### Using the Online Search Tools To locate a specific obituary, navigate to the obituaries section of SILive. From there, you can search the database using several parameters: * **First and Last Name:** Enter the individual's name. If you are unsure of the spelling, try entering just the last name or a partial name. * **Date Range:** Narrow down your search by selecting a specific date range, month, or year of passing. * **Keyword Search:** If you remember specific details, such as the name of a school, employer, or hometown, you can include these keywords to filter the results. ### Tips for Refining Your Search If your initial search does not yield results, try searching by the first letter of the person's last name using the alphabetical filter. Additionally, keep in mind that older obituaries may be listed under maiden names or formal legal names rather than nicknames. ## How to Contact SILive for Obituary Inquiries If you cannot find a listing or need to make changes to a published notice, you will need to contact the publication's support team. Because obituaries are classified as paid notices, they are handled by the advertising and classifieds department rather than the editorial newsroom.
### Submitting a New Obituary If you need to submit a new obituary or death notice, the most efficient method is to use the self-service portal on the SILive website. 1. Navigate to the SILive homepage and scroll to the footer. 2. Look for links labeled "Place an Ad," "Obituaries," or "Submit an Obituary." 3. Follow the prompts to create an account, input the text, upload photos, and select publication dates. ### Requesting Corrections or Updates If you notice an error in a published obituary, corrections must be requested promptly. To request a change: * **Go to the Source:** If a funeral home submitted the obituary on your behalf, contact the funeral director first. They have direct portals to update listings quickly. * **Contact Support Directly:** If you submitted the notice yourself, look for the "Help" or "Contact Us" links in the site's footer. This page will direct you to the current email address or phone number for the obituaries and classifieds department. ### Finding Current Contact Information Because phone numbers, email addresses, and support portals can change over time, the most reliable way to find active contact details is to check the official SILive contact directory. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click on "Contact Us" to view the most up-to-date directory for advertising, billing, and obituary support. ## The Role of Funeral Homes in the Process
For many families, the easiest way to handle obituary submissions and inquiries is through a licensed funeral home. Most funeral directors in the Staten Island area work directly with the *Staten Island Advance* and SILive. When you plan a service, the funeral home can draft, format, and submit the obituary on your behalf. They are also equipped to handle billing and can quickly coordinate corrections if details change. If you are working with a funeral home, reaching out to your funeral director is usually faster than contacting the publication directly. ## Accessing Historical Staten Island Obituaries If you are conducting genealogical research or looking for an obituary from several decades ago, the digital database on SILive may not contain the record.
### Digital Archive Limitations While SILive maintains a robust digital archive of recent decades, older historical records may not be fully digitized or searchable through the standard search bar. ### Local Library and Historical Archives For historical research, you may need to access archived physical copies or microfilm of the *Staten Island Advance*. Local resources include: * **The New York Public Library (NYPL):** Local branches in Staten Island often have access to historical databases and microfilm archives of local newspapers. * **Staten Island Historical Society:** Local historical societies and museums maintain archives of historical documents, family papers, and local publications that can assist in your search.
