Reply To: nichum aveilim when one doesn’t know the niftar/family

that’s easy, as then there’s no expectation to say anything. After Davening, “hamakom yinacheim” and leave.

there is comfort by being there. The question is the awkwardness. Because in most situations people don’t just check in, say hamakom yinacheim and leave. They’re supposed to sit there and say something, unless there are enough people doing the job for him.