Obituary

:If you are interested in the death metal band, see Obituary (band).

Content of obituaries

The content of obituaries varies, but (at least in American newspapers) usually follow a similar format:

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• The person's name, age, where he/she lived and death date and place. Sometimes, the circumstances surrounding the death are publicized as well.
• Information about visitation (time, date and place when they can view the corpse and visit with family members); the funeral, usually at a funeral home and/or church; and often, the burial site. Sometimes, the names of pallbearers are also listed.
• The decedent's birth date (along with a maiden name if the decedent was a female who married), his/her birth town and his/her parents (often along with the mother's maiden name included).
• Marriage information (name of spouse, date and location of marriage). Previous marriages, if any.
• Where the decedent was employed (and if he/she is now retired).
• Memberships, from social and religious to vocational.
• Hobbies, notable accomplishments and other interests, as appropriate.
• A listing of survivors, including spouse, children (and sometimes, their spouses), grandchildren, siblings and other close relatives and friends.
• A listing of close relatives who preceded the decedent in death. Unless the decedent is young or is survived by his/her mother or father, his/her parents are not listed (especially when the decedent is very old, as it is assumed the parents are also deceased).

While in the U.S. obituaries are almost always reverent and respectful, in Britain it is far more permissible for the writer to attack or mock the subject. An example is the Daily Telegraph's 2005 obituary of royal commentator Harold Brooks-Baker.

Related Topics:
Daily Telegraph - Harold Brooks-Baker

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