Cemetery and memorial services

Veteran cemetery plaque

Learn about cemetery services for CT Veterans

Veteran cemeteries are a shrine to the memory of our Veterans who have passed. Connecticut Veterans Affairs takes great pride in maintaining these shrines to the very highest standard. 

We currently operate the Middletown State Veterans Cemetery (MSVC), the final resting place for over 16,000 Veterans and their family members. We also operate the Colonel Raymond F. Gates Cemetery, located in Rocky Hill. Veteran burial at this cemetery is reserved for Veterans who reside at our Residential and Skilled Nursing facilities. Veterans not residing at our facilities may be buried at Colonel Gates by exception, granted by the Commissioner. In addition, we provide perpetual care to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery in Darien, which is closed to new burials.

The Cemetery and Memorial Services office coordinates all aspects of scheduling burials at MSVC. The State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown is the largest state-operated Veterans cemetery in Connecticut. Burial in the State Veterans Cemetery is reserved for eligible Veterans, their spouses, and eligible minor children. 

Connecticut Veterans Affairs does not charge eligible Veterans for burial, and government grave markers are provided at no charge.

We strongly encourage Veterans and their family members to make appropriate plans before their time of need and to work with a licensed funeral director of their choice.

Meet the Director

John S. Carragher
John S. Carragher is the Manager of the Office of Veterans Advocacy and Assistance at the Connecticut Veterans Affairs (CT DVA). He manages Connecticut's Veterans Service Officers at the five district offices across the state. Mr. Carragher is also the Director of Connecticut Veterans Cemeteries. He advises elected and appointed officials and veterans service organizations on military and Veteran issues.
Read Director bio  

We value your feedback

Veterans cemetery

Our staff is here to help

If you recently interred a loved one at our cemetery, please take a moment to complete our customer satisfaction survey.

You may also submit a concern or complaint about the operations or maintenance at Middletown State Veterans Cemetery if you find any issues that need to be addressed.

Cemetery rules and regulations

Veteran burial

Understand our code of conduct

In order to maintain the high standards befitting a shrine to our Veterans, we have developed a set of rules and regulations for all to follow. We ask that you follow these rules and maintain the highest degree of decorum when visiting the cemetery. Please download the Cemetery Rules and Regulations to help guide you.

Services provided by Cemetery and Memorial Services

Please click on a link below for specific information on Cemetery and Memorial Services that Connecticut Veterans Affairs provides.
Learn about the most common burial eligibility categories for Veterans.
Pre-certify for burial eligibility now so you won’t have to think about it later.
Find out how to go through the scheduling process and what is required.
Find out how to obtain a headstone or medallion for a Veterans grave in a private cemetery.
Learn more about the three burial options for eligible Veterans.
Learn about reimbursement for Veterans headstones in private cemeteries.

Contact us

Cemetery and Memorial Services

Address: 
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Phone: 860-616-3688
Fax: 860-616-3561

Email: oaa-cms.dva@ct.gov

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

State Veterans Cemetery

Address: 
317 Bow Lane
Middletown, CT 06457

Hours of operation:
Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to Sunset