Finding a specific notice in the times union obits obituaries shouldn't feel like a digital scavenger hunt, but honestly, sometimes it does. You’re likely here because a name popped into your head, or worse, you just received some news that makes your stomach drop. You need to find a service time, or maybe you're the one tasked with writing a life story that fits into a few column inches.
It’s a lot.
The Albany Times Union has been the "paper of record" for New York's Capital Region for what feels like forever. Because of that, their obituary section is massive. It’s not just a list of names; it’s a living map of Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and the little towns in between like Voorheesville or Wynantskill.
The Reality of Searching Times Union Obits Obituaries
Most people just head to Google and type in a name followed by "Times Union." That works... sometimes. But if you’re looking for someone with a common name like Thomas Brown or Louise Calogero, you’re going to get buried in results.
The digital version of the times union obits obituaries is primarily hosted through a partnership with Legacy.com. This is actually a good thing because it means the records are permanent. They don't just vanish after a week. You can find entries from today—like the notice for Joseph M. Abdella or Bridget Lynn Capasso—right alongside records from ten years ago.
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But here is where it gets tricky.
If you are looking for something truly historical, like a relative who passed in the 1950s, the standard search bar on the website might fail you. For those deep dives, you have to pivot. The Albany Public Library actually keeps the Times Union archives on microfilm and in digital databases that go back much further than the 1993 cutoff you'll see on some basic search tools.
Why the "Last Name Only" Search Fails
I’ve seen people get frustrated because they can't find a recent death notice. Often, it’s because of the publication delay. A person might pass away on a Tuesday, but the family and the funeral home (like New Comer or Applebee) might not get the text finalized until Thursday.
If you’re searching the times union obits obituaries and coming up empty:
- Check the funeral home website directly. Places like Levine Memorial Chapel often post their listings a few hours before they hit the newspaper’s digital feed.
- Wait for the Sunday edition. In the Capital Region, Sunday is the "big" day for print obituaries.
- Try searching by the maiden name. You’d be surprised how many people are listed under their married name but the search engine is looking for the name you remember from high school.
The Cost: What it Really Takes to Publish
Let’s talk money. It’s the part nobody likes to bring up during grief, but publishing in the times union obits obituaries isn’t exactly cheap.
The paper uses a line-rate system. Basically, the longer you talk about Uncle Bob’s love for the Saratoga race track and his "legendary" chili, the more you’re going to pay. As of 2026, adding a photo usually tacks on an extra $50.
There is a little "hack" though. If you pay for two days of publication, the Times Union often throws in a third day for free. It’s a bit of a "buy two get one" deal for the afterlife. Every paid notice also includes a permanent spot on Legacy, which means that guestbook where people leave "Rest in Peace" messages stays open forever.
The Difference Between a Death Notice and an Obituary
People use these terms interchangeably, but they aren't the same.
A death notice is short. It’s the "just the facts, ma'am" version. Name, date of death, funeral time. Usually, these are placed by the funeral director.
An obituary is the story. It’s the part where you mention that they graduated from the Milne School in 1976 or that they spent thirty years working for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. This is where the personality lives. If you’re looking for genealogy info, you want the obituary.
Finding Those "Hard to Find" Records
If you’re doing family research and need times union obits obituaries from the 19th or early 20th century, the main website won't help.
You need to look into the "New York State Historic Newspapers" project or GenealogyBank. The Times Union has a rich history—it even absorbed the old Knickerbocker News. If your ancestor lived in Albany in the 1940s, their life story might actually be sitting in those old "Knick" archives rather than the modern TU database.
Also, don't ignore the "social" aspect. Back in the day, the Times Union would print "Card of Thanks" sections. Families would take out tiny ads just to thank the neighbors for bringing over casseroles. It sounds old-fashioned because it is, but it’s a goldmine for finding out who the family friends were.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trusting the spelling: Old newspaper editors were human. Names get butchered. If "Smithe" doesn't show up, try "Smith."
- Date confusion: People often search for the date of death. Try searching for a range of dates starting three days after the death.
- Missing the location: The Times Union covers a massive area. If someone lived in Colonie but passed away in a hospital in Florida, the obit might be filed under the Florida location in some digital databases.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
If you need to find someone right now, start with the official Times Union "Obituaries" tab, but don't stop there if you hit a wall.
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- For recent deaths (last 24-48 hours): Check the local funeral home websites (New Comer, McVeigh, or Dufresne & Cavanaugh). They are the primary source.
- For notices from the last 20 years: Use the Legacy.com search filter specifically set to "Albany Times Union."
- For historical research: Head to the Albany Public Library’s website. You can often access the "Heritage Hub" or "NewsBank" for free if you have a local library card.
- To place a notice: Call the TU classified department at 518-454-5085. Don't try to do it all through a web form if the story is complex; talking to a human helps ensure the formatting doesn't get messed up.
The times union obits obituaries are more than just a list of the departed. They are the collective history of the Hudson and Mohawk valleys. Whether you're grieving or just curious about your roots, the information is there—you just have to know which door to knock on.
Go to the Albany Public Library digital portal to search for records older than 1993 without paying the individual archive fees.