“We looked at different cemeteries,” Giacomo said. “When Judy and I found this, or I should say maybe it found us, it had both the physical and spiritual appeal.”

As a lifelong Catholic, faith has guided Giacomo, so when the retired pediatric ophthalmologist began considering options for a final resting place, he was thankful for the opportunity to choose the newly opened Catholic cemetery. 

“I want to know that my remains are going to be on sacred ground, that my remains will be respected,” he said. “Having statues here of Mother Mary and Mother Teresa, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Joseph, and St. John, are reminders that I'm being prayed for.”

Catholic identity is a prominent feature of the cemetery. It was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Gregory Parkes, on April 26, 2024, and is considered sacred for all time. 

“We are truly blessed to have these sacred grounds where the faithful may come to remember their loved ones who have gone before us,” said Bishop Parkes.

Giacomo said he is at peace knowing he will rest beside his beloved Judy when the time comes, and that he will be in the company of other dearly departed Catholics. 

“It's my last act of faith. This is my final church, my congregation. I'm making new friends, in a sense,” said Giacomo.

Their story highlights the Church’s tradition of providing the faithful with Catholic burials, which brings them meaning and peace in the belief of the resurrection of the body and everlasting life. 

Resurrection Catholic Cemetery is located near the I-4 and I-75 interchange on a 120-acre nature preserve in Seffner surrounded by grand oak trees.  It provides all above-ground arrangements and is the only cemetery of its kind in Florida.

The Catholic Church strongly urges Catholics to be buried or entombed in a Catholic cemetery or the Catholic section of a non-Catholic cemetery.