Sallie Tod Dutton and David Tod II dedicate
the new columbarium memorial garden.

Sallie Tod Dutton and David Tod II today led the cutting of a ribbon at Tod Homestead Cemetery to mark the dedication of the new columbarium memorial garden that will accommodate the cremation remains of more than 900 people.

The two are great-great-grandchildren of David Tod, Ohio’s Civil War governor, whose rolling North Side homestead was dedicated in 1908 as a cemetery through the will of Governor Tod’s son, George Tod.

“Today’s dedication represents not only a view toward the future but also a reflection of the past,” said Mrs. Dutton. “Tod Homestead Cemetery must accommodate the growing number of families opting for cremation. Because of the community support and prudent management the cemetery has enjoyed over the years, we are pleased to be able to make investments like this.”

David Tod II, her cousin, added, “Our rich history is the foundation for what we celebrate today.”

Construction of the spectacular $700,000 garden was completed this month. It represents a place for repose and reflection, with walkways, landscaping, a fountain and 10 low-profile structures with a total of 960 spaces for cremation remains. The garden greatly expands the options the cemetery offers for families who prefer cremation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the columbarium memorial garden today with Tod family members, local funeral directors and the cemetery association’s board of trustees and employees.

The columbarium memorial garden was designed by veteran Youngstown architect Paul J. Ricciuti, with support from Behnke Landscape Architecture, a Cleveland firm with expertise in cemeteries and gardens. The general contractor for the project was Marucci and Gaffney Excavating of Youngstown.

Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave., is the final resting place for some 36,000 people of all faiths and ethnic origins. The park-like setting is managed by the Tod Homestead Cemetery Association, a non-profit cemetery association established in 1908 by descendants of David Tod, a Youngstown native and Ohio’s Civil War governor.