Finding a specific name in the Albany Times Union obituaries today can feel like a heavy task when you're already dealing with loss. It’s more than just a list of names; it’s a living record of the Capital Region. Honestly, for many of us in Upstate New York, the "obits" are the first thing we check with our morning coffee. It’s how we stay connected to the neighborhoods of Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs.
Whether you are looking for a childhood friend or trying to figure out how to honor a family member who just passed, the process isn't always as straightforward as it used to be. Things have changed. Digital archives, Legacy.com integrations, and shifting newspaper deadlines mean you have to know exactly where to look so you don't miss anything.
Who was Remembered in the Capital Region Today?
Today, January 13, 2026, several prominent and beloved community members were honored in the paper. The names reflect the deep roots of our area. For instance, Donald R. Babcock, 93, of Petersburgh, was remembered for a long life that spanned nearly a century. We also saw a tribute to Alan R. Bauer of East Greenbush, a man who passed away at 75 surrounded by his family.
It’s often the younger names that hit the community hardest. Today’s listings included Gannon Michael Beebe, a 44-year-old Troy native and fine arts graduate who was well-known in the local creative scene. When someone like that passes, you see the digital guestbooks fill up instantly. That’s the thing about the Albany Times Union obituaries today—they aren't just ink on a page anymore. They are hubs for collective grieving.
Other notices published today include:
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- George J. Biette Sr. (Saratoga Springs)
- Harvey Alan Brand (Alva, Fla., formerly of Albany)
- Michele A. Gaudreau (Cohoes)
- Ernest Leo Kern (Wynantskill)
Each of these entries represents a life that shaped a corner of the 518 area code. If you’re searching for a specific service time, keep in mind that many families are opting for "graveside services in the spring" due to the winter weather, which is a very common New York tradition.
How to Find Recent and Historical Records
Basically, there are three ways to get this information, and each serves a different purpose.
If you just want the most recent names, you should go straight to the Times Union's obituary section powered by Legacy.com. It’s updated in real-time. You can search by last name, but here is a tip: don’t use too many filters at once. Sometimes a typo in a middle name or a different city listing (like listing "Colonie" instead of "Albany") can hide the result you want.
For those doing genealogy or looking for someone who passed away years ago, the Times Union Archive is your best bet. It goes back to 1986. Subscribers usually get free access, but if you're not a subscriber, you can often access these through the Albany Public Library’s digital portal.
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- Search by Keyword: If you don’t remember a last name, try searching for a high school (like "Albany High" or "CBA") or an employer (like "General Electric").
- Date Ranges: Obituaries aren't always published the day after a death. Sometimes there’s a week-long gap while families coordinate. Expand your search to a 14-day window.
Putting an Obituary in the Paper: What You Need to Know
If you’re the one tasked with writing and placing the notice, it’s kinda overwhelming. Most people just let the funeral director handle it. Funeral homes like New Comer, Bryce, or Applebee have direct portals to the Times Union. It’s easier, but it can be more expensive because of the "middleman" aspect.
If you want to do it yourself, you’ve got to use the iPublish portal on the Times Union website. Here is the reality of the cost: it isn't cheap. The paper charges by the line. A standard obituary with a photo can easily run $300 to $700 depending on length.
Pro Tip: The Times Union often runs a "buy two days, get the third free" deal. If you have a lot of out-of-town relatives, it’s worth the extra day to make sure everyone sees it. Also, every print obituary automatically gets a permanent spot on Legacy.com, so you don't have to pay extra for a "digital package" unless you want special features like a rolling slideshow.
Deadlines are Strict
You can't just send an email at 10:00 PM and expect it to be in the next morning's paper. Usually, the deadline for the next day's print edition is around 2:00 PM. If you miss that, you’re looking at the day after. For Sunday editions—which are the most read—you really need to have your copy submitted by Friday afternoon.
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Why Local Obituaries Still Matter in the Age of Facebook
You might think social media has replaced the newspaper, but it hasn't. Not really. An obituary in the Albany Times Union is a formal, verified record. It’s what historians use. It’s what the Social Security Administration or banks might look for.
More importantly, it’s about the "In Memoriam" section. Have you noticed those? People publish "Happy Birthday in Heaven" notices for years—sometimes decades—after a loved one has passed. It shows that even in a city like Albany that’s always changing, we don’t really forget our own.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
If you are looking for information right now, here is exactly what to do:
- Check the Online Portal First: Visit the official Times Union/Legacy site for the most up-to-date list of today’s names.
- Verify Service Details: Always cross-reference the newspaper's info with the funeral home’s website. Mistakes happen in print, but the funeral home's "current services" page is usually the most accurate for locations and times.
- Sign the Guestbook: If you can’t make it to the wake at a place like Levine Memorial Chapel or Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, leave a note online. Families actually read those months later when the initial shock wears off.
- Request a Physical Copy: If the obituary is for a close family member, call the Times Union circulation department at 518-454-5454 to order extra "back issues" of that specific date. They sell out fast.
The Albany Times Union obituaries today serve as a bridge between the past and the present of the Capital District. Whether you are searching for a name or sharing a story, these records ensure that the people who built this community are never truly gone.