These Seven Famous People Were Laid To Rest In Massachusetts

Massachusetts certainly has had its fair share of famous citizens. So many acclaimed actors, politicians, artists, and authors hail from the Bay State. But what about those famous people who remain here today, long after they've passed away? The following individuals all made major contributions to our culture and society. Some were born and raised in Massachusetts, while others only spent a short time here.  All seven people mentioned decided to make our great state their final resting place.

1. Norman Rockwell

American artist Norman Rockwell’s gravesite can be found in the western part of the state. Rockwell created over 4,000 pieces in his lifetime, including his notable work for The Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell made the Berkshires his home in 1953 and was laid to rest in Stockbridge Cemetery in 1978. The area’s Norman Rockwell Museum holds lots of his incredible work and is a beautiful place to visit. The town honors his legacy at Christmastime with a festive painting recreation.

2. John Belushi

Actor and comedian John Belushi is best known for his roles in The Blues Brothers and Saturday Night Live. In 1982, Belushi died in a Los Angeles hotel at just 33 years old due to a drug overdose. His grave is located in Abel's Hill Cemetery in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard. However, there is a bit of controversy surrounding the final resting place of Belushi’s remains.

3. Wes Craven

I was surprised to learn that the man behind some of my favorite horror films - including Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream - is buried in the Bay State. That’s right, Wes Craven was also laid to rest on Martha’s Vineyard. Craven passed from a brain tumor in 2015. His grave lies at Lambert's Cove Cemetery in West Tisbury.

4. Jerry Stiller

The Vineyard is not the only Massachusetts island that is the final resting spot of the rich and famous. Nearby Nantucket is home to the grave of actor Jerry Stiller, who was laid to rest in the Nantucket Jewish Cemetery. Stiller had a long career on stage, TV, and film and is known for his comedic roles on Seinfeld, The King of Queens, and the movie Zoolander. He lived a long accomplished life and died of natural causes in 2020 at age 92.

5. Jack Kerouac

Many famous authors are buried in Massachusetts, including the novelist Jack Kerouac. His 1951 book “On The Road” became a very influential novel. Kerouac is credited with sparking the “Beat” movement and inspiring the music of many popular 1960s bands. Kerouac died from an abdominal hemorrhage in 1969 at only 47 years old. He is buried in his hometown of Lowell at Edson Cemetery. The city also has a monument park dedicated to the author.

6. Clara Barton

Nurse Clara Barton certainly made a significant contribution to our country. Not only was Barton a teacher and a nurse in the Civil War, but in 1881, she founded the American Red Cross. Barton was born in North Oxford, Massachusetts, and was laid to rest in her family plot at the town’s North Cemetery. She lived to be 90 years old.

7. Captain Hanson Gregory

You may not know the name Captain Hanson Gregory, but you will definitely recognize his tasty contribution. Gregory is none other than the inventor of the ring-shaped donut! Born in Maine in 1831, the captain came up with the concept for the donut in 1847 while still a teenager. He lived out his final years in Quincy, MA, and was buried in Sailors Snug Harbor in 1921.

Have you visited any of these famous Massachusetts gravesites? Do you know other famous people who are buried in Massachusetts? If you are interested in visiting several different Boston cemeteries at once, consider taking a Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, which includes stops at King's Chapel Burying Ground, Granary Burying Ground, and Copp's Hill Burying Ground. You will be able to see the markers for Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Cotton Mather, and other notable citizens.