The Boston Herald Obituaries

Let’s talk about obituaries. Not the sad, dusty kind you skip over. The Boston Herald obituaries. They are a wild, wonderful animal.

Think of them as tiny biographies with a Boston accent. They’re not just death notices. They are love letters to real, messy, brilliant lives.

Quirky Facts You Can’t Unsee

Did you know some obits include the deceased’s favorite parlor game? It’s true. One person’s final public mention was a shout-out to Scrabble.

Another obit bragged about a person winning seven straight rounds of Bingo at the parish hall. That’s a legacy. A Bingo dynasty.

You’ll also find pet names for spouses. “Beloved wife of ‘Scooter’ for 52 years.” Scooter, not Edward. Amazing.

The Secret Sauce: Local Details

These obituaries are deeply, hilariously specific. One person’s greatest achievement? Perfecting the clam chowder recipe for the church potluck.

Another was remembered for always yelling “Go Sox!” during the seventh-inning stretch. Even while at a funeral. Respect.

You’ll see words like “tough” and “salt of the earth” used as badges of honor. It’s a Boston thing. A good thing.

Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather

Why They’re So Fun to Read

Reading them feels like eavesdropping on a family reunion. You learn who was the best at fixing a leaky faucet. Who made the worst joke at every holiday dinner.

They mention jobs you forgot existed. “He was a button inspector for 40 years.” Or “She drove the MBTA bus route 66.” Iconic.

Every obit is a little time capsule. They include slang from the 1950s. “He was a real smooth operator at the dance hall.” I’m hooked.

The Best Part? Surprising Honesty

Some obits include passive-aggressive digs. “She is survived by her family, and her plants that she loved more than most people.” Ouch. Funny.

One person’s obit noted they never returned a borrowed book. That’s a gentle, public roast. I love it.

You’ll also see final requests. “No flowers, but please tell a bad joke in her memory.” Or “Wear something red, not black.” How cool is that?

Members of the Kennedy family gather for funeral of Ethel Kennedy

How to Dive In

Head to the Boston Herald website. Click the “Obituaries” section. It’s a treasure hunt.

Look for the longest ones. Those are the lives with juicy stories. The short ones are still worth reading—everyone has a highlight.

Notice the nicknames. “Spike,” “Butch,” “Muffy.” They tell you everything about a person. A nickname is a gift.

A Final Thought (No Pun)

These obituaries remind us that life is wonderfully weird. That a person can be remembered for their pie, their fishing trips, or their loud laugh.

They make death feel less scary. More like a party you almost wish you could attend. Almost.

So next time you’re bored, skip the news. Read a Herald obit. You’ll smile, you’ll laugh, and you’ll feel a little more alive. Trust me.