Just found out my neighbour has died

[Dominospizza]

But not from a family member.
Another neighbour said “it’s sad about…” and I said I knew he was ill (I’m pretty sure he had cancer, but nothing confirmed, however he looked like he’d lost lots of weight when I last saw him).
We didn’t know the family well, and they are very private people. He was in his 60s and a heavy smoker.
But we did chat now and again and they were nice enough people, barring a few issues with parking wars.

My DP actually spoke to his wife yesterday and nothing was mentioned about the death of her husband (at this point neither of us knew about it).

So my question is, as we didn’t hear it directly from them - do we put a card through the letterbox saying thinking of you/acknowledge it in some way or do we wait until we hear it from the family?

I'd say it is fine to send a card now. Looking back at my DM's death, I received several cards from people who I'd never even met and I was very grateful for them.

When my Dad died my Mum received cards from people she hadn’t told. It was comforting to know there were people thinking of us.

Nothing wrong with sending a card, and it could be comforting. 'We've just heard that you've lost your dear N, so sorry ' or something.

Yes, pop a card through the door passing on your condolences. I had cards from people I only knew in passing when DH died, they meant a lot to me.

When my Dad died we told a neighbour who was also a friend & he kindly let all the other neighbours know.

It doesn't matter how you heard, a card would be appropriate

Be certain it’s absolutely true first. How does the neighbour know? Because my doubt would come from the fact your DP has spoken to his wife and she’s said nothing. Did she seem sad? Sometimes things snowball and false rumours can spread.

I’d make sure you are certain first , it was all over the town my parents live in that my dad had died a few years before we sadly did lose him - thankfully I quickly corrected people before cards etc arrived