Record online obituary services have transformed how families honor loved ones and share news of passing in the digital age. These platforms allow immediate publication of death notices, memorial details, and charitable donation requests across local newspapers, national archives, and social networks. Whether you’re submitting an obituary for a family member or searching for someone’s memorial record, modern online systems offer fast, respectful, and far-reaching solutions. This page covers everything you need to know about recording an obituary online—from submission steps and cost structures to privacy settings and long-term archiving. With real examples from active newspaper portals like Times Herald-Record, Pocono Record, and The Record-Journal, you’ll learn how to create a meaningful tribute that reaches your community and lasts for generations.
How to Submit an Obituary Online: Step-by-Step Process
Submitting an obituary online is simple and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most newspaper websites, including Times Herald-Record and The Record Online, provide a dedicated obituary submission form. Start by visiting the “Obituaries” section of your local paper’s website. Click “Submit an Obituary” or “Place a Notice.” You’ll be asked to upload a photo, enter biographical details (birth date, death date, place of residence), list survivors, and write a personal message. Some sites let you add funeral service times, burial locations, and preferred charities. Always double-check spelling and dates before publishing. Once submitted, the obituary goes to an editor for review—usually within 24 hours. After approval, it appears on the site and may also print in the next edition of the newspaper.
Costs and Pricing for Online Obituaries
Prices for online obituaries vary by newspaper and region. Most charge between $50 and $200 for a basic digital notice. Premium options—like larger photos, extended text, or homepage placement—can cost up to $500. For example, Times Herald-Record offers free basic listings but charges extra for featured spots or video tributes. Many papers bundle print and digital packages, so families get both visibility and permanence. Some nonprofit organizations and funeral homes partner with newspapers to offer discounted or free obituaries for low-income families. Always ask about charity rates if cost is a concern. Payment is typically made via credit card during submission.
Where to Find Published Online Obituaries
Published obituaries appear on newspaper websites, legacy platforms like Legacy.com, and dedicated memorial sites such as Tributes.com. The Times Herald-Record hosts its full archive at https://www.recordonline.com/obituaries/, where users can search by name, date, or location. Similarly, Pocono Record maintains a searchable database at https://www.poconorecord.com/obituaries/. These pages show recent notices with photos, service details, and links to condolences. Many sites also allow visitors to light virtual candles, leave messages, or donate to listed charities. For broader searches, try Legacy.com, which aggregates obituaries from over 3,000 newspapers nationwide.
Key Features of Modern Online Obituary Platforms
Today’s online obituary systems offer more than just text and photos. Many include guestbooks where friends and family can post memories. Others integrate with donation platforms so visitors can give directly to causes mentioned in the notice—like the Mountaindale Food Bank in Tanya Bolotnick’s obituary. Some sites, such as Tributes.com, let families build custom memorial pages with videos, music, and photo slideshows. You can also share the obituary link on Facebook, email, or text. Most platforms keep records permanently, so future generations can view them. Privacy controls allow families to hide certain details or restrict comments if needed.
Legal and Ethical Considerations When Posting an Obituary Online
While obituaries are generally public records, families should still consider privacy and accuracy. Only immediate family members or authorized funeral directors should submit notices. Avoid sharing sensitive information like Social Security numbers, home addresses, or financial details. Most reputable sites verify submissions through funeral homes or death certificates. Be cautious of third-party data brokers that scrape obituary content for background checks or marketing. Always read the site’s terms of service. If you’re unsure, consult the funeral director—they often handle submissions and know local policies.
How Long Do Online Obituaries Stay Published?
Most major newspaper websites keep obituaries online indefinitely. For example, Times Herald-Record archives all notices permanently, even if they’re no longer on the front page. Legacy.com and Tributes.com also maintain lifelong access. However, smaller local papers may remove older entries after a year unless you pay for extended hosting. Always ask about retention policies before submitting. If you want guaranteed long-term access, consider creating a free memorial page on a dedicated site like Tributes.com or using a service that backs up content to cloud storage.
Can You Edit or Remove an Online Obituary After Publication?
