Writing a short newspaper obituary

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Many newspapers charge by the length of an obituary, so families often publish a short death notice in print and a full obituary online with the funeral home. Here's how to keep the print version short without losing what matters.

What a short notice needs

Name and age
Date and place of passing
Closest survivors
Service time and place
Where to read more (the funeral home's website)

What to cut

Long lists of grandchildren (use a number), detailed career history, and repeated phrases. Save those for the full online obituary.

Example (about 60 words)

HALE, James "Jimmy," 79, of Hialeah, passed away Oct. 11, 2026. Army veteran and retired lineman. Survived by wife Carol of 51 years, children Mike (Dana) and Karen, and six grandchildren. Visitation Fri. 5–9 PM, service Sat. 10 AM, both at Rivera Funeral Home. Full obituary at the funeral home's website.

Fictional example.

Want it written for you?

Type what you remember — even in bullet points. In about a minute you'll have the finished piece, ready to edit and share.

Write it for me