| The Akron Times (Independent Weekly) |
- Email (obituaries@akrontimes.com)Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Obituaries to The Akron Beacon Journal
The Akron Beacon Journal maintains a structured process for submitting obituaries to ensure accuracy, respect, and adherence to journalistic standards. This guide outlines the current submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and editorial workflow to facilitate a smooth and professional submission experience.
The submission process emphasizes clarity, brevity, and factual precision. Obituaries must include verified details such as the deceased’s full name, date of death, and key life achievements while adhering to word limits and tone guidelines. Below are the procedural steps, formatting expectations, and best practices to optimize acceptance and publication.
Current Submission Process and Documentation Requirements
Submissions to The Akron Beacon Journal are accepted via email, phone, or online form, with email being the preferred method. Required documentation includes:
- A death certificate (official copy or certified record) to verify the date and location of death.
- Contact information for the submitter, including full name, phone number, and email address.
- Funeral or memorial details, such as date, time, location, and any specific requests (e.g., donations in lieu of flowers).
- A digital photo (if applicable), adhering to the journal’s policies: high-resolution (300 DPI), unaltered, and in JPEG or PNG format. Photos must be submitted separately and labeled with the deceased’s name and date of death.
The obituary text itself should be submitted as a plain text file or Word document, with a maximum word count of 200–250 words. The journal reserves the right to edit for conciseness, tone, and factual accuracy. Submissions exceeding the word limit may be truncated or returned for revision.
Obituaries in The Akron Beacon Journal follow a standardized structure to ensure readability and respect for the deceased. Key elements include:
- Name and vital statistics: Full name, age at death, birthdate, and place of residence.
- Family mentions: Immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings) and surviving relatives, listed in order of relationship.
- Achievements and legacy: Career highlights, educational background, hobbies, or community involvement, presented chronologically or thematically.
- Funeral/memorial details: Date, time, location, and any additional instructions (e.g., visitation hours, obituary viewing).
- Closing remarks: A brief, dignified tribute or request for remembrance (e.g., donations, memorial contributions).
The tone should be neutral, factual, and reverent, avoiding hyperbolic language or overly emotional phrasing. Euphemisms (e.g., "passed away peacefully") are acceptable but should not overshadow concrete details. Proofread for grammatical errors and ensure consistency in dates, names, and titles.
Below is a well-formatted example incorporating all required elements. Key components are highlighted for clarity.
John Michael Thompson
1952–2024John Michael Thompson, 72, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 15, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born on March 3, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late James R. Thompson and Margaret A. Thompson (née Callahan). John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, cherished by his family. John graduated from Akron High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron in 1974. He began his career at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1975, where he spent 40 years contributing to innovative tire design and manufacturing processes. He retired in 2015 as a Senior Engineer and was recognized with the company’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. In his retirement, John enjoyed woodworking, volunteering at the Akron Art Museum, and mentoring young engineers through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan L. Thompson; three children, Emily Thompson (Akron), Michael J. Thompson (Canton), and David A. Thompson (Akron); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Thompson. A memorial service will be held on June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 123 Maple Avenue, Akron. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Akron Children’s Hospital or the Akron Art Museum in John’s name.
Checklist of Common Submission Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an obituary with errors or omissions can delay publication or result in rejection. The following checklist highlights frequent pitfalls and corrective actions:
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Incomplete vital statistics: Ensure the deceased’s full name, age, birthdate, and residence are included. Omitting any of these may require resubmission.
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Exceeding word limits: Obituaries over 250 words will be edited down, potentially losing critical details. Use concise language and prioritize key information.
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Overly emotional or hyperbolic language: Phrases like "beloved hero" or "taken too soon" may be rejected for lack of factual balance. Focus on verifiable achievements and relationships.
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Missing funeral details: Omissions such as dates, locations, or contact information for the funeral home can cause publication delays. Verify all logistics before submission.
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Unverified claims: Including unverified titles, awards, or relationships without documentation may lead to editorial corrections or rejection. Cross-check all details.
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Poor photo submission: Low-resolution images, altered photos, or files with incorrect labels will not be used. Submit high-quality, labeled images separately.
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Incorrect contact information: Providing outdated or incorrect submitter details can hinder follow-up communications. Double-check phone numbers and email addresses.
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Grammatical or typographical errors: Spelling mistakes, incorrect dates, or inconsistent formatting reflect poorly on the submission. Proofread thoroughly or use professional services.
