FAQs
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. Obituaries are also written for the living so that they may learn of an individual's passing.
How do I find a local obituary? ›
Most of the time, if an obituary is available online, you will be able to find it with a Google search. However, if you still fail to see the results you want, consider looking through the websites of local funeral homes or newspapers. Unfortunately, you may have to pay to access content in a local online paper.
How do I find an obituary in Pennsylvania? ›
Find an Obituary. The Cremation Society of Pennsylvania ® online obituary search tool gives you access to obituaries from thousands of locations across North America. You can search by first or last name, state and publication date.
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.
How to find out if someone has died? ›
Regardless of your reason, pursuing one (or any combination of) these six options should help answer your questions:
- Online.
- Social Media.
- Word of Mouth.
- The Newspaper or Local News.
- Archive Facilities.
- Government Records.
How do you find a person who passed away? ›
How to find out if someone died
- Social media.
- Newspapers and obituary pages.
- Local courthouses.
- Government records.
- Genealogy sites.
- Libraries and historical societies.
How much does it cost to put an obituary in the local newspaper? ›
Several factors affect the cost of publishing an obituary. On average, it will cost anywhere between $100-$1,000. Publishing it in local or smaller metropolitan newspapers costs around $60 to start. Large metropolitan newspapers charge anywhere from $263 to several thousands of dollars.
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. Legacy Inc. Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
How to find out if someone died in PA? ›
County Courthouses in Pennsylvania
Courthouses are important places to look for birth, marriage and death records. These are usually found in the Register of Wills office in each county. Records in the Recorder of Deeds offices can also be useful.
Can I view death certificates online for free in PA? ›
Birth and Death Records
Pennsylvania residents can access these records free of charge through Ancestry.com Pennsylvania. To request uncertified copies of 1906-1918 birth certificates and 1906-1973 death certificates, use the Vital Records Request Form via (PDF) or (Direct SubmitOpens In A New Window).
Applications are available upon request at the funeral home.
Certified copies are $20.00 each and only available locally up until 90 days from the date of death. After 90 days the certificate is filed with the state of Pennsylvania and certified copies may take four to six weeks to obtain.
What does it mean if the cause of death is not in the obituary? ›
When it comes to families of the deceased, their obituaries leave out cause of death information because it's simply their choice — in the end, it's not about how the person died. But rather about how they lived their life.
Can an obituary be removed from the internet? ›
News Sites & Obituaries: Reach out to the websites or publications directly to request the content's removal.
Who typically writes an obituary? ›
While there are no rules when it comes to who writes the obituary, they're typically written by family members or close friends. When a loved one passes, the family usually decides who will write it based on their relationship to the deceased or writing ability.