Lorenzo da Ponte, 1749-1838
If the text on this marker is hard to read you can click the "Full size" link in the right column for a larger, clearer copy of this picture.
Lorenzo da Ponte was the librettist for some of Mozart's most famous operas. This marker at First Calvary does not mark da Ponte's burial place. Da Ponte's exact burial spot is unknown.
According to a New York Times story of October 21, 1987:
"As in the case of Mozart, who died in 1791, the exact spot where da Ponte is buried is unknown. He died at 91 Spring Street in Manhattan and was buried at a Catholic cemetery on 11th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A, a site that was later paved over.
"Felix J. Cuervo, a local historian who founded the Native New Yorkers' Historical Association in 1961, said at yesterday's ceremony that he had known about the burial site in Manhattan.
"'In a garage, I found some headstones that belonged to those who had been buried in the cemetery,' Mr. Cuervo said. 'I did some research and discovered the remains of the people were removed to Calvary Cemetery in 1909.'"
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