Who was Abraham Beame?
Abraham Beame was a politician and public servant who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977. Born in London in 1906, Beame immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He grew up in Brooklyn and attended New York University, where he earned a degree in accounting. Beame went on to work as a certified public accountant before entering politics. He served as the City Comptroller of New York City from 1961 to 1973 before being elected as the city’s first Jewish mayor in 1974.
Beame’s Life and Career
Abraham Beame’s career in public service began in 1948, when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He served in the assembly for 14 years before being elected as the City Comptroller in 1961. As Comptroller, Beame was responsible for managing the city’s finances and implementing fiscal policies. He was known for his conservative approach to budgeting, which helped the city navigate a period of economic turmoil in the 1970s. In 1974, Beame was elected as the Mayor of New York City, but his administration was plagued by financial difficulties and labor strikes. He narrowly lost his bid for re-election in 1977 and returned to private life.
Beame’s Legacy as Mayor of New York City
Despite the challenges he faced during his tenure, Abraham Beame left a lasting mark on New York City. He is credited with helping the city avoid bankruptcy during the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, and his efforts to balance the city’s budget laid the groundwork for the city’s economic recovery in the years that followed. Beame also oversaw the construction of several important public works projects, including the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the South Bronx Development Project. He was a champion of affordable housing and worked to expand public services and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Beame’s Death and Funeral
Abraham Beame passed away on February 10, 2001 at the age of 94. His death was mourned by many in New York City, who remembered him as a dedicated public servant and a champion of the people. Beame’s funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and was attended by many of his former colleagues and political allies. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani delivered a eulogy in which he praised Beame’s dedication to the city and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of its citizens.
Burial Location: Where Was Beame Interred?
Following his funeral, Abraham Beame was interred at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, Queens. The cemetery is located on Cypress Hills Street and is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in New York City. Beame’s burial plot is located in the family section of the cemetery, alongside his wife, Mary, who passed away in 1991. The plot is marked by a simple headstone inscribed with Beame’s name and the dates of his birth and death.
Initial Reports on Beame’s Burial
Initial reports on Abraham Beame’s burial suggested that he would be interred at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, Long Island, where his parents and other family members are buried. However, it was later announced that Beame would be buried at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens instead. The decision to change the burial location was reportedly made at the request of Beame’s family.
Beame’s Final Resting Place: A Family Plot in Queens
Abraham Beame’s final resting place is a family plot in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens. The plot is located in the family section of the cemetery and is marked by a simple headstone. Beame is buried alongside his wife, Mary, who passed away in 1991. The plot is surrounded by other family members, including Beame’s parents and his sister.
The Cemetery: A Brief History of Mount Hebron Cemetery
Mount Hebron Cemetery was established in 1909 and is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in New York City. The cemetery is located in Flushing, Queens and covers over 200 acres. It is home to over 200,000 graves and is the final resting place of many notable figures, including politicians, entertainers, and business leaders. The cemetery is open to visitors daily from 8:00am to 3:45pm.
Mount Hebron Cemetery: Burial Ground for Many Notable Figures
Mount Hebron Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including politicians, entertainers, and business leaders. Some of the more famous people buried at the cemetery include David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, and Irving Berlin, the composer of "God Bless America." Other notable figures buried at the cemetery include comedian Jack Benny, author Leon Uris, and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald.
Visiting Beame’s Grave: Directions and Guidelines
Visitors who wish to pay their respects to Abraham Beame can do so by visiting his burial plot at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens. The cemetery is open to visitors daily from 8:00am to 3:45pm. Visitors should be respectful of the cemetery and follow all posted guidelines. Flowers and other tributes are welcome, but visitors should not disturb the other graves in the cemetery or leave any litter behind.
Conclusion: Remembering Abraham Beame’s Legacy
Abraham Beame was a dedicated public servant and a champion of the people. His legacy as Mayor of New York City is one of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers. Beame’s burial at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens is a fitting tribute to his life and career, and a reminder of the important role he played in shaping the city we know today.
Further Resources: Additional Information About Abraham Beame and Mount Hebron Cemetery
If you would like to learn more about Abraham Beame and his legacy as Mayor of New York City, there are many resources available online and in print. The New York Times obituary for Beame is an excellent starting point, as is the official website of Mount Hebron Cemetery. Additionally, there are many biographies and histories of New York City that include information about Beame’s life and career.
