Closing a bank account when someone passes away isn't difficult, as long as you have the right paperwork for the the teller or banker. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder.A sample form of Waiver of Account is included in this website. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. This free program will help you create the affidavit that you will need to file in Surrogate's Court.