Finding a specific tribute in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle obits shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Honestly, when you're dealing with the loss of a family member or trying to track down a long-lost branch of your family tree, the last thing you want is a clunky interface or a paywall that doesn't make sense. It’s personal. It’s local. And for folks in Attleboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield, and Plainville, The Sun Chronicle is basically the town square of record.
People get frustrated. I see it all the time. They search a name, nothing pops up, and they assume the record is gone. Or they see a price tag for a submission and think, "Wait, is this right?"
Let's clear the air.
The Search Struggle is Real
Most people head straight to the newspaper’s website, which is fine, but it’s often just a gateway to a massive database managed by Legacy.com. If you’re looking for someone like Paul M. LaFratta, a lifelong North Attleboro resident who passed away just this January, you'll find him there. He was an electrician for thirty years—the kind of guy everyone in town knew. His obit is live right now because his family worked through the modern system.
But what if the person passed away in 1985?
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That is where things get tricky. The digital archives you see on a standard search usually only go back to the early 2000s or late 90s. If you’re doing deep genealogy, you have to switch gears. Sites like GenealogyBank or NewsLibrary actually have the scanned pages of the physical paper going back decades. It's not just a text file; it’s a snapshot of the actual page.
Quick tips for the hunt:
- Use the "Last Name" only if the first name is common.
- Check for North Attleboro specifically; the paper covers a wide net.
- Look for funeral home names like Duffy-Poule or Dyer-Lake. Often, their private websites have more photos than the newspaper version.
- Don't forget the "Maiden Name" field. It's a lifesaver for finding maternal ancestors.
Why the Cost Confuses Everyone
Putting an obituary in the paper is expensive. There, I said it.
For the Attleboro Sun Chronicle obits, you’re looking at a starting price of roughly $416.67. That isn't just a random number; it usually includes the print run and a permanent digital memorial. If you’re writing a long story—like the beautiful tribute for Harry Thomas White Jr. who passed recently—the price can climb based on word count and whether you include a photo.
It’s a bit of a shock to the system during an already stressful time.
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You’ve got options, though. Some families opt for a "Death Notice," which is a bare-bones listing of the name and service times. It’s cheaper. Others go all-in on the "Obituary," which is the full life story. The Sun Chronicle works with an "Obit Desk" reachable at (888) 823-8554. They’re the ones who handle the logistics.
The Local Connection Matters
This isn't just about data. It’s about the community. When you read about Robert Cameron Bliss Esq. passing away at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, it hits differently for locals. We know that hospital. We know the streets mentioned.
The Sun Chronicle has been around for nearly 150 years. That’s a lot of history. If you can’t find a digital record, call the Attleboro Public Library. Seriously. Librarians are the unsung heroes of obituary searches. They have microfilm. They have the physical stacks. If a search engine fails you, a human with a microfilm reader usually won't.
Real Talk on Accuracy
Mistakes happen. I’ve seen obits with the wrong middle initial or a misspelled street name. If you notice a mistake in a recent post, don't wait. You have to email postanobit@legacy.com or call the newspaper's customer service immediately. Once it's in print, it's a "Correction" in the next edition. Online, they can usually fix it within an hour.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Search
If you're stuck, try searching by the funeral home first. Places like Cook Funeral Home or Sherman & Jackson often post the full text on their own "Tribute Walls" for free. It’s a great workaround if you’re trying to avoid a paywall or just need a quick date for a floral delivery.
Also, be specific with your "Keyword" search. If the person was a veteran, search "Attleboro Sun Chronicle obits" plus "World War II" or "Korean War." You’d be surprised how much faster the right name surfaces when you add a life detail.
Actionable Next Steps:
- For Recent Deaths: Go to the Legacy-partnered Sun Chronicle page. It’s updated daily.
- For Ancestry: Use GenealogyBank if you’re willing to pay for a month, or visit the Attleboro Public Library for free microfilm access.
- For Submissions: Call (888) 823-8554. Have your text ready in a Word doc to save time and avoid transcription errors.
- Verification: Always double-check the service location. With North Attleboro and Attleboro being separate entities, people often show up at the wrong church or funeral home.