Finding a specific notice in the Times Leader obituaries Wilkes-Barre section isn't always as straightforward as a quick Google search might suggest. If you grew up in the Wyoming Valley, you know the Times Leader has been the morning staple since, well, forever—actually since the late 1800s if we're being precise. But as the world moved online, the way we track down these records changed. Whether you’re trying to find details for a funeral service this week or you’re deep in the weeds of a genealogy project involving a great-grandfather who worked in the anthracite mines, there is a specific way to navigate the archives.
Honesty is key here: the digital transition hasn't been perfect. Some records are scattered across different platforms, and if you don't know where to look, you'll end up hitting paywalls or dead links. Basically, you've got three main "buckets" for these obituaries: the daily digital feed for recent losses, the Legacy.com partnership for the last decade or so, and the deep historical archives that require a bit more legwork.
Locating Recent Times Leader Obituaries Wilkes-Barre
If you are looking for someone who passed away in the last few days, your first stop is the "Today's Obituaries" section on the official website. This is where the most current information lives. Usually, these entries include the full service details, which is what most people are actually looking for—times for the viewing, which church the Mass is at, or where the burial will be held.
Funeral homes in the Wilkes-Barre area, like Kniffen O’Malley Leffler or Ajy-Strish, generally handle the submission to the paper. If you don't see a notice yet, it's often because there’s a lag between the family meeting the funeral director and the paper's print deadline.
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Interestingly, the online guestbooks have become a huge part of the experience. On the Times Leader's Legacy portal, you can see memories shared by neighbors and old friends. For example, recent entries for locals like Thomas Shanahan or Donna McLaughlin often have dozens of "candles" lit and stories shared that never make it into the printed version. It’s a sort of living digital wake that stays active long after the physical service.
Using the Historical Archives Like a Pro
Now, if you're looking for something older—say, from 1992 back to the 1800s—you have to change your strategy. The Times Leader obituaries Wilkes-Barre records are actually split up.
- 1992 to Present: These are mostly digitized and searchable through NewsBank or the paper’s own internal archive.
- 1907 to 1922: This was a specific era for the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader (back when it was hyphenated).
- Pre-1900: You’re looking at the "Wilkes-Barre Leader" or the "Wilkes-Barre Times" before they merged.
For the serious researchers, GenealogyBank is often the "hidden" gold mine. They claim to have about 95% of records that aren't found anywhere else. When searching these old records, initials were common. Instead of "John Smith," try searching "J. Smith." Also, and this is a big one for NEPA history, check for common misspellings. Back in the day, names were often recorded phonetically, especially for the many immigrant families moving into Luzerne County.
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The Cost and Process of Placing a Notice
It isn't free. Let's just get that out of the way.
To place a notice in the Times Leader today, prices generally start around $40 for a very basic death notice. However, if you want a full obituary with a photo—which most families do—the cost goes up significantly based on the length. A "Standard" obituary often runs over $200. This includes:
- Publication in the physical newspaper.
- A permanent online memorial.
- The interactive guestbook.
If you aren't using a funeral home, you can submit directly via email at postanobit@legacy.com or by calling their customer service. They are available seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM. One thing to keep in mind is the "death verification." They won't just print anything; they usually need to confirm the passing with a funeral home or a medical professional to prevent any "practical jokes" that definitely aren't funny.
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Why the Times Leader Still Matters in Luzerne County
You might wonder why people still bother with the newspaper when social media is free. In Wilkes-Barre, the paper is the record of truth. It's the "official" word. For many families, seeing that photo in the paper is a final act of respect.
The paper has survived a lot—including the famous 1978 strike that led to the creation of the Citizens' Voice. While the competition between the two papers is legendary in the valley, many people still check both. If you can't find an obituary in the Times Leader, there's a very high chance it’s in the Voice.
Common Search Mistakes to Avoid
- Searching too narrow: Don't just search "Wilkes-Barre." People in Mountain Top, Kingston, and Nanticoke all use the Times Leader.
- The hyphen trap: The paper has changed its name slightly over 150 years. Search for "Times Leader" and "Times-Leader" separately.
- Missing the "Baby Leaders": The paper used to have zoned weekly sections. Sometimes smaller notices were tucked away there.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
If you are looking for a specific person right now, follow this sequence:
Start with the Times Leader Recent Obituaries page on Legacy.com for anything within the last few months. It's the most user-friendly interface. If that fails, move to the NewsBank archive which covers the 1990s to the current year. This is often accessible for free if you have a Luzerne County Library card. For anything older than 30 years, head to GenealogyBank or the Osterhout Free Library in downtown Wilkes-Barre, where you can access microfilm if you really want to go old-school.
If you are a family member looking to correct an error in a current notice, do not call the newsroom. They generally can't help you. You need to contact the obituary desk specifically at (888) 823-8554 or go through your funeral director, as they have a direct line to the layout editors.