues and complex characters. Gilbert’s commitment to storytelling made a lasting impact on media and culture.
5. Danny Leiner (1964–2018)
Danny Leiner directed iconic cult films such as Dude, Where’s My Car? and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. Known for his comedic timing and creative vision, Leiner’s films continue to entertain and influence new generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
6. Lucy Ozarin (1916–2018)
Lucy Ozarin was one of the first women psychiatrists commissioned in the U.S. Navy and one of seven women Navy psychiatrists who served during World War II. Her trailblazing work in military psychiatry and mental health paved the way for future female physicians, demonstrating courage, skill, and commitment.
7. Leo F. Rayfiel (1888–1978)
Leo F. Rayfiel served as a United States House Representative and later as a U.S. District Court judge. Appointed by President Harry S. Truman, he presided over cases that shaped the legal landscape of New York and the nation. Rayfiel’s dedication to justice and public service makes his resting place at Wellwood Cemetery historically significant. Learn more.
8. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1915–1953, 1918–1953)
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were American citizens convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage and executed in 1953. Their case remains one of the most debated legal matters of the Cold War era, raising questions about civil liberties and justice. The Rosenbergs’ burial at Wellwood Cemetery preserves their story and reminds visitors of the complex historical events that shaped the 20th century.
9. Murray Seeman (1919–2017)
Murray Seeman was a lawyer, real estate developer, and World War II veteran who served as an officer in the 6th Port Headquarters. His professional and military contributions made a lasting impact on both his local community and the nation.
10. Lester Wolff (1926–2023)
Lester Wolff served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1981. Known for his work on foreign policy and dedication to public service, Wolff’s life exemplifies commitment to community and country. His interment at Wellwood Cemetery connects his legacy to the Long Island Jewish community.
Wellwood Cemetery Sections and Unique Features
Wellwood Cemetery is divided into multiple sections, each reflecting the customs and traditions of the community that maintains it. Many synagogues maintain dedicated areas where families can purchase plots for single or double burials. Landsmanshaftn, or societies formed by immigrants from the same towns in Europe, often erect monuments or arches featuring symbols from their ancestral hometowns. This architectural diversity contributes to the cemetery’s unique character.
One notable section is the Kehillas Belz within the Beth Moses section. This section remains consecrated and continues to be maintained according to the customs of the Belz community, showcasing the ongoing commitment to preserving Jewish traditions and honoring past leaders.
The Significance of Wellwood Cemetery
Wellwood Cemetery offers more than burial space; it reflects the vibrant Jewish community that has flourished on Long Island. Each section, with its own history and heritage, tells the story of the Jewish diaspora and the community’s enduring spirit.
Genealogy enthusiasts and families tracing their Jewish roots can use Wellwood’s interment search tool to find information about specific graves and learn more about their ancestors. Search graves in Wellwood Cemetery.
Planning a Jewish Headstone or Memorial at Wellwood Cemetery
For families seeking to honor their loved ones at Wellwood Cemetery, Fox Memorials offers a wide range of services. From single and double Jewish headstones to footstones, memorial benches, mausoleums, and custom etchings, Fox Memorials provides personalized guidance to ensure each tribute reflects the life and values of the deceased.
Single and Double Jewish Headstones
Single and double headstones allow families to commemorate one or two loved ones respectfully. Each headstone can be customized with inscriptions, religious symbols, and personal messages to create a lasting tribute.
Jewish Footstones
Footstones complement primary headstones by marking the foot of the grave, often inscribed with the name, dates, or a meaningful message. They are an essential part of Jewish burial tradition and provide a complete, respectful memorial.
Custom Etchings and Inscriptions
Fox Memorials specializes in custom etchings with Jewish symbols and new lettering. Whether you want a Star of David, menorah, or personalized design, the skilled artisans create beautiful and enduring tributes that honor Jewish heritage.
Memorial Benches and Mausoleums
Memorial benches provide a peaceful spot for reflection within the cemetery grounds, while mausoleums offer above-ground interment with elegance and dignity. Fox Memorials assists families in choosing and designing these memorial structures.
Unveiling Ceremonies
An unveiling ceremony is a meaningful tradition where the headstone is formally revealed to family and friends. Fox Memorials coordinates and guides families through this sacred process, ensuring the event respects Jewish customs.
Monument Cleaning and Repair
Maintaining the appearance and integrity of headstones and monuments is vital for long-term preservation. Fox Memorials provides professional cleaning and repair services to restore the beauty and dignity of each memorial at Wellwood Cemetery.
Fox Memorials: Serving the Wellwood Cemetery Community
Located just a short distance from Wellwood Cemetery, Fox Memorials serves families in West Babylon and surrounding areas. We specialize in Jewish headstones, footstones, custom etchings with Jewish symbols, memorial benches, mausoleums, and monument cleaning and repair. Our team helps families honor the memory of loved ones with dignity and respect.
Whether planning an unveiling ceremony or restoring an existing monument, Fox Memorials works closely with families to create meaningful tributes that celebrate the unique lives of those they commemorate.
Plan Your Visit to Wellwood Cemetery
Wellwood Cemetery opens Sunday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the serene grounds, reflect on the lives of those interred, and appreciate the rich history of the Jewish community on Long Island. Visit the cemetery website.
Conclusion
Wellwood Cemetery stands as a lasting tribute to the Jewish community’s history, resilience, and contributions. The notable individuals buried here left a mark on fields ranging from journalism and entertainment to politics and medicine. Visiting Wellwood offers a chance to reflect on their legacies and the enduring spirit of the Jewish community they represent.