Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

Yesterday, my best girlfriend, who also happens to be a funeral director, invited me to ride shotgun in her hearse. She was conducting a graveside service at Westchester Hills Cemetery, a place where some of the country’s best-known entertainers, philanthropists, scientists, and corporate giants rest within its 14 compact acres.

Last October, my profile of this fascinating cemetery was published, and I was excited to give Doris a tour after the burial. Among the many famous permanent residents are the Gershwin brothers.

The Gershwin mausoleum is prominently situated near to the entrance and their musical legacy is reflected in the mausoleum’s ornamentation. Musical instruments – a clarinet, flute, violin, organ, and banjo – carved in stone around the doorway. The stained-glass window at the back is tinted blue, as a reference to one of George Gershwin’s most famous compositions, “Rhapsody in Blue.” On a central table, there is a collection of Gershwin CDs. In the early 20th century, the exceptional songwriting duo produced one hit after another, with George composing the music and Ira writing the lyrics. Some of their well-known songs include “The Man I Love,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Additionally, the brothers collaborated to adapt the novel “Porgy and Bess” for the stage.

The Barricini Candy Company’s founders, brothers-in-law Jack and Mac Barricini, are entombed here, each in their own mausoleum, separated only by a Japanese Maple tree. The script on Jack Barricini’s mausoleum replicates the company’s logo.

Actor Tony Randall, too, is buried there beneath a modest flat marker.

Afterward, we had dinner at nearby La Catena, a fabulous Italian restaurant, where they prepared their homemade papparedelle –one of the house specialties — table-side in an imported wheel of Parmegiano Reggiano cheese.