Yes, but the process varies by platform. On Times Herald-Record, contact their obituary department via phone or email to request changes. Most sites allow minor edits (like fixing a typo) at no cost. Full removals are rare and usually only granted for legal reasons or errors in identity. Legacy.com lets families manage their own memorial pages and update content anytime. Always keep a copy of the original submission confirmation, which includes edit instructions. If the obituary was posted by a funeral home, reach out to them first—they often have admin access.
Using Online Obituaries for Genealogy and Family History Research
Online obituaries are valuable resources for tracing family trees. They often list parents, siblings, children, and hometowns—key details for genealogists. Sites like gov-record.org offer free trials to search death notices, cemetery records, and burial permits. Combine obituary data with census records, marriage licenses, and military files for a complete picture. Many libraries and historical societies, like the Mountaindale Historical Society mentioned in Tanya Bolotnick’s notice, preserve local obituary collections. Researchers can use these to study community trends, migration patterns, or cultural traditions over time.
Charitable Donations vs. Flowers: How Families Are Changing Traditions
More families now request donations instead of flowers—a shift seen clearly in recent obituaries. Tanya Bolotnick’s family asked for gifts to the Mountaindale Food Bank. Kay Valverde’s memorial supported the Stockton Food Bank through her garden project. This trend reflects growing awareness of food insecurity and environmental impact. Online platforms make it easy: include a link to the charity’s donation page or list a mailing address. Some sites, like Greensboro News & Record’s Legacy.com portal, integrate directly with nonprofit payment systems. Always verify the charity’s legitimacy before listing it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Online Obituary
Avoid vague phrases like “passed away peacefully” without context. Be specific: include dates, places, occupations, and personal traits. Don’t omit key survivors—check with all family members first. Proofread for grammar and spelling; errors can cause confusion or hurt feelings. Never post without permission from the estate executor. Also, avoid overly religious language unless it reflects the deceased’s beliefs. Keep tone respectful but personal—readers want to know who the person was, not just when they died.
How Funeral Homes Help with Online Obituary Submissions
Most funeral homes assist with obituary creation and submission. They have relationships with local newspapers and know formatting rules. Staff can upload photos, write drafts, and handle payments. For example, Schmidt Funeral Home managed Ruth N. Breidinger’s notice in the Pocono Record. Many offer package deals that include printing, online posting, and social media sharing. Ask your funeral director about included services—some cover basic digital notices at no extra cost.
Mobile-Friendly Obituary Viewing and Sharing
All major obituary sites are optimized for phones and tablets. You can read, comment, and share notices from any device. Times Herald-Record’s mobile site loads quickly and displays photos clearly. Legacy.com offers apps for iOS and Android. Sharing is simple: tap the share button to send via text, email, or social media. This helps spread the word fast, especially in emergencies or when family lives far away.
Privacy Settings and Comment Moderation on Memorial Pages
Families can control who sees or comments on an online obituary. Tributes.com lets you approve messages before they go live. Some sites allow disabling comments entirely. You can also hide the obituary from search engines if desired—though this reduces visibility. Always review privacy options during setup. If harassment occurs, report it immediately; most platforms remove abusive content within hours.
International Obituary Publishing Options
While most U.S. papers focus on local audiences, some accept international submissions. The Record-Journal in Connecticut published Anne K. Beier’s notice, which included her ties to New Hampshire. For global reach, use platforms like Tributes.com or Legacy.com, which display notices worldwide. Include country of residence and any dual citizenship details if relevant.
How to Verify the Authenticity of an Online Obituary
Fake obituaries are rare but possible. Verify by checking the newspaper’s official website—not third-party links. Look for editor contact info and submission guidelines. Cross-reference with funeral home announcements or social media posts from family. Reputable sites display publication dates and editor names. If something seems off, call the newspaper directly.
Long-Term Archiving and Digital Preservation
To ensure your obituary survives decades, save a PDF copy. Upload it to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or print a physical version. Some services, like gov-record.org, archive notices in government databases. Libraries often microfilm newspaper obituaries for historical preservation. Consider donating a copy to your local historical society.
