Welcome to River Bend

River Bend Cemetery is a burial place in Westerly, RI. Situated along the picturesque Pawcatuck River on Route 1A, between downtown and the nearby Westerly beaches. River Bend provides a unique blend of old and new granite memorials in a beautiful waterside setting. Established in 1849, River Bend is celebrating over 150 years of service to the community. River Bend is non-profit, non-denominational, and welcomes everyone who wishes to provide a beautiful space to memorialize their family members. There are burial lots available from one or two graves to as many as your family may desire. People from near and far love to visit and walk in River Bend Cemetery. We maintain high standards in care of the grounds, and in dignified care for those families in need of our services.

History

in 1849, River Bend Cemetery was originally called Elm Grove Cemetery. “River Bend’ was thought to be more appropriate due to the unique and beautiful location on the eastern bank of the Pawcatuck River. A cemetery tour will reveal a unique tale of the people and events that made this community so special over the last two hundred years. Hundreds of war veterans from the Civil War, the two World Wars, and up to the present, as well as two Congressional Medal of Honor winners, are interred at River Bend. The monuments at River Bend tell many stories of untimely death, local politicians, doctors, preachers, accidents and hurricanes. In a wider sense, River Bend tells the story of our community in art and memory. The cemetery abounds with magnificent granite carvings created by artists and their descendents, brought to the area to work in the granite industry. Some monuments are large and intricate … some small and delicate. They are all works of art and labors of love. River Bend Cemetery has always been dedicated to maintaining this property as a beautiful river landscape with ever-evolving plans for improvements in horticultural aspects, as well as maintenance and upkeep of roads and buildings. The cemetery is a beautful place for the living to come and celebrate the life of a deceased loved one in a tranquil and caring environment. River Bend Cemetery is managed by a Board of Trustees who are lot owners in River Bend Cemetery (proprietors). The Board of Trustees employs a superintendent and oversees the financial affairs of the cemetery, as well as maintenance and improvements.