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Failure to include a death certificate: Submissions without official documentation will not be processed. Always attach or reference the death certificate.
Editorial Review Process and Publication Timeline
The Akron Beacon Journal follows a structured editorial review process to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. The timeline and steps are as follows:1. Initial Submission (Day 1):
The obituary and supporting documents are received by the obituaries department. Staff verify the death certificate and contact the submitter for clarification if additional details are required. 2. Editorial Review (Days 2–3):
A designated editor reviews the obituary for factual accuracy, tone, and formatting. Corrections may be requested, such as date discrepancies, missing family names, or overly promotional language. 3. Proofreading (Day 4):
The corrected draft is proofread for grammar, consistency, and adherence to word limits. The submitter may be contacted for final approval of edits. 4. Approval and Scheduling (Days 5–7):
Once approved, the obituary is scheduled for publication based on available space. Obituaries are typically published within 7–10 business days of submission, though urgent requests may be accommodated. 5. Publication and Follow-Up (Day 7–14):
The obituary appears in the print edition and online archives. The submitter may receive a digital copy for verification. Corrections or updates can be requested within 14 days of publication. Note: Rush requests or same-day submissions are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. The journal prioritizes obituaries based on submission date and editorial capacity.
The evolution of digital archives has transformed obituary research, offering accessible platforms to locate historical and contemporary notices in Akron. Users can leverage specialized databases, newspaper archives, and subscription-based services to retrieve obituaries with precision. Below are three prominent online resources, their search capabilities, cost structures, and historical coverage, alongside practical guidance for accessing The Akron Beacon Journal’s digital records and verifying obituary accuracy.
Comparison of Three Online Obituary Databases
Three widely used platforms—Legacy.com, GenealogyBank, and The Akron Beacon Journal’s archives—provide distinct advantages for obituary searches. Each varies in search filters, subscription models, and the depth of historical records available for Akron and Summit County.
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Legacy.com
A consolidated obituary database aggregating notices from over 4,000 sources, including The Beacon Journal.
- Search Filters: Allows filtering by name, location (e.g., Akron, Summit County), date range, and keyword (e.g., funeral home, cause of death). Advanced filters include gender and age ranges.
- Subscription Cost: Free basic searches with limited results. Full access requires a subscription ($7.99/month or $59.95/year), though some obituaries are available without payment via partnerships.
- Historical Coverage: Dates back to the 1970s for many regions, with Akron-specific records extending to the early 20th century in select cases. Notices are often transcribed verbatim from original sources.
- Notable Feature: Offers a "Death Records" section linking to state vital records, though these require separate verification.
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GenealogyBank
Specializes in historical newspapers and obituaries, with a strong focus on U.S. regional coverage.
- Search Filters: Supports name, location (city/county), date, and keyword searches. Includes a "Death Records" filter for obituaries, social security notices, and military death records.
- Subscription Cost: Free trial available; standard subscription costs $9.95/month or $79.95/year. Institutional access (e.g., libraries) may offer discounted rates.
- Historical Coverage: Spans from the 1600s to the present, with Akron obituaries dating as far back as the 1800s in digitized editions of The Beacon Journal and other local papers.
- Notable Feature: Provides full-page newspaper images, allowing users to verify obituaries against original publications.
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The Akron Beacon Journal’s Digital Archives
The primary source for local obituaries, offering direct access to published notices and historical editions.
- Search Filters: Enables searches by name, date, keyword, and section (e.g., "Obituaries"). Advanced options include filtering by funeral home or memorial service details.
- Subscription Cost: Free access to recent obituaries (typically last 30–90 days). Full digital archive access requires a subscription ($3.99/month or $39.99/year). Print editions may be purchased for older issues.
- Historical Coverage: Digital archives extend to 1999; print editions (available via microfilm or physical copies) cover earlier periods (e.g., 1870s–present). The newspaper’s obituary section has been published daily since 1921.
- Notable Feature: Includes interactive maps of Akron cemeteries and links to funeral home websites for additional context.
Accessing The Akron Beacon Journal’s Digital Obituary Archives
The Akron Beacon Journal maintains a comprehensive digital archive, accessible through its website and third-party platforms. Users can navigate obituaries via the newspaper’s search tools, request copies of older print editions, and utilize advanced filters to refine results.
