Thanks for the tip about contacting the Erie County NY Library.
FYI
I received this reply from askus@buffalolib.org
Thank you for using AskUs. We can check our local newspapers for five days after the date of death when the exact date (month day year) is known. We charge $15 for each name searched and will send the bill with the copies. If this is agreeable to you, please send us your postal address and we will proceed.