Why Bridgeport? A Final Resting Place within the City
By Jon Griffith on May 25, 2024 from Why Bridgeport?
Frequent readers of “Why Bridgeport?” may have gained some perplexing and possibly concerning insights into my mind. Congratulations! Today, you have the opportunity to venture into the abyss once again.
According to Marcus Tullius Cicero, “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” If that is true, I hope we, “the living,” have
exceptional, vivid, and long memories. There are many people that I want to remember for a long, long time. I am sure you do as well.
Every year, the number of people I must accommodate in this part of my mind grows. As we age, the space required grows at an increasing rate. Relatives, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances who have touched our lives transition into those who must be remembered.
Death is an uncomfortable topic for most of us. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable. In light of this grim and unalterable fact, I have for several
years been contemplating my mortality. Trust me, I am not looking to speed up the inevitable. I would be happy to stick around for another four decades or more.
However, since the future holds no guarantees, I want to be sure I have arranged and prepared for that fateful day whenever it arrives. Having always been a planner, this is just a byproduct of that mindset.
The groundwork for my planning involves two major components. One for now and one for after. First, with Cicero’s theory in mind, what am I doing to make sure I will be remembered and remembered well? Next, the arrangements for my physical body after I am gone.
The first is an extension of something I referred to often in my coaching career. When facing a big event or challenging competition, I 
would frequently ask my athletes, “How do you want to be remembered”? The goal was to make them understand that giving their all was the best way to compete and the best way to live.
would frequently ask my athletes, “How do you want to be remembered”? The goal was to make them understand that giving their all was the best way to compete and the best way to live.
The essence of the question is to understand the importance of our actions. What we do, what we say, and how we act determines how we are viewed and remembered by those around us. Giving this question significant thought followed by purposeful action can meaningfully guide the direction of our lives.
As for me, I aspire to be kind, giving, patient, understanding, honest, hard-working, and ethical. I strive to be the best possible version of myself. Of course, I am not perfect. So, I make a conscious effort each day to correct my mistakes and improve. Hopefully, that will be enough to be remembered well.
Second, where should my body go when my time comes? This is a profoundly personal decision for every person. Understand that I am not advocating for any particular path for anyone else. Each of us must follow our hearts and conscience in this matter.
I am still contemplating my options. First, I must decide between burial, cremation, or having my body donated to science followed by cremation. I have narrowed it down to the second two possibilities. No matter which of those two options I choose, I still must select a
location for my cremated physical remains to spend eternity.
location for my cremated physical remains to spend eternity.
Many of my family and friends believe I will have my ashes spread somewhere at the BHS Track and Field venue. Considering how much
time I spent there in my career, that does have a certain appeal. Though I can’t imagine Harrison County Schools would approve of that idea.
Fortunately, Bridgeport does have an ideal location for my eternal rest: the Bridgeport Cemetery. One of only a few municipal cemeteries in West Virginia, the facility and staff at the Bridgeport Cemetery can accommodate you no matter what path you choose for your final resting place.
Established in 1939 through the consolidation of the Old Baptist Brick Church Graveyard, the Old Masonic Cemetery, and the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, the municipal Bridgeport Cemetery has spent the last 85 years serving the community with dignity, respect, and honor. Rich in history and cultural significance, the facility is beautifully landscaped and exceptionally well-maintained.
Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, the municipal Bridgeport Cemetery has spent the last 85 years serving the community with dignity, respect, and honor. Rich in history and cultural significance, the facility is beautifully landscaped and exceptionally well-maintained.
Owned and operated by the City of Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Cemetery currently covers 67 acres. When it was established as a
municipal cemetery, 20 additional acres were added to the existing 12 acres of the original three cemeteries. Thirty-five acres have been added to the site for future expansion and development through the years since.
At the current pace of interment, it is estimated that the cemetery will be able to accommodate our residents’ needs for the next 140 years or more. Ample time for me to find my place to reside. Thankfully, the city is blessed to have two outstanding employees assisting
community members and their families in finding the right site to meet their needs within the Bridgeport Cemetery.
community members and their families in finding the right site to meet their needs within the Bridgeport Cemetery.
Caring and compassionate, Tricia Bombardiere and Christa Parker work diligently with families of those who have passed or with individuals pre-planning for the eventual. Their advice and counsel are invaluable in providing a professional, knowledgeable, and personalized proposal for you or your loved one at the Bridgeport Cemetery.
Why Bridgeport? Bridgeport is a statewide leader in quality of life for our citizens. Whether it is public safety, recreation, schools, libraries, sports, or even end-of-life amenities like those offered by the Bridgeport Cemetery, we strive to do our best for all our community members.
Even if Cicero is correct, despite my concerted efforts to be my best self, I can not control how long or how well I will be remembered. However, there is one thing I can control and be assured of. When I choose my place to spend my eternity at the Bridgeport Cemetery, it and I will be well cared for by the City of Bridgeport and its staff.
Editor's Note: Photos show various views of the Bridgeport Cemetery, while the bottom photo is of the Benedum Chapel that had its cornerstone laid in October of 1940. There have multiple plans discussed about the future of the building.
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