Anita, et. all, My family always uses Lane Funeral Home on Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY. When my uncle died, a few years ago, I asked if they could tell me the date of my aunt's death, as she died while I was in Europe. Mr Lane gave me the exact date of death and burial. My point being, that "Mortuary Records" can be helpful as secondary sources because the info usually is supplied by survivors. If the person was ill, (s)he may have given the info, which makes the source primary info. And, if the deceased is a child, the info is generally from a parent, which also makes it primary source. I plan on corresponding with you regarding your Italian ancestry, as soon as I can "get out from under". Italian research is getting popular. Hang in there...I'll be back. Working on my husband's families (he's the Italian), Ellen Colangelo <apri@pcom.net>