It looks as though the family of G. Aten could not afford to have a tombstone made by a local craftsman. But this improvised marker has lasted better than most of the professionally made stones in the cemetery, and now that it has passed the two-century mark we may pronounce it an unqualified success.
Plumbers are often called upon in Pittsburgh to make simple utilitarian constructions like railings for outdoor steps. Cast-iron pipe is strong, easy to assemble, and durable. Until today, however, Father Pitt had never seen it used for a grave marker. There is something touching about the way some poor Lithuanian or Polish family has found a way to fulfill the desire for a permanent memorial, and to Father Pitt this will always be the Tomb of the Unknown Plumber.
Note how the Selevaneis grave in the background is also outlined in iron pipe; that kind of construction is very common in St. Adalbert’s.
