Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Obituaries: What You Didn't Know Until Now – A Step-by-Step Guide

Obituaries are a vital record of life, providing valuable information for genealogy research, historical understanding, and simply remembering loved ones. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PPG) is a significant source for obituaries in the Western Pennsylvania region. This guide will walk you through the process of finding obituaries in the PPG archives, covering various search methods and highlighting often-overlooked resources.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with using a web browser, navigating websites, and entering text.

  • Internet Access: A stable internet connection is crucial for accessing online resources.

  • Patience: Obituary records can sometimes be difficult to find, requiring persistence and creative search strategies.

  • Information about the Deceased: The more information you have about the deceased, such as their full name, approximate date of death, and city/town of residence, the easier your search will be.

    • Tools:

  • Web Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge are all suitable.

  • Note-Taking App or Document: A place to record your findings, search terms used, and sources consulted.

  • Online Genealogy Resources (Optional): Websites like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org can supplement your search by providing additional information and clues.

    • Step-by-Step Guide:

    1. Start with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Website:

  • Open your web browser and navigate to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website: [https://www.post-gazette.com/](https://www.post-gazette.com/)

    • 2. Explore the Obituaries Section:

  • Look for a section specifically dedicated to obituaries. This may be labeled "Obituaries," "Death Notices," or something similar. Typically, it’s found under the "Life" or "Local" sections of the website. Use the website's search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) if you cannot locate it manually. Type "Obituaries" and press Enter.

    • 3. Utilize the Search Function:

  • Once you're on the obituaries page, you'll likely find a search bar. This is your primary tool for finding specific obituaries.

  • Basic Search: Start with the deceased's full name. Enter the first name and last name in the search bar.

  • Advanced Search (If Available): Many obituary sections offer an "Advanced Search" option. This allows you to refine your search by adding more specific criteria, such as:

    • * Date Range: Specify a range of years during which the person may have died. This is especially useful if you only have an approximate date of death.
    * Keywords: Include keywords related to the deceased, such as their occupation, city of residence, or family members' names.
    * Specific Publication Dates: If you know the exact date the obituary was published, you can narrow your search significantly.

    4. Refining Your Search:

  • Common Names: If the deceased had a common name, the initial search may yield too many results. Try adding more specific information to your search terms, such as their middle name, initial, or spouse's name.

  • Variations in Spelling: Consider variations in spelling. For example, "Catherine" might also be spelled "Katherine" or "Kathryn." Try different spellings to ensure you're not missing any potential matches.

  • Nickname or Maiden Name: If you know the deceased's nickname or maiden name (for women), include it in your search.

  • Proximity Searches: If the advanced search allows it, look for a "proximity search" option. This allows you to find obituaries where certain keywords appear near the deceased's name. For example, you could search for "John Smith" and "Pittsburgh" within a certain number of words of each other.

    • 5. Understanding Search Results:

  • The search results will typically display a list of obituaries that match your criteria. Each result will usually include:

    • * The deceased's name
    * The date of publication
    * A brief excerpt from the obituary
  • Click on the obituary to view the full text.

    • 6. Exploring Archived Content:

  • Newspaper Archives: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette archives its historical content. However, accessing older obituaries may require a subscription or a visit to a local library with access to newspaper databases.

  • Genealogy Websites: Consider using genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or Newspapers.com. These websites often have digitized collections of newspapers, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which can be searched for obituaries.

  • Local Libraries and Historical Societies: The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and local historical societies may have physical copies of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette or digitized versions available for research.

    • 7. Troubleshooting Tips:

  • No Results: If your initial search yields no results, don't give up. Try different search terms, variations in spelling, and broader date ranges.

  • Paywalls: Some obituaries may be behind a paywall, requiring a subscription to view the full text. Consider subscribing to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette or accessing the content through a library or genealogy website.

  • Inaccurate Information: Be aware that obituary information may sometimes contain errors. Cross-reference the information with other sources to verify its accuracy.

  • Older Obituaries: Finding obituaries from earlier periods (e.g., before the 20th century) can be more challenging. Consider consulting historical archives and genealogical databases.

  • Contact the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: If you're struggling to find an obituary, you can contact the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette directly for assistance. They may have access to resources that are not available online.

    • 8. Document Your Findings:

  • Keep track of your search terms, the sources you consulted, and the results you found. This will help you avoid repeating searches and will provide a valuable record of your research.

Summary:

Finding obituaries in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette requires a strategic approach. Start with the PPG website and utilize the search function, refining your search with specific criteria and variations in spelling. Explore archived content through newspaper archives, genealogy websites, and local libraries. Don't hesitate to contact the PPG directly for assistance. By following these steps and being persistent, you can successfully locate obituaries and uncover valuable information about the lives of those who came before. Remember to document your findings carefully to build a comprehensive record of your research.