The Times-Tribune obituaries serve as the definitive record of passing for Scranton and the broader Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) region. In 2026, these notices are accessible through the daily print edition, the newspaper’s official website, and its digital partner, Legacy.com. Whether you are searching for a recent service or conducting genealogical research, the platform provides searchable archives and guestbooks for Lackawanna County residents.
The Times-Tribune, headquartered in Scranton, PA, remains the primary source for death notices in the region, covering Scranton, Dunmore, Carbondale, and surrounding boroughs. Since its acquisition by MediaNews Group, the publication has streamlined its digital obituary platform, ensuring that local tributes are integrated with national databases. For families in 2026, navigating this system requires an understanding of submission deadlines, pricing structures for print and digital bundles, and the technical steps for accessing historical records dating back to the 19th century.
Accessing Recent and Historical Obituaries in Scranton
Accessing obituary information through The Times-Tribune has evolved into a multi-channel experience. In 2026, the newspaper utilizes a high-resolution digital archive that allows for keyword searching of specific names, dates, and keywords within the text of the notice.
Searching the Online Database
For notices published within the last 30 days, the "Obituaries" section on the Times-Tribune website is the most efficient tool. The interface is optimized for both mobile and desktop users, allowing visitors to:
- Filter by Date Range: Narrow searches to specific weeks or months.
- Search by Name: Utilize partial name matches to find difficult-to-spell surnames.
- Access Guestbooks: Read and post condolences, share photos, and light virtual candles.
- Sign up for Alerts: Receive notifications when a notice matching specific criteria is published.
Researching Historical Archives
For those conducting genealogical research, The Times-Tribune archives are a vital resource for Lackawanna County history. Records prior to the digital era (pre-2000s) are typically accessed through two primary methods:
- Newspapers.com Integration: Most historical editions of The Scranton Times and The Tribune have been digitized and are searchable via subscription.
- The Albright Memorial Library: Located in downtown Scranton, the library maintains microfilm records of the paper. In 2026, many of these records have been indexed into the Lackawanna County Library System’s digital catalog, providing a searchable database for researchers.
Submission Guidelines and 2026 Pricing Structures
Submitting an obituary to The Times-Tribune involves several steps, typically coordinated through a licensed funeral director, though private submissions are accepted under strict verification protocols.
The Role of Funeral Directors
In Northeast Pennsylvania, the standard practice is for the funeral home (such as those in the Solfanelli-Fiorillo or Corey Brian Strauch networks) to handle the transmission of the obituary to the newspaper's classified department. This ensures the authenticity of the notice and allows for professional formatting. If a family chooses to submit a notice privately, The Times-Tribune requires a death certificate or verification from the crematory/funeral home to prevent fraudulent postings.
2026 Cost Breakdown
As of 2026, the pricing for obituaries is calculated based on a combination of line count, the inclusion of a photograph, and the duration of the digital hosting. Unlike "Death Notices," which are brief factual statements of passing, "Obituaries" are narrative tributes.
| Feature Type | Description | Estimated 2026 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Death Notice | Name, date of death, and funeral home only (Print + Digital). | $75 - $100 |
| Standard Narrative | Full biography, service details, and 1 photo (Print + 3-day online). | $250 - $450 |
| Enhanced Tribute | Extended biography, multiple photos, and lifetime digital hosting. | $500 - $850+ |
| Digital-Only | Publication on the website/Legacy.com without a print component. | $150 |
Submission Deadlines for Print: For inclusion in the next day’s print edition, submissions must typically be received and approved by 4:00 PM EST. For Sunday editions, which see the highest viewership in the Lackawanna County region, the deadline is often moved to Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, depending on the current production schedule of the MediaNews Group regional hub.
Digital Features and Legacy Integration
In 2026, a Times-Tribune obituary is no longer a static piece of text. The integration with Legacy.com provides a suite of interactive features designed to preserve the memory of the deceased and support the grieving community.
Interactive Guestbooks and Tributes
Every obituary published online includes a guestbook. In 2026, these platforms have been upgraded to include:
- Video Tributes: Families can upload short video montages (up to 3 minutes) directly to the obituary page.
- AI-Moderation: Guestbook comments are screened in real-time by advanced linguistic filters to prevent spam and inappropriate content, ensuring a respectful environment.
- Social Media Sharing: One-click sharing to platforms like Facebook and Instagram is standard, allowing the local community to spread word of service times quickly.
Sympathy Gifts and Floral Arrangements
The Times-Tribune digital portal includes direct links to local Scranton florists. This integration allows users to order arrangements that are guaranteed to arrive at the correct funeral home or church in time for the scheduled viewing. By 2026, this system also supports "In Lieu of Flowers" digital donations, where readers can contribute directly to a designated 501(c)(3) charity via a secure portal on the obituary page.
Technical Specifications for Private Submissions
For families choosing to draft and submit their own tributes to The Times-Tribune, adhering to specific technical standards will prevent delays in publication.
Writing the Obituary: Best Practices
- The Lead: Start with the full name, age, residence (city/town), and the date of death.