Support Resources for Grieving Families Using Online Obituaries
Many sites offer grief support alongside obituary services. Tributes.com provides counseling referrals and memorial ideas. Legacy.com has articles on coping with loss. Local newspapers sometimes partner with hospice organizations to offer free resources. Don’t hesitate to ask the obituary editor for help—they often know community support groups.
Future Trends in Digital Obituary Services
Expect more AI tools for writing assistance, voice-recorded messages, and interactive timelines. Blockchain may be used to verify authenticity. Virtual reality memorials could let people “visit” gravesites remotely. But core values remain: respect, accuracy, and connection. The goal is to honor lives meaningfully in a digital world.
Contact Information for Major Obituary Publishers
Times Herald-Record
Website: https://www.recordonline.com/obituaries/
Phone: (845) 346-3300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM EST
Address: 40 Mulberry St, Middletown, NY 10940
Pocono Record
Website: https://www.poconorecord.com/obituaries/
Phone: (570) 421-3000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM EST
Address: 700 Pine St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Obituaries
Many people have questions about how online obituaries work, who can submit them, and how long they remain available. Below are detailed answers to the most common concerns based on current practices from major U.S. newspapers and memorial platforms.
Who is legally allowed to submit an obituary online?
Only immediate family members, the estate executor, or an authorized funeral director can legally submit an obituary. Most newspapers require verification through a death certificate or funeral home confirmation. This prevents false postings and protects privacy. If you’re a close friend, ask the family to submit it or have them designate you as a contact. Never post without explicit permission—doing so could violate privacy laws or cause family distress. Reputable sites like Times Herald-Record will reject unverified submissions.
Can I include a photo in an online obituary, and are there size limits?
Yes, nearly all platforms allow one main photo, usually a headshot or portrait. Accepted formats are JPG or PNG, with file sizes under 10MB. Times Herald-Record recommends images be at least 300×400 pixels for clarity. Avoid group photos or busy backgrounds—they don’t display well on mobile. Some sites let you add multiple photos for an extra fee. Always use a high-quality image taken within the last 10 years. If the deceased didn’t have recent photos, choose a clear, respectful older picture.
How do I correct a mistake in a published online obituary?
Contact the newspaper’s obituary department immediately. Provide your submission ID and the exact correction needed. Most sites fix typos or date errors within 24 hours at no charge. For major changes (like wrong survivor names), you may need to resubmit with updated info. Keep email confirmations as proof. If the obituary is on Legacy.com or Tributes.com, log into your account to edit directly. Always notify the funeral home so all records stay consistent.
Are online obituaries considered public records?
Yes, obituaries published by newspapers are public records because they appear in print and online archives. However, they don’t contain sensitive data like Social Security numbers. Government agencies may use them to update vital records, but families control what’s shared. Third-party sites sometimes republish them, so choose your wording carefully. If privacy is a concern, avoid listing home addresses or maiden names.
What happens to an online obituary if the newspaper website shuts down?
Major papers like Times Herald-Record and Pocono Record guarantee permanent archiving. Their content is backed up in multiple locations. Smaller sites may not. To protect against loss, download a PDF copy and store it offline. Upload to cloud services or send to family members. Some libraries archive local newspaper websites digitally. If a site disappears, your saved copy remains accessible for future generations.
Can I create an online obituary before someone passes away?
Yes, many families prepare obituaries in advance, especially for elderly relatives with chronic illnesses. Write a draft with placeholders for the death date and service details. Store it securely with your will or with the funeral home. Update it as needed. This reduces stress during grief and ensures accuracy. Some platforms allow pre-submission, but publication only occurs after verification of death.
How do I report a fraudulent or inaccurate online obituary?
Report it directly to the hosting website using their contact form or abuse email. Include the URL and evidence of inaccuracy. Most sites remove false content within 48 hours. If the obituary impersonates someone or spreads misinformation, file a report with the FTC or local authorities. Always protect your own information—don’t engage with suspicious posters.