• MyHeritage Wiki
  • Genealogy research by location
  • United States
  • New York obituaries
    • Main contributor: Doran Shapiro
    obituary
    Harvey Clyde Mummert (1892-1939) obituary in the Star-Gazette of Elmira, New York on 3 May 1939.

    An obituary - also known as an obit- refers to an article written about a recently deceased person. One of the best ways to find obituaries in New York is through databases such as the New York Public Library; something as simple as entering the deceased name and approximate date of death can result in locating obituaries[1]. New York State began keeping death records in 1880 but full compliance of the law until 1913; as a result many instances of death events are lacking until that time period[2].

    New York death records are considered confidential as New York is a closed state not subject to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). In order to obtain New York State death records there needs to be a relation to the spouse or to be married at the time of death[3]. Additionally, it's also important to realize that there is no legal requirement in New York State to publish an obituary in a newspaper when someone passes away[4]. While sometimes these are perceived as positive, this is not always the case. Instead, obituaries are supposed to be written in as much of an emotionally neutral or deadpan style.

    Finally, as far as obtaining documentation in New York State, the main state requirement is a death certificate. This is filed with the bureau of vital statistics; either by a funeral home director that is qualified or a medical examiner.[4]


    Information contained in an obituaryInformation contained in an obituary

    obituary
    Dr. James Ellsworth DeKay M.D. (1792-1851) obituary in the New-York Tribune of New York City, New York on 25 November 1851.

    Obituaries can provide important information such as the different associations of the deceased person including social organizations they were involved in. Additionally, information such as the cause of death and/or place of death are important In obtaining an obituary. For this reason, it's important that one finds out where the person died. This can be obtained by researching the local or city register's office. It's also important to understand where that person died to see.[5]

    How to find an obituaryHow to find an obituary

    Generally, the date of death is the first key piece of information that could enable one to more easily find a deceased person in a newspaper. Using both State and local resources are essential; the State index and the cemetery in the local area where the person is believed to have died are good examples. The next step in finding an obituary is the date of death. Once that is determined, a search in the local library is a good next step. Here, it can be seen whether or not newspapers were in existence during that specific time period, and if it would be common for someone to look for an obituary in that newspaper. If the newspapers are not kept at the library, one can contact the local newspaper office to see if it would be possible to obtain older copies of the particular newspaper in question.[5]

    See alsoSee also

    Explore more about New York obituariesExplore more about New York obituaries

    References

    1. ↑ Obituaries, Death Notices, and Guides to Burial Places of Notables. New York Public Library
    2. ↑ New York State Death Records. New York State Education Department
    3. ↑ Death Records. City of Albany, NY
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Place an obituary in The New York Times
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Find your ancestor's obituary: The New York Times and other sources. New York Genealogical & Biographical Society


    Authors template (click twice to edit)
    Retrieved from ""

    Search Death
    Records by Name

    Easily find death records in our extensive collection

    APA citation (7th Ed.)

    Doran Shapiro. (2024, September 17). *New York obituaries*. MyHeritage Wiki. https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/New_York_obituaries