FAQs
Many funeral homes publish obituaries on their websites. These can usually be located with a Google search on the person's name. Local genealogical and historical societies, public libraries, and some newspaper publishers maintain clipping files of obituaries.
How do I find an old obituary in New York? ›
New York Public Library subscribes to many databases that can help researchers locate obituaries and death notices. The most useful are our newspaper databases. Oftentimes obituaries can be located by entering a person's name and week of death into the newspapers databases.
What is the largest obituary website? ›
Legacy.com hosts obituaries for more than three-quarters of the 100 largest newspapers in the U.S., by circulation. The site attracts more than 30 million unique visitors per month and is among the top 40 trafficked websites in the world.
Why are some obituaries not published? ›
Obituaries are not required by law , so the deceased's family might have chosen to forego publishing one. Publishing an obituary can be expensive , and the funds may be unavailable. The deceased has few family members or friends , so there might have, unfortunately, been no need for an obituary.
How do I search for someone who has died? ›
7 ways to find out if someone has died recently
- Confirm with a mutual acquaintance. ...
- Check social media. ...
- Search for an online obituary. ...
- Online death indexes. ...
- Check with their house of worship. ...
- Local courthouse. ...
- Digital archives.
Is there an app for local obituaries? ›
MyObits: Obituary Listings on the App Store.
How to find out if someone has died in New York? ›
Contact Us
- Call 311, or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) if you are calling from outside NYC. ...
- Email: ...
- Online: Chat with an operator, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Visit in person: All in-person orders require an appointment.
Are death certificates public record in NY? ›
The release of death certificates is governed by New York State Public Health Law §4174, which protects their confidential nature. New York State is a closed state and death records are not subject to FOIL and only available to individuals who are: The spouse of the deceased and you were married at the time of death.
What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary? ›
Death notices are short and to the point—Name, date of death and where/when the services will be held. However, the obituaries highlight the deceased's community involvement, accomplishments, interests and survivor's names of the beloved.
What to say when an old person dies? ›
What do you say when someone dies?
- "I'm sorry for your loss. I'm here for you."
- "My condolences on your loved one's passing. May their memory bring you comfort.“
- “I extend my deepest sympathy to you. ...
- "Thinking of you, sending love and support.“
- "We're saddened by the news. ...
- "Heartfelt condolences. ...
- "You're not alone.
It serves as a way to inform the community about the individual's passing and to honor their memory. During a funeral or memorial service, it is common for someone to stand up and read the obituary to the attendees. This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual.
What does a good obituary look like? ›
Obituary Example: Announcing the Funeral
[Full name], [age], of [where they lived], sadly left us on [date of death] due to [cause of death]. They leave behind [list of surviving family members]. A service will be held in their honor at [time] on [date] at [location].
Why does it cost so much to put an obituary in the newspaper? ›
Why does it cost so much to post an obituary? Publishing an obituary in the newspaper is expensive because of the limited space papers have. Newspapers value every inch of each page, so they must charge to use that limited space for an obituary.
Is it disrespectful not to have an obituary? ›
Posting an obituary is not a legal requirement and is a sentimental action. Families don't have to publish one if they don't want it or do not have the funds to do so. While you do not have to share a death note or obituary, you must file a death certificate with your state's office.
What should you not include in an obituary? ›
In most cases, obituaries do not include the names or nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws unless they were close to the deceased. Grandchildren are sometimes listed but often numbered instead (…he leaves behind 5 grandchildren).
How do I find someone who died in California? ›
Two state-level California Death Indexes can be found at Ancestry.com (a database anyone can access from any library branch and Central Library) or FamilySearch.org (a free internet database). California, Death Index, 1905-1939 provides the digitized index page, plus its transcription.
How do I find an obituary for a specific person in MA? ›
Obituaries in Massachusetts and other parts of New England can generally be found in the local town or county papers. Many obituaries for Boston and the surrounding area can be found in: Boston Athenaeum. Index of Obituaries in Boston Newspapers, 1704-1800.
How do I find obituaries in the US by name for free? ›
Using Online and Print Newspapers to Find Free Obituaries
- Use Legacy.com to Search for a Free Obituary. ...
- Newspaper Archive Sites. ...
- Look for Obituaries in Newspapers at a Public Library. ...
- Ancestry.com and Its (Brief) Free Trial. ...
- MyHeritage Free Trial. ...
- FamilySearch. ...
- The Mormon Church Family History Library. ...
- Mennonite Archives.
How do I find an obituary for a specific person in Wisconsin? ›
Recent obituaries from the current year can be viewed, many without images, at the Wisconsin State Journal web site. Obituaries before the current year can be obtained by browsing the newspaper microfilm or can be requested (with a two-week date range) by phone, mail, or email.