Finding a recent notice or publishing a tribute requires knowing how the local system operates. Pgh Post Gazette obituaries serve as the primary record for families across Allegheny County and the wider Western Pennsylvania region to honor loved ones, share service details, and preserve local history. Whether you're searching for someone who passed away recently or navigating the process of writing a tribute, understanding the portal options saves time during stressful moments.
The publication coordinates its digital notices through an integrated platform powered in partnership with Legacy.com, alongside direct print operations managed by the newspaper's internal obituary team. Accessing these records efficiently depends on whether you need a daily service time, a 30-day archive search, or deep genealogical data from decades past.
Finding Recent and Historical Notices
Locating a specific notice starts with the digital portal hosted via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Obituary Portal. You don't need to scroll through physical pages for daily updates anymore, because digital databases index entries instantly by name, date range, and location.
- Recent Passings: Use the main search bar with the first and last name of the deceased. If you encounter too many common names, filter results by adding a specific death year or neighborhood keyword like "Shadyside" or "North Hills".
- The 30-Day Window: Notices from the past month remain active in high-visibility feeds. This timeframe works best for tracking memorial service locations, celebration of life gatherings, or visitation hours.
- Archival Research: For historical records predating digital databases, local repositories such as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh maintain microfilm collections. Professional genealogists often rely on these archives to cross-reference local church and union memberships.
How to Submit a Notice for Publication
Submitting a tribute to the paper involves specific formatting rules, deadlines, and cost structures. Families can manage submissions online through the self-service portal or contact the Post-Gazette Obituary Team directly via email at obits@post-gazette.com or by phone at 412-263-1371.
- Gather Core Information: Collect the legal name, birth and death dates, survivor lists, and service schedules before you start drafting.
- Choose Your Package: Select whether you want print publication, online digital posting, or a combination package. Print costs typically scale based on word count and the number of days published.
- Draft the Content: Write clearly in the third person. Avoid internal family nicknames unless paired with the formal legal name so community members recognize the individual.
- Review the Proof: Check the digital layout proof carefully. Once the print deadline passes, making text changes becomes difficult.
- Submit and Pay: Complete payment through the secure portal. Digital notices usually appear online within an hour of processing.
Editorial vs. Paid Submissions
Understanding the difference between standard paid notices and news obituaries prevents confusion. Paid notices are submitted directly by families or funeral homes to guarantee placement and secure specific print dates.
News obituaries, conversely, are written by the newspaper's editorial staff. These are reserved for prominent community figures, local leaders, or individuals with extraordinary public impact. Staff members select these subjects at their own discretion. If you want to suggest a news obituary for consideration, you must contact the local news desk directly rather than the standard advertising queue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Deadlines: Submission cutoffs are strict to meet daily printing schedules. Waiting until the final hour can delay publication by a full day.
- Overlooking Verification Requirements: The verification desk may contact your designated funeral home to confirm details before approving the text. Keep your funeral director's contact information handy.
- Ignoring Formatting Limits: Submitting massive text blocks without spacing makes it hard for readers to find service times. Use short paragraphs and bullet points for ceremony details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do digital notices stay online?
Notices published through the digital platform remain online permanently as a lasting online memorial and guestbook archive.
Can I edit a notice after it goes live?
You can update online text through your account dashboard after signing in. However, print edits depend strictly on whether the daily print deadline has already passed.
What is included in the base submission cost?
Pricing starts with basic packages that feature the text notice, a permanent online guestbook, and photo hosting on partner networks like Legacy.com. Expanded word counts or extra print days increase the total price.
Who do I contact for billing questions?
For direct customer service support regarding active orders, you can reach out via email at postanobit@legacy.com or call customer support at (888) 823-8554.
