A Window into Buffalo’s Past
The Buffalo News, a cornerstone of journalism in Buffalo, New York, offers more than just daily news updates. Its obituary section is a valuable resource for those interested in local history, genealogy, and the personal stories of residents. With a daily circulation of 69,842 and a Sunday circulation of 89,694 as of 2023, the Buffalo News has been a significant source of information for the community.
Why Buffalo News Obituaries Matter
Obituaries in the Buffalo News provide essential information about the lives and legacies of individuals who have passed away. They are a rich source of:
- Biographical Details: Names, dates of birth and death, and family relationships.
- Personal Stories: Insights into the lives, accomplishments, and contributions of the deceased.
- Historical Context: Information about community events, local history, and social changes reflected through the lives of individuals.
Recent Notable Obituaries
- Kandice Rose Heil (nee Goulette): Passed away on August 11, 2024, in Williamsville. Her obituary highlights her role as a loving wife, daughter, and sister, with details on her surviving family members and the services held in her honor at Lombardo Funeral Home.
- Frank J. Booker Sr.: Born Dec. 9, 1933, and entered into rest on August 11, 2024, in Alden. Known as “Papa Smurf,” Frank J. Booker Sr.’s obituary details his large family, including 13 grandchildren, and his cherished role as a father and grandfather, reflecting on his deep familial bonds and legacy.
How to Find Obituaries in the Buffalo News
For those researching family history or looking for specific obituaries, the Buffalo News offers several ways to access this information:
- Buffalo News Website: Visit buffalonews.com to search for current and past obituaries. The website allows users to view and search through recent death notices and obituaries.
- Local Libraries and Archives: Many local libraries in Buffalo offer access to physical copies of the Buffalo News or digital archives. Institutions like the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library may provide access to historical obituaries.
- Online Databases: Several online resources complement the Buffalo News obituaries and can help in locating historical records:
- Social Security Death Index: Provides birth and death dates for individuals whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration.
- Find a Grave: Features transcriptions of gravestones worldwide, which can help locate death dates.
- Fulton History: Includes scanned images of New York State newspapers, including some from Buffalo.
- Legacy.com: Offers a death notice index for newspapers across the country, including Buffalo, from 1997 to the present.
- New York State Historic Newspapers: Contains full-text newspapers, including Buffalo area papers.
-
Genealogical Research Databases:
- Index to Deaths in Buffalo, New York, 1852-1944: Available for free at Reclaim the Records on the Internet Archive.
- New York State Genealogical Research Death Index: A searchable index from 1957 to 50 years ago.
- New York, Death Index, 1880-1956: Provides death details, with Buffalo data included from 1914. Available in Ancestry Library Edition and online for free at Reclaim the Records.
Conclusion
The obituaries published in the Buffalo News serve as a valuable record of local life and personal stories. They offer insights into the lives of individuals who have shaped the Buffalo community and provide essential details for those researching their family history. By utilizing the Buffalo News’ own resources alongside supplementary online databases and local archives, researchers and historians can uncover the rich tapestry of Buffalo’s past.
