obituaries pa scranton times

2 min read 29-11-2024

Finding Obituaries in the Scranton Times (PA)

Locating obituaries for loved ones or researching family history often begins with a local newspaper's online archive. The Scranton Times, a prominent newspaper in Pennsylvania, provides a valuable resource for finding obituaries, but navigating its online presence can sometimes be tricky. This guide will walk you through the process of effectively searching for obituaries in the Scranton Times.

Understanding the Scranton Times' Online Presence

The Scranton Times, like many newspapers, has evolved its online presence over time. You may find obituary information scattered across different platforms. Therefore, a multi-pronged approach is often necessary.

Methods for Finding Obituaries in the Scranton Times:

Direct Search on the Scranton Times Website: The most straightforward approach is to visit the Scranton Times website directly and use their search function. Enter the deceased's name along with keywords like "obituary," "death notice," or "passing." Be mindful of spelling variations and potential nicknames. The results may include articles mentioning the deceased, even if not dedicated obituary notices.
Using Online Search Engines: Google, Bing, or other search engines can be incredibly helpful. When searching, use specific keywords such as "Scranton Times obituary [deceased's name]," "[deceased's name] obituary Scranton PA," or "[deceased's name] death notice Scranton." Experiment with different phrasing to broaden your search.
Checking Third-Party Obituary Websites: Many websites aggregate obituaries from various sources, including the Scranton Times. Sites like Legacy.com, Findagrave.com, and others frequently index newspaper obituaries. Search these sites using the deceased's name and location (Scranton, PA).

Tips for a Successful Search:

Be Specific: The more detail you can provide (full name, date of death, age, etc.), the more accurate your results will be.
Try Variations: Experiment with different spellings of the name, including nicknames or maiden names.
Check Dates: If you know the approximate date of death, include this information in your search.
Expand Your Search: If your initial search yields no results, broaden your search to include surrounding towns or counties. The obituary may have been published in a neighboring newspaper's archive.
Contact the Scranton Times Directly: If you've exhausted all other options, consider contacting the Scranton Times directly. Their customer service department may be able to assist you in your search.

Understanding the Limitations:

Online Archives: Not all obituaries published in the Scranton Times' print edition might be available online. Older obituaries, particularly those from before the widespread adoption of digital archives, might be unavailable online.
Accessibility: Access to certain online obituary archives might require a paid subscription.

Alternative Resources:

Local Funeral Homes: Funeral homes in the Scranton area often maintain online records of services and obituaries they have handled.
Scranton Public Library: The library's archives may contain older newspaper clippings, including obituaries, that might not be available online.

Finding obituaries can require patience and persistence. By using a combination of the methods outlined above, you significantly increase your chances of locating the obituary you need in the Scranton Times archives or other related resources. Remember to be thorough, persistent, and flexible in your approach.