CEMETERY

The Italian Club Cemetery was established in 1896 following the purchase of land from the Armwood Family, Tampa’s pioneer African-American family. The first recorded Italian immigrant buried in the cemetery was in 1893. Buried among the members of the Italian Club is Blanche Armwood (1890-1939), a nationally known educator.

The Italian Club Cemetery includes a parcel belonging to the Societa de Mutuo Soccorso (Mutual Aid Society). Throughout the cemetery are the imported ceramic photograph markers on the headstones with many inscribed in Sicilian and Italian to pay homage to Sicily, where the stonecutters perfected their craft in granite and marble. A cherished set of rituals governed the Italian funeral. Hundreds of people walked in a cortege, often pausing for a final tribute in front of the deceased’s house and the Italian Club where flags of Italy and the United States stood at half mast. A brass band led them to the cemetery followed by family and paesani (countrymen). This ritual celebrated the decedent’s service to the community. In the early years, each club member contributed one dollar to the bereaved family. Later, the club established a $300 survivor benefit.

NEW NICHES ARE AVAILABLE!

We are pleased to share with you that we recently completed construction on two new Niche Columbariums for cremated remains (see images at below). These two new structures are located inside the existing mausoleum, secured and protected from the elements, and are made of a beautiful white Carrera marble to match the existing mausoleum. Each niche is specifically labelled with a unique alpha-numeric identifier making it easier for your loved ones to located and pay their respects. There are over 250 new niches now available for immediate purchase. These are available to the public! Use the contact us form below for more information or to purchase. Questions? Call (813) 248-3316 or email mark@italian-club.org

Click Here For Full Details On These Niches