Finding a specific tribute in the Pocono Record newspaper obituaries used to mean getting newsprint ink on your thumbs and squinting at microfiche in a basement. Today? It is a mix of high-tech digital archives and sometimes frustrating paywalls. If you are looking for a loved one or doing some deep-dive genealogy in Monroe County, you’ve probably noticed that the "old way" of just picking up a paper doesn't always cut it anymore.
Honestly, the transition from a local family-owned paper to part of the massive Gannett (USA Today) network changed how these records are managed. It isn't just a local list anymore. It is a digital database.
Why the Pocono Record Newspaper Obituaries Matter
For anyone in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, or the surrounding townships like Smithfield and Price, this newspaper has been the "paper of record" since April 1894. Back then, it was called the Stroudsburg Daily Times.
Because Monroe County is a bridge between the Lehigh Valley and New York/New Jersey, these obituaries are often the only connective tissue between families who have moved away and those who stayed. They aren't just death notices. They are records of who worked at the old tanneries, who served in the 109th Infantry, and who owned the resorts that once defined the Poconos.
Finding Recent Tributes Without Getting Lost
If you need an obituary from this morning or the last week, don't just wander around the main homepage. It's cluttered.
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Most recent Pocono Record newspaper obituaries are hosted through a partnership with Legacy.com. You can usually find the last 30 to 60 days of entries there for free.
The Digital "E-Newspaper" Hack
If you are a subscriber, the best way to see the obituary exactly as it appeared in print—photos, formatting, and all—is the eNewspaper. It's a digital replica. You can find it at poconorecord.com/enewspaper.
The benefit here?
You see the context. You see who else passed away that day. Sometimes, seeing the "community" of notices gives you a better sense of the local impact than a single searchable text block.
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Digging Into the Archives: What It Costs
This is where people get annoyed.
If you're looking for someone who passed away in 1972 or 1995, you aren't going to find it on the free side of the website. The Pocono Record newspaper obituaries from decades ago are locked behind specialty services.
- GenealogyBank: They hold a massive chunk of the Pocono Record’s history, reaching back nearly 150 years. It’s great for family tree buffs, but it’s a paid subscription.
- Ancestry.com: They have a searchable database specifically for the Pocono Record from 1965 to 1977.
- Local Libraries: Kinda a pro-tip here—the Stroudsburg area libraries often have microfilm or digital access that is free for cardholders. Don't pay $20 a month for a subscription if you only need one name.
How to Submit an Obituary in 2026
Maybe you aren't searching; maybe you're the one who has to write the notice. It’s a heavy task.
The Pocono Record newspaper obituaries department operates under Gannett's centralized system. You can’t just walk into a local office and hand over a handwritten note anymore.
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- Contact Information: The dedicated line is usually 1-800-695-1707.
- Deadlines: For a Tuesday through Saturday publication, you generally need to have the text in by 4:00 PM the day before.
- Sunday/Monday Rules: These are stricter. You’ll need to submit by 2:00 PM on the preceding day.
- Pricing: It isn't flat-rate. It's based on line count and whether you include a photo. A standard obituary with a photo can easily run a few hundred dollars.
Basically, the more you write, the more you pay. Many families now choose a "short form" for the paper and link to a longer, free memorial on a funeral home's website.
Common Misconceptions
One big mistake?
Assuming every death in Monroe County is in the Pocono Record. It’s the biggest paper, sure. But the Times News (Lehighton) or the Express-Times often pick up notices for people in the southern or western parts of the county.
Also, don't assume the online version is permanent and free. Links break. Companies change providers. If you find a meaningful tribute, print it to PDF immediately. Don't rely on a website to hold that memory for ten years.
Practical Next Steps for Your Search
- Check the Funeral Home First: Most local directors in Stroudsburg (like Bolock or William H. Clark) post the full obituary on their own sites for free before it ever hits the newspaper.
- Use the Search Filters: On the Legacy portal for the Pocono Record, use the "keyword" search for things like "East Stroudsburg University" or "Pocono Medical Center" if you have a common last name to filter.
- Call the Library: If you're stuck on a date from the 1980s, call the Eastern Monroe Public Library. They are the true gatekeepers of local history.
The landscape of Pocono Record newspaper obituaries is digital-first now. While the physical paper still lands on some driveways, the real "record" is living in the cloud—just make sure you know which cloud you're looking in.