How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person
A practical step-by-step method for finding an obituary using a name, place, date, newspapers and funeral-home sources.
Independent obituary search guide
Find the best place to search for an obituary
We don't host obituary records. Tell us what you know, and we'll guide you to the newspapers, funeral homes and archives most likely to have the record.
Recommended sources
Best places to continue your search
No exact source matches under these filters
Reset the filters or use our step-by-step obituary search guide.
Possible alternatives
Sources that may help with a broader search
Browse by location
Start with the country you know
These first-release guides cover five countries plus selected worldwide sources.
How it works
A clearer path to the original record
- 01Share what you know
A surname and country are enough to begin; location and year improve the ranking.
- 02Compare relevant sources
See why each source fits, plus its period, access, language and limitations.
- 03Search the original website
Continue on the newspaper, archive, funeral-home or genealogy site.
Search guides
When the usual search doesn't work
Short, practical explanations for common obituary research problems.
Read guide
How to Find an Old Obituary
Learn how to search historical newspapers, archives and genealogy databases for an old obituary or death notice.
Obituary vs Death Notice vs Death Record
Understand the difference between an obituary, death notice, funeral notice, memorial and civil death record before you search.
How to Write an Obituary
A clear paragraph-by-paragraph guide to writing an obituary, with advice on local customs, newspaper requirements, timing and checking facts.