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Navigating the Website
The official Beacon Journal website provides a user-friendly interface for searching obituaries, with options to filter by date and keyword.
- Visit https://www.akronbeaconjournal.com and select the "Obituaries" tab from the main menu.
- Use the search bar to enter a name, funeral home (e.g., "Dignity Memorial"), or keyword (e.g., "Summit County").
- Apply date filters to narrow results (e.g., "Last 7 days" or "1999–2023").
- Click on a result to view the full obituary, which may include photos, memorial links, and funeral home contact information.
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Advanced Search Features
The newspaper’s search engine supports Boolean operators and proximity searches for precise queries.
- Combine terms using operators:
- AND: "John Doe AND Akron" (returns results with both terms).
- OR: "Smith OR Jones" (returns results with either name).
- NOT: "William NOT Wilson" (excludes unrelated matches).
- Use quotation marks for exact phrases: "John Doe, 75, passed away peacefully".
- Search by funeral home or cemetery name to locate related obituaries (e.g., "Forest Lawn Cemetery").
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Requesting Copies of Older Print Editions
Obituaries published before 1999 require access to physical archives or microfilm. The Beacon Journal and local institutions offer retrieval services.
- Contact the Obituaries Department via email or phone (330-996-3733) to request copies of pre-1999 editions.
- Visit the Summit County Public Library to access microfilm reels of The Beacon Journal (available for on-site use or interlibrary loan).
- For digitized requests, submit a form through the library’s website or the newspaper’s archives portal, specifying the date range and obituary details.
- Fees may apply for high-resolution scans or expedited requests (typically $5–$20 per copy).
Verifying the Accuracy of Online Obituaries
Obituaries found online may contain errors due to transcription mistakes, outdated information, or conflicting sources. Cross-referencing with official records, social media memorials, and funeral home documentation ensures accuracy.
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Cross-Referencing with Death Records
Vital records from state agencies or county clerks provide verified dates of death, full names, and causes of death.
- Obtain a death certificate from the Ohio Department of Health or Summit County Recorder’s Office (fees apply, typically $15–$20 per copy).
- Compare the obituary’s details (e.g., age, date of death, surviving family) with the official record.
- Note discrepancies, such as mismatched birth years or incorrect middle names, which may indicate errors in the obituary.
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Checking Social Media Memorials
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Obituary Submissions
Obituary submissions in Ohio, particularly through publications like The Akron Beacon Journal, intersect with legal requirements, ethical publishing standards, and family privacy concerns. Compliance with state regulations ensures accuracy and legal validity, while adherence to ethical guidelines preserves dignity and avoids exploitation of sensitive information. This section examines Ohio’s legal framework for death notices, ethical policies of The Beacon Journal, and comparative practices of other major newspapers to provide clarity for families and submitters.
Legal Requirements for Obituary Submissions in Ohio
Ohio law does not mandate obituary publication, but submissions must align with legal standards to avoid misrepresentation or defamation risks. The primary legal considerations include:
Documentation and Verification
Submissions typically require a death certificate as proof of the deceased’s passing, issued by the Ohio Department of Health or a local registrar. While The Akron Beacon Journal does not legally enforce this requirement, providing a death certificate ensures compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 3107.31, which governs vital records. False or misleading information in an obituary could lead to:
- Civil liability for defamation if factual inaccuracies harm the deceased’s reputation posthumously.
- Criminal charges under Ohio’s false reporting laws (e.g., ORC § 2913.31), though these are rarely pursued for obituaries unless fraudulent intent is evident.
- Rejection or correction by the newspaper, which may delay publication or require legal disclaimers.
Timing and Jurisdictional Rules
Ohio law does not restrict obituary publication timing, but newspapers may impose internal deadlines (e.g., 48–72 hours for print editions). Cross-jurisdictional submissions (e.g., deaths occurring outside Ohio) must comply with the laws of the state where the death was recorded, though The Beacon Journal generally accepts out-of-state certificates if properly authenticated. Examples of Legal Consequences
In 2018, a family in Toledo faced a libel lawsuit after a competitor’s obituary falsely accused the deceased of embezzlement. While obituaries are protected under fair report privilege (ORC § 2745.01) if based on public records, editorialized or unverified claims may not be shielded. The Beacon Journal’s legal team reviews submissions for potential risks, though families bear ultimate responsibility for accuracy.
