A Living Place of Prayer & Remembrance in Cincinnati
Honoring Life on Sacred Ground
Nestled in the embrace of time, Gate of Heaven Cemetery stands as a poignant testament to a legacy spanning over 75 years. Born from the vision of the late Archbishop John Timothy McNicholas, the fifth ordinary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, it opened in 1948 as a sacred haven for the Catholic community, for respectful burial of their beloved dead. Before it became a sanctuary for souls, it served a purpose rooted in agriculture.
Looking for a complete history?
For a fuller telling of Gate of Heaven’s story — including the original correspondence between Fr. Miller and landscape architect Ray Wyrick, and a celebration of the cemetery’s directors — download our history booklet.
Notable Burials at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
At Gate of Heaven every grave holds a story – stories of love, sacrifice, faith, and lives that continue to touch others long after death.
Archbishop John Timothy McNicholas (1877–1950)
Visionary leader who secured land for an Archdiocesan cemetery in 1948
Mary Tay See (1910–2020)
Gate of Heaven’s oldest interment at 110 years of age
Janet Wray (1957–2023)
The only woman buried on the Priest Mound
Business & Politics
Raymond “Pat” Buse, Jr. (1925–2011)
Sports magnate and part owner of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals in the late 1960s
Charles H. Keating, Jr. (1923–2014)
Businessman best known for his role in the late-1980s savings and loan crisis
William John Keating (1927–2020)
U.S. Congressman, federal judge, attorney, and World War II Navy veteran who dedicated his life to public service
Marge Schott (1928–2004)
Cincinnati Reds majority owner, businesswoman, and supporter of many Cincinnati charities
Change Agents
Charles M. Barrett, MD (1913–1989)
Pioneering physician and radiologist who helped revolutionize cancer treatment
Gino Dimario (1997–2005)
A child whose legacy helped make every car safer
George Fraundorfer (1934–2019)
Local chef and community leader who founded Cincinnati’s annual Oktoberfest, creating one of the nation’s largest German heritage festivals
Terrence “Tobey” Helmick (1944–1948)
The first child interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
Sonny Kim (1966–2015)
Cincinnati police officer killed in the line of duty
Veterans
William D. Clark (1923–1945)
World War II veteran killed in action in the Philippines in 1945
Paul Couzins (1919–1942)
Killed in action in 1942 and one of four World War II veterans killed in the line of duty buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
William H. Dixon (1920–1944)
Staff Sergeant killed in action in Germany, World War II
Jack Freppon (1948–1969)
Cincinnati’s most decorated Vietnam veteran, killed in action in 1969
Matt Maupin (1983–2004)
The first American soldier missing in action during the Iraq War – captured on April 9, 2004, his remains were recovered in 2008 and laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
John Raymond Schoenig (1920–1944)
World War II veteran killed in action in France in 1944
Athletes & Entertainers
David Russell “Gus” Bell (1928–1995)
Cincinnati Reds all-star and patriarch of a baseball dynasty
David Allan Coe (1939–2026)
Outlaw Country Music legend
Conrad “Connie” Dierking, Jr. (1936–2013)
Record-setting rebounder and Cincinnati Royals starting center
Paul Dixon (1917–1974)
Cincinnati’s most beloved daytime television personality
Ted Kluszewski (1924–1988)
Major League Baseball player who spent 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds – His No. 18 was retired by the Reds
Robert Paul Malloy (1918–2007)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher who answered his country’s call
Jack Mullaney (1929–1982)
Character actor and Korean War veteran
John Carl Stofa (1942–2022)
The first player in Cincinnati Bengals franchise history and quarterback of the team’s first victory
Jack Twyman (1934–2012)
NBA Hall of Famer and guardian of Maurice Stokes
