An obituary is a short but meaningful article that serves to announce the death of an individual. These notices are typically published in print or online newspapers alongside a photo of the deceased. Whether you're writing such an announcement for a website, the funeral program, or your own social media page, here are a few essential elements to include.

What Should Every Obituary Have?

1. Personal Details

The obituary should open with the deceased's full name, birthday, and place of birth. If they had a nickname, you can also mention it here. Finish this portion with the date of death and where they were living at the time.

2. Surviving & Deceased Loved Ones

Mention family members who have survived the deceased, including their spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Then, list important relatives who predeceased the subject. It's customary to list the full names of key family members, such as the spouse and children, but only the total number of more distant relatives, such as great-grandchildren.

3. Lifetime Achievements

Include a brief summary of the subject's life, including the achievements they were most proud of. These might be academic, athletic, professional, or personal accomplishments. You should also include any noteworthy contributions that the deceased made to the community. For example, if they volunteered for a favorite charity, this is where that should be mentioned.

4. Funeral Details

Most obituaries close with the details of the funeral or burial service. If the deceased has yet to be laid to rest, list the date, time, and location of the upcoming services. If it'll be a private ceremony, be sure to clarify that.

If you recently lost a loved one, turn to the compassionate team at Porto Funeral Homes for help saying goodbye. For more than 75 years, this family-run business has been offering a broad range of funeral and burial services. Serving all of New Haven County, CT, they can assist with urn selection, cremation, and final arrangements. To discuss your family’s needs with a knowledgeable member of their team, reach out through their website or call (203) 467-3000 for East Haven or (203) 934-5000 for West Haven.