Sample Letter – Asking for a debt write-off when someone is deceased. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.One thing for sure is that the bank will want to know the specific reasons for the removal request as the next-to-kin. : Deletion of name of the deceased shareholder. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. Re: Deletion of name of the deceased shareholder. The Transfer on Death Letter of Authorization enables distribution of a decedent's account holdings upon death. The Transfer on Death Letter of Authorization enables distribution of a decedent's account holdings upon death. There may be a need to establish an account in the name of the estate.