Frequently Asked Questions

Can the cemetery accept donations and memorial gifts?
Yes, Oakwood is an IRS tax-exempt not-for-profit. We are a 501(c)(13), which is identical to a 501(c)(3) except that it is for cemeteries only. One may not buy a plot and count it as a donation. You can donate online via Paypal by clicking here or call our Administrator at (518) 272-7520 and give your credit card information over the phone. You may also mail a check made out to Troy Cemetery Association, Inc. and mail to 50 101st Street, Troy, NY 12180.

We express our gratitude to any family who requests that contributions be sent to Oakwood in memory of a loved one. Thoughtfulness during a time of great loss is a great gift.

Or you may remember Oakwood in making out your will. (Please see the DONATE page of this website).

Is Oakwood Cemetery a working cemetery?
Yes! There are many burials every year, and many, many cremations every year. There is still enough space left for at least 200 years of burials. There are active lot sales, so please consider Oakwood for your permanent retirement community!

Is it possible for me to be buried at Oakwood if I am a Catholic?
Oakwood is a nonsectarian, nonprofit cemetery open to all. We have people of all faiths buried here. The priest accompanying a Catholic funeral in Oakwood Cemetery will bless the gravesite.

Can you tell me how I can get a list of family members interred at the cemetery? Is there a master list?
Oakwood Cemetery has about 60,000 burials, 159 years of handwritten records, and only one person in our office, who has to do everything. The 159 years of records in our vault are not computerized. Unfortunately, it will not be very soon that the records get computerized because of financial and personnel constraints. But there are a number of ways to address the problem. The Latter Day Saints (LDS) microfilmed our records from 1850 to about 1935. These records are available at all LDS centers, including Latham, NY, and the NYS Library in Albany, NY. For information about researching a specific grave, please see the research page.

Does Oakwood carry out fundraising activities?
The Board of Trustees has conducted many fundraising activities over the past 7 years. There have been 6 annual Daffodil brunches at the Earl Chapel, and on October 4, 2007 will be our 7th annual Evening at the Earl fundraising gala. We do a variety of tours and concerts. We also did a 2005 calendar titled Cemetery Illusions. To see a current list of tours and events please click on the link to the left Times Union Community pages.

I'd like to participate in the daffodil bulb plantings.
Oakwood plants daffodil bulbs in the fall. For the date for the current year please call (518) 272-7520 or click on the link to the left for the Times Union Community pages.