More than just death notices, obituaries are miniature biographies. They offer us a peek into a person’s life and the community they lived in.
In Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley, obituaries are especially meaningful. The area’s history as a hub for anthracite coal mining and its economic ups and downs have shaped the community’s identity. As such, the obituaries published in Wilkes-Barre offer a glimpse into the lives of coal miners, factory workers, business owners, and others who helped build the region.
This article explores the history and significance of obituaries in Wilkes-Barre, including where to find them and what they tell us about the area’s past.