Navigating SF Chronicle death notices and obituaries involves understanding two entirely different processes: finding historical or recent records, and submitting a tribute for a loved one. Whether you're researching family history or managing a sudden loss, knowing how to use the San Francisco Chronicle's archives and submission portals saves time and reduces frustration.
The San Francisco Chronicle partners with platforms like Legacy.com and NewsBank to manage public records, spanning decades of local history. Finding a specific notice requires knowing which archive to check, while submitting a new tribute involves specific formatting rules and pricing structures.
How to Search SF Chronicle Death Notices and Obituaries
Locating a historical notice or a recent announcement depends heavily on the date of publication. Records are split across active digital databases and deep historical archives.
Recent Obituaries (1985 to Present)
For notices published from 1985 onward, the primary destination is the digital archive hosted via Legacy San Francisco Chronicle Obituaries.
- Go directly to the search portal and enter the first and last name of the individual.
- Narrow your results by adding a specific date range or neighborhood if you get too many common name matches.
- You can set up email alerts for specific surnames if you're tracking ongoing family research.
Historical Archives (Pre-1985)
If you're digging deeper into genealogy, recent digital portals won't have everything. You'll need historical newspaper databases.
- NewsBank Archives: The San Francisco Chronicle NewsBank Archive indexes historical pages, though coverage can vary.
- Public Libraries: Local cardholders can often access complete digital microfilm and text archives for free through the San Francisco Public Library Research Guides.
- Third-Party Genealogy Sites: Platforms like GenealogyBank maintain extensive records of historical death notices dating back to the 19th century.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting an Obituary
If you need to place a death notice in the paper, the Chronicle uses a self-service ordering portal. You don't necessarily need a funeral director to handle it, though they often can if you prefer.
- Create an Account: Visit the self-service portal to set up a free user account. This lets you save drafts and modify your text before publication.
- Choose a Template: Select from 2-column, 4-column, or 6-column layout options depending on how much text and whether you want to include a photograph.
- Draft the Notice: Write your text clearly. Standard details include the full name of the deceased, age, date of passing, surviving family members, and details regarding memorial services or celebrations of life.
- Select Publish Dates: Choose your print and digital run dates. The system updates pricing in real-time on the screen as you select consecutive days or special multi-day packages.
- Review and Pay: Verify spelling, dates, and contact information carefully. Once submitted and verified by the paper, your notice will move to production.
Understanding Costs and Specifications
Newspaper obituaries are priced based on physical space rather than just a flat word count.
- Base Pricing: Smaller 2-column notices start around $399, which covers a baseline word count (typically around 135 words). Adding photos or graphic icons reduces the available word count for that price tier.
- Larger Tributes: Expanded 4-column layouts start near $599, and 6-column layouts start around $799.
- Editing Deadlines: Make sure your text is final before the publisher's strict daily deadline. While minor edits can sometimes be made post-submission, late changes risk delaying the print date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write an obituary myself without a funeral home?
Yes. Anyone can place a notice directly through the Chronicle's online portal by creating a self-service account.
How long do death notices stay online?
Notices published digitally generally remain active indefinitely on partner hosting sites like Legacy.com, allowing family members to continue reading guest books and viewing shared photo galleries.
What should I include if I'm tight on space?
Focus on the essentials: full legal name (including maiden names where applicable), exact dates, immediate survivors, and clear details for public services. Omit lengthy life histories if you're constrained by a smaller tier budget, and link readers to an online memorial page for the full story.
What happens if I make a typo after submitting?
Log back into your submission portal immediately. Changes can be made up until the specific print deadline for that day's edition. If you miss the window, contact customer support directly to check if a correction notice can run in the next day's paper.
