Gary Greisinger gingerly arranged a small stack of his daughter's poetry books on a marble table a few feet away from her crypt yesterday at Homewood Cemetery's new Quiet Reflections Chapel Mausoleum.

Matt Freed, Post-Gazette
A guest leaves the Quiet Reflections Chapel Mausoleum yesterday at Homewood Cemetery after a dedication service.
Click photo for larger image.

Greisinger's daughter, Catherine, died in a fire last year. She was 27. Since her death, he and his wife have published about 50 of more than 500 poems she'd written and set up a charity in her name.

"I used to bring her up here to ice skate on the pond and feed the fish, just as my father used to bring me up here," said Greisinger, 56, better known to radio fans as WEDO-AM's "The G Man." "The fact that she's out of the rain and the snow is a comfort."

Greisinger was one of about 100 people on hand yesterday for the open house/dedication of the new mausoleum in Squirrel Hill at the famed and historic Homewood Cemetery, final resting place to many famous Pittsburghers, including H.J. Heinz and Judge William Wilkins.

As at any tasteful open house, there were white wine and brie, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, strawberries, grapes, melon and other hors d'oeuvres. Young women with serving trays passed around chicken skewers and spinach-stuffed mushroom caps. A violinist strolled about the building playing soothing tunes like "Amazing Grace" and "Moon River" as people walked around looking at their loved ones' or their own future crypts.

Construction began on the $1 million project in 1999. It's the first of three phases and about a third of the 584 crypts in phase one have been reserved. When all phases are completed -- with demand driving the timetable for construction of the other two phases -- the three buildings are expected to house about 1,500 crypts, said Bill Howard, vice president of sales at Homewood Cemetery.

"Without the support from families who purchased [the first 150 crypts] in advance, I don't think this would have been possible," Howard said. "Mausoleums used to be only for the rich, the famous and royalty -- people who had a lot of money, but now today with our community mausoleum, it has become affordable for all of us."

Crypt prices start at about $6,500 for two people or about $3,500 to $4,000 for individuals. The last community mausoleum at the Homewood Cemetery was built in 1959.

"I think it's very nice, much nicer than the old one," said John Brandon, 78, of Upper St. Clair.

He had his wife's remains moved from an older mausoleum at the cemetery to the Quiet Reflections Chapel Mausoleum and when he passes on, his casket will join hers in the crypt.

"I like its brightness. It's open and clean," said Susan Jones, 43, of Churchill. Her mother is entombed there. "This is more of a comfort."

The building is light and airy, with Italian marble and granite from floor to ceiling, and a fountain. The mausoleum, set on a tranquil half-acre amidst lush gardens and trees, has a solemn church feel in ambiance and architecture. It also has air conditioning, heat and restrooms.

"It was built with the real patrons in mind -- the visitors," said Heather Gaines, 34, of Schenley Heights. Her aunt is entombed in a crypt there. "It's modern, but not over the top, with high ceilings. It's very beautiful -- a truly attractive, upscale place."

Greisinger said his daughter always loved Marilyn Monroe and wanted to be entombed in a crypt like Monroe. Greisinger plans to have his urn placed there, as well, when his time comes.

"To this day, when I look out the window and see it raining, I feel contented knowing where she is and you can't put a price tag on that," Greisinger said, his voice trailing off and tears welling in his eyes. "That's my little girl."

First Published: August 2, 2004, 4:00 a.m.