What happened to John Lennon’s remains after he died?
John Lennon was shot on December 8, 1980, outside his apartment building, near the driveway of the Dakota, in New York City. He was taken to nearby Roosevelt Hospital and later died that night—a day many will never forget.
Roosevelt Hospital, New York City.
His remains were taken to the side entrance of the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel at 1076 Madison Avenue, at the corner of 81st Street.
Yoko Ono, John’s wife and executor of his estate, chose not to hold a public funeral. Instead, she asked fans around the world to observe 10 minutes of silent prayer on December 14, 1980.
After arrangements at Campbell’s, John Lennon’s body was taken approximately 45 minutes north to Ferncliff Cemetery in Westchester County, New York, where he was cremated.
Following the cremation, his ashes were returned to Yoko Ono. Over the years, there has been speculation that some of his remains were scattered in Central Park, across from the Dakota, in what later became Strawberry Fields. However, Yoko has never confirmed this and has been very intentional about keeping the matter private.
John and Yoko leaving the Dakota, NYC.
1940-1980
The Globe &Mail from my personal collection. Tuesday December 9, 1980.
See my related site on John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
