Finding a specific tribute in the First State isn't as straightforward as it used to be. You'd think a quick search would do it. Usually, it doesn't. Since the digital landscape shifted, many locals are still typing "Delaware State News" into search bars, unaware that the branding has largely moved under the Bay to Bay News umbrella.
It's a bit of a mess for families trying to find a digital record of a loved one. Honestly, if you're looking for Delaware State News obituaries, you aren't just looking for a name and a date. You’re looking for a legacy.
The Digital Shift: Where Did the Paper Go?
For years, the Delaware State News was the heartbeat of Dover and the surrounding Kent County. It felt permanent. But in the last few years, the parent company, Independent Newsmedia, pivoted hard toward a digital-first model. They launched Bay to Bay News. Now, the "Daily State News" still exists as a print edition, but the online home for those records is shared with a dozen other community papers.
This creates a weird hurdle. If you go to the old URL, you might get redirected. If you search on a third-party site, you might find a stub with no photo.
Most people don't realize that Delaware State News obituaries are now deeply integrated with Legacy.com. That’s where the actual "Guestbook" lives. If you want to leave a comment or see that photo of Uncle Joe from 1985, you’re likely leaving the local newspaper’s site entirely.
Why the "Newszap" Name Still Pops Up
You might see the word "Newszap" floating around in your browser's address bar. It sounds like a 2004 tech startup. Basically, that was the old digital platform for Independent Newsmedia. Even in 2026, some of the backend architecture still points there. It’s confusing, but it’s legitimate.
How to Actually Find an Obituary Without Losing Your Mind
Don't just use Google. Well, use it, but be specific. If you just type a name, you’ll get hit with those "people search" sites that want $19.99 to tell you a middle initial.
- Start at the source. Go directly to the Delaware Obituaries section on the Bay to Bay News site.
- Use the "Daily State News" filter. Since the site covers everything from Salisbury to Middletown, you need to filter for the Dover/State News edition to narrow it down.
- Check the Archives. For anything older than a few years, the "live" site won't help much. You'll need to head over to GenealogyBank or the Delaware Public Archives.
The Delaware Public Archives in Dover is a goldmine. They have microfilm, sure, but they’ve also digitized a staggering amount of records. If the person passed away before the internet became the "everything store," the Archives are your best bet.
The Cost of Saying Goodbye
People get sticker shock. Placing Delaware State News obituaries isn't cheap. It starts around $55 for a basic notice, but that price climbs fast. If you want a photo, a longer narrative, or multiple days in print, you’re looking at hundreds of dollars.
Is it worth it?
Some families are opting for "social media obituaries" instead. They just post a long tribute on Facebook. But there’s a catch. Facebook accounts can be deleted. Digital platforms go dark. A paid obituary in a recognized outlet like the State News provides a permanent, searchable record that genealogical databases pick up.
It’s about the "paper of record" status. When you pay for that spot, you’re ensuring that 50 years from now, a great-grandchild can find that story.
What most people get wrong about "Death Notices"
An obituary and a death notice aren't the same thing. People use them interchangeably, but they shouldn't. A death notice is basically a legal classified ad. It’s short. It has the facts. "John Doe died on Tuesday, services at 10 AM."
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An obituary is the story. It’s where you mention he loved the Phillies and made the world's worst chili. In Delaware, if you're submitting to the State News, you can choose either, but the "full story" is what ends up in the searchable Legacy archives.
The 2026 Reality: Digital Legacies
We’re seeing a big trend toward "living" obituaries. On the Bay to Bay platform, these entries now often include video tributes.
I’ve noticed more families are including QR codes in the print version. You scan the paper with your phone, and it takes you to a gallery of the person’s life. It’s a weird mix of old-school ink and new-school tech.
But there are limitations. Some people feel it’s too public. In 2022, there was actually a bill in the Delaware Senate (House Bill 274) to stop requiring name changes to be published in newspapers because of privacy and safety concerns. That same spirit of privacy is starting to bleed into the obituary world.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you’re tasked with handling this, here is exactly what you need to do:
- Gather the "Must-Haves": You need the full name, age, city of residence, and date of death. Don't guess on the date.
- Check the Funeral Home First: Most funeral homes in Kent and Sussex County include an obituary submission in their package. They usually have a direct portal to the State News. Use them. It saves you the headache of formatting.
- Draft Offline: Don’t write the tribute in the submission box. Use Word or Google Docs. The submission sites can time out, and losing a heartfelt 500-word tribute is devastating.
- Proofread for "Hidden" Facts: Did they work for the state? Were they a veteran? Mention it. These are the keywords future historians use to find your family.
- The "Photo Rule": Use a high-resolution headshot. If you use a blurry photo from a 2010 flip phone, it’ll look like a smudge in the print edition.
If you're just a researcher, keep your search terms broad. Instead of just "John Smith obituary," try "John Smith Dover DE 2025."
The way we remember people in Delaware is changing, but the Delaware State News obituaries remain the primary thread in the state's historical fabric. Whether it’s through a screen or a physical page, these stories are how we keep the "small wonder" feeling like a community.
To get started with a search, your first stop should always be the official Bay to Bay News obituary portal or the Delaware Public Archives if you're looking for someone from the 20th century. If you are submitting a new notice, contact the "Obit Desk" directly at (888) 823-8554 to ensure it hits the print deadline for the next morning.