- Biographical Details: Mention birthplace, parents, education, and career highlights. In Scranton, local affiliations (e.g., memberships in the Italian-American Society, local VFW posts, or specific parish involvement like St. Peter's Cathedral) are culturally significant and should be included.
- Survivors and Predeceased: List family members in a logical order (spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren).
- Service Information: Provide clear details on the location, date, and time of the viewing, funeral mass, or memorial service.
Photo Requirements
In 2026, the newspaper’s printing technology requires high-resolution images for clarity in the physical paper.
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch).
- Format: .JPG or .PNG files are preferred.
- Content: Portraits are standard, but the paper now allows "lifestyle" photos (e.g., the deceased engaged in a hobby) as secondary images in the digital-enhanced packages.
Comparing The Times-Tribune with Regional Alternatives
While The Times-Tribune is the primary paper for Scranton, residents in the NEPA corridor often consider other publications depending on the deceased's ties to neighboring counties.
| Publication | Primary Coverage Area | Digital Platform | Archival Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Times-Tribune | Lackawanna County (Scranton) | Legacy.com / Local Site | Excellent (1870-Present) |
| The Citizens' Voice | Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre) | Legacy.com | Good (1978-Present) |
| The Standard-Speaker | Southern Luzerne (Hazleton) | Legacy.com | Moderate |
| The Wayne Independent | Wayne County (Honesdale) | Gannett/USA Today Network | Moderate |
For families with deep roots across the "Valley," it is common to place a full obituary in The Times-Tribune and a "pointer" notice in The Citizens' Voice to ensure all friends and former colleagues are notified.
Genealogy and Local History Research in Lackawanna County
The Times-Tribune obituaries are more than just announcements; they are genealogical footprints. For those tracing ancestry in Scranton—a city defined by its coal mining and railroad history—these records provide vital links to European origins (particularly Irish, Italian, Polish, and Welsh lineages).
Utilizing the Lackawanna Historical Society
The Lackawanna Historical Society, located at the Catlin House in Scranton, works closely with the newspaper’s records. Researchers can often find "Anniversary" or "Birthday" notices that appeared in the paper decades ago, which complement the information found in obituaries. In 2026, the society offers a digital consultation service for out-of-state descendants looking to locate specific Times-Tribune clippings.
Common Troubleshooting for Archive Searches
- Spelling Variations: Many surnames were Americanized or misspelled in early 20th-century editions. Search for phonetic variations if a name does not appear.
- Maiden Names: Use the "Maiden Name" search filter on the Times-Tribune digital portal, as many older records are indexed under both married and birth names.
- Date Discrepancies: If a death occurred late at night, the obituary might not have appeared until two or three days later. Broaden your search parameters by +/- 5 days from the known date of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for submitting an obituary to the Sunday Times-Tribune?
For the Sunday edition, which remains the most-read print version in 2026, the deadline for submission is typically Saturday at 10:00 AM. However, it is highly recommended to finalize the text and photos by Friday afternoon to allow for proofreading and layout adjustments by the classified staff.
Can I include a QR code in a print obituary?
Yes, in 2026, The Times-Tribune allows the inclusion of a custom QR code in the print notice. This code can link directly to a digital memorial page, a video tribute, or a charitable foundation's donation page. Note that there may be a small surcharge for the space occupied by the code.
How do I correct an error in an obituary that has already been published?
If an error is discovered, you must contact the Times-Tribune Classified or Obituaries Department immediately. For the digital version, corrections can often be made within an hour. For the print edition, a "Correction" or "Retraction" notice will be published in the next available issue, as the physical paper cannot be altered once printed.
Is there a way to view obituaries for free?
While the print edition requires a purchase, a limited number of recent obituaries can typically be viewed on the Times-Tribune website for free before a digital paywall or "metered" access applies. However, full access to historical archives usually requires a digital subscription or a library card from the Lackawanna County Library System.
How long do obituaries stay online?
Standard digital postings on The Times-Tribune and Legacy.com remain accessible for 30 days. Most families choose the "Permanent" or "Lifetime" hosting option, which ensures the obituary and guestbook remain online indefinitely as a digital memorial.
Expert Insight: Navigating the 2026 Death Care Landscape in NEPA
As a Subject Matter Expert in regional media and death care logistics, I recommend that families prioritize the digital "Enhanced" packages offered by The Times-Tribune. In 2026, the community's reliance on mobile notifications means that a print-only notice will likely miss a significant portion of the younger demographic and former residents who have moved away from the Scranton area.
Furthermore, always request a "digital proof" from the funeral director before the notice goes live. With the transition to automated layout systems in 2026, human oversight at the final stage is essential to ensure that formatting (especially bulleted lists of survivors) remains intact and professional.
If you are planning services in Lackawanna County, ensure your chosen funeral director has an active account with the MediaNews Group portal to streamline the submission process. This will ensure that your tribute is published accurately and timely, honoring the legacy of your loved one within the Scranton community.
