Superintendents

"Testimonies of devotion"

In 1875, the house originally built in 1856 for the sexton was moved within the gated area, and designated the superintendent's home. In the years since then there have been only 12 superintendents.
Patrick Groover - Superintendent: 2021 - Present
Patrick has worked at Greendale since 2006. In 2014 he became assistant superintendent under James Vogan.  After Jim's retirement in 2021 Patrick took on the new position of Superintendent.  Patrick embraces Greendale as his future career.  Some of his accomplishments are:
  • Digitized the cemetery's Section and Lot maps
  • Maintains the digital interment records
  • Assisted in redesigning the new website
  • Established green burials to Greendale
James Vogan: 1981 - 2021

Prior to becoming superintendent in 1981, Jim had previously worked at Greendale in the summers of 1971 and 1972, and then full-time in 1973 until 1976. He returned in 1981, moving into the residence along with his wife Mary and two sons. In the following years two daughters would also join the Greendale household. Jim was nominated as "Outstanding Cemeterian" by Cork Randall and the cemetery has been recognized by numerous publications over the years for its beauty and the crew's workmanship.


Over the years, Jim along with the leadership of the Cemetery Board implemented many new programs:

  • The records were digitized, a website built and a Facebook page launched.
  • Collaborated with Allegheny College to lead a capital fund drive
  • Jim & Mary give presentations to local groups highlighting Greendale's history.
  • Conduct lantern tours to give visitors a unique perspective of notable locations on the grounds.
  • Started Pet Cemetery section
  • Participated in Meadville Bicentennial by installing the David Mead memorial boulder
  • Received recognition by Department of Natural resources for the "Old Trees" program.
  • Installed "Bucktails" veteran's memorial
  • Started the Memorial Tree project
  • Installation of Section Markers
  • Dedication of Ravine Hiking Trail memorial
  • Membership into French Creek Conservancy


Jim and Mary have devoted their many years while living at the cemetery to provide outstanding customer service and care for grieving families. Jim has supervised probably over 100 different workers over his years. Of note was his very skilled foreman of 25 years, the late Phil Farrell, serving from 1988-2013. Joining Jim as employees were his wife Mary working part-time keeping care of the very beautiful array of flowers and other flora, 3 children over the years and several nephews. They recently built a home in the area.
Willard Battles - 5/19/1938 - 7/31/1981 (retired)
Willard and Esther Battles
Willard Battles retired on July 31, 1981 after 46 years of service which made him the longest serving Superintendent. His biggest accomplishment was to bring water to the grounds. This was done by tapping a spring above the cemetery grounds and feeding water by gravity (later on the water supply was replaced by a well).
All Superintendents:
  1. Herman Leo: 10/30/1854 (employed for one year)
  2. Lewis Perkins: 5/3/1856 - 6/1/1875 (resigned)
  3. Herman Munz: 6/1/1875 - 1/25/1880 (died)
  4. Arthur Hetler: 3/1/1880 - 4/1/1903
  5. Roderick Campbell: 4/1/1903 - 4/1/1904 (resigned)
  6. Dexter L. Lozier: 4/1/1904 - 4/1/1906
  7. Lewis D. Weber: 4/1/1906 - 11/15/1908 (died)
  8. H. L. Kightlinger: 11/20/1908 - 2/5/1909 (temporary appt.)
  9. H. L. Kightlinger: 2/5/1909 - 11/9/1937 (resigned)
  10. Willard Battles: 5/19/1938 - 7/31/1981 (retired)
  11. James D. Vogan: 8/1/1981 - 8/13/2021 (retired)
  12. Patrick Groover: 8/13/2021 - Present
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