History & local legend
A black memorial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery became a Pittsburgh schoolyard legend associated with Devil's Night. Children said repeating the name Damian three times would release an evil spirit, or that picking a black rose nearby would prevent a visitor from getting home.
Writer Cindy Yogmas recalled those lunchtime stories in 2003. Children interpreted part of the monument as an inverted cross and read its farewell as a threat, encouraged by the name's resemblance to the child in The Omen.
The grave belongs to Carmen R. Damian, who lived from 1928 to 1986. His family explained the inscription more simply: it was the familiar way he said goodbye to guests.
Sources
- Cindy Yogmas, Pittsburgh Pulp, October 30, 2003, childhood recollection and family explanation
- Paul Hughes, Pittsburgh Ghosts, local traditions and photographs of the actual marker
- Catholic Cemeteries Association, cemetery history, site and address
- Catholic Cemeteries Association burial register via Interment, entry for Carmen R. Damian