Ethical Guidelines for Obituary Publishing
The Akron Beacon Journal adheres to a Code of Ethics modeled after the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), with additional protocols for obituaries to balance public interest with family privacy. Key ethical principles include:Handling Sensitive Information
Obituaries must avoid:
- Exploitative details, such as graphic descriptions of the cause of death (e.g., violent or suicide-related deaths), unless the family explicitly requests inclusion. The Beacon Journal defers to the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 3.6) for cases involving legal restrictions on disclosure.
- Controversial or politically charged language, unless directly tied to the deceased’s public role (e.g., a politician’s career). The newspaper’s editorial policy prohibits partisan statements unless approved by the obituaries editor.
- Unverified claims, including personal disputes or financial controversies. Families may be asked to provide documentation (e.g., court records) before inclusion.
Privacy and Family Requests
Families may request modifications or omissions for ethical or personal reasons. The Beacon Journal’s policy prioritizes:
- Respecting religious or cultural sensitivities, such as omitting details about end-of-life rituals if requested.
- Protecting minors’ privacy, including withholding names or ages of surviving children unless the family consents.
- Avoiding doxxing risks, such as publishing addresses or unlisted phone numbers of survivors.
Comparative Policies of Major Newspapers
While The Beacon Journal follows a moderate approach, other publications have stricter or more lenient policies:
| Newspaper | Political Statements | Controversial Details | Privacy Requests | Verification Standards |
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| The New York Times | Allowed for public figures only | Restricted unless documented | Strict; requires written family consent | High; fact-checks all claims |
| The Cleveland Plain Dealer | Prohibited unless career-related | Limited to verified facts | Moderate; honors requests unless public interest overrides | Medium; relies on death certificates |
| The Akron Beacon Journal | Prohibited unless approved | Omitted unless family consents | Flexible; negotiates case-by-case | Low-moderate; no strict legal enforcement |
Privacy Request Letter Template
Families wishing to modify or omit details from an obituary may submit a formal privacy request to The Akron Beacon Journal. Below is a template for such a letter, which should be sent via email to obituaries@thebeaconjournal.com or mailed to the newspaper’s editorial department.
Your Name
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]Obituaries Editor
The Akron Beacon Journal
1 Independence Mall
Akron, OH 44308
obituaries@thebeaconjournal.com Subject: Privacy Request for Obituary of [Deceased’s Full Name] Dear Obituaries Editor, I am writing to formally request the following modifications to the proposed obituary for [Deceased’s Full Name], published in your upcoming edition on [date]. These changes are made in accordance with [family’s reason: e.g., religious sensitivity, privacy concerns, or ethical objections]. Requested Changes/Omissions:
1. [Specify detail to omit, e.g., "Cause of death: Omit mention of [specific condition]."]
2. [Specify detail to modify, e.g., "Survivors: Replace ‘John Doe, 30’ with ‘John Doe, age at time of death.’"]
3. [Additional requests, if applicable.] Justification:
[Provide concise reasoning, e.g., "Our family requests the omission of [detail] due to [reason], such as [religious beliefs/cultural practices/privacy concerns]."] Alternative Suggestion (if applicable):
[Propose a revised phrasing, e.g., "Instead of ‘passed away peacefully,’ we suggest ‘after a brief illness.’"] Documentation Attached (if applicable):
[List any supporting documents, e.g., "Attached: Copy of death certificate with redacted sensitive information."] Please confirm in writing that these changes have been implemented before publication. For urgent matters, contact me at [phone number] or [email]. Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Relationship to Deceased, e.g., "Spouse of [Name]"]
Notes for Submission:
- Deadlines: Requests should be submitted at least 48 hours before the print deadline (check The Beacon Journal’s obituary submission guidelines for exact timelines).
- Documentation: While not always required, providing a death certificate with redactions strengthens the request.
- Follow-Up: The newspaper typically responds within 24–48 hours via email or phone.
Navigating the submission and discovery of obituaries in Akron demands a blend of historical awareness, technical proficiency, and ethical diligence. From structuring a compelling tribute to verifying digital archives, each step plays a critical role in preserving legacies with integrity. The Akron Beacon Journal’s evolving platform underscores the importance of adaptability in memorialization, offering families and researchers alike a reliable resource. By leveraging the insights and tools outlined here, individuals can honor lives lived with precision, respect, and lasting impact.
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