Navigating the Times Union Obituaries: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Times Union is a daily newspaper serving the Capital Region of New York State. Its obituary section provides a valuable resource for finding information about deceased individuals and their families. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about navigating the Times Union obituaries, from searching for specific obituaries to understanding the information they contain.

How to Search for Obituaries

1. Online Search:

• Visit the Times Union website (www.timesunion.com) and click on the "Obituaries" tab.
• Use the search bar to enter the name of the deceased person, city, or keyword.
• Refine your search using the date range filter.

2. Print Edition:

• Purchase a print copy of the Times Union and look for the obituary section.
• Obituaries are typically organized by date of death, with the most recent ones listed first.

Understanding Obituary Information

Obituaries typically include the following information:

• Name: The full name of the deceased person.
• Date and Place of Death: The specific date and location of the person's passing.
• Age: The age of the deceased person at the time of death.
• Residence: The city or town where the deceased person lived.
• Survivors: A list of the deceased person's living relatives, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
• Services: Details about any upcoming funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life.
• Donations: Information on where to send contributions in memory of the deceased person.

Transitioning Between Search Results

Once you have found an obituary of interest, you can use the following transition words to navigate between search results:

• Next: Moves to the next obituary in the list.
• Previous: Moves to the previous obituary in the list.
• First: Displays the first obituary in the list.
• Last: Displays the last obituary in the list.

Effective Strategies

• Use Keywords: When searching, include specific keywords related to the deceased person or their family.
• Check Multiple Databases: In addition to the Times Union, other online databases such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org can provide additional obituary information.
• Contact the Funeral Home: If you cannot find an obituary online or in the print edition, you can contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements for more information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Searching with Nicknames: Use the deceased person's full legal name instead of any nicknames or abbreviations.
• Relying Solely on Online Searches: While online databases are convenient, it is important to also check the print edition of the newspaper for obituaries that may not be available online.
• Assuming All Obituaries Are Published: Not all deaths are reported in the obituary section. If you cannot find an obituary for a specific person, consider searching online death records or contacting the local county clerk's office.

Pros and Cons of Using the Times Union Obituaries

Pros:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The Times Union provides obituaries for individuals from the Capital Region of New York State and surrounding areas.
• Detailed Information: Obituaries include a wide range of information, including survivors, services, and donation details.
• Easily Searchable: The Times Union website makes it easy to search for obituaries by name, date, or keyword.

Cons:

• May Not Include All Deaths: Not all deaths are reported in the obituary section.
• Paywall: Access to the Times Union website requires a paid subscription.
• Limited Historical Coverage: Online obituary archives may not extend back as far as print copies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How far back do the Times Union obituaries go online?

• Obituaries published in the print edition are typically available online for at least 30 days.

2. Can I download obituaries from the Times Union website?

• Yes, you can download obituaries as PDFs for a fee.

3. How do I contact the Times Union obituary department?

• You can contact the obituary department by email at [email protected] or by phone at (518) 454-5340.

4. Can I submit an obituary to the Times Union?

• Yes, you can submit an obituary by email or mail. For more information, please visit the Times Union website.

5. What is the cost of publishing an obituary in the Times Union?

• Obituary costs vary depending on the size and placement. Please contact the Times Union obituary department for pricing information.

6. How can I find out about upcoming funeral services?

• Obituary listings typically include information about upcoming services. You can also search the Times Union website for funeral announcements.

7. What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

• Obituaries provide detailed information about the deceased person's life, family, and services. Death notices are typically shorter and only include basic information such as the name, date of death, and age of the deceased person.

8. How can I conduct a genealogy search using the Times Union obituaries?

• Obituaries can provide valuable information for genealogy research. By searching for names and dates, you can connect with living relatives and learn more about your family history.

Conclusion

The Times Union obituaries are a valuable resource for finding information about deceased individuals and their families. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively navigate the obituary section and gather the information you need.

Tables

Table 1: Search Options for Times Union Obituaries

Table 2: Information Typically Included in Obituaries

Table 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Times Union Obituaries