Obituary Records

Obituary notices provide wonderful genealogical information for researchers. Usually they contain the full name of the deceased (including maiden name), spouse's name, children (surviving and deceased) as well as sibling and parents names. Additionally, obituary notices will tell where the deceased lived, how long they lived there, where they worked, and other personal types of information. They usually include a brief work history and educational background as well as civic interests, hobbies, awards, and other forms of recognition for the deceased.

Obituary notices are generally published in the local newspaper. They may also be printed in church bulletins and other society newsletters or periodicals.

Church service bulletins as well as graveside or memorial brochures are also of great value to the researcher.

Newspapers are one of the most sought after resources for obituary notices since the state of Pennsylvania did not begin to keep vital records until 1906.

Meyersdale Library Special Collections Project  - The Meyersdale Public Library has graciously donated 28,000 obituaries to the Somerset County, PAGenWeb/USGenWeb Archives. This collection represents obituaries published in several newspapers from 1970-2004 and housed at the library. We are honored to be the recipient of this wonderful gift! This wonderful collection has been combined with all the other obituaries in the Somerset County PA USgenWeb Archives. 

Local Resources

See also the The Daily American or the Tribune-Democrat for information on newspaper archives. You may also wish to visit the local libraries in Somerset to view microfilmed newspapers. Please note: some of the newspapers above charge a subscription fee to view older obituary notices. Thanks!

User-donated Notices

The following are some obituary notices that were donated by visitors to these pages. We welcome any and all additions. To submit an obituary,  email and make sure to include the source and date of publication along with your email address so others can contact you. Thank you.

 

Page last updated:   July 29, 2023