Hi NYS has Death Certificates since 1881 for Upstate New York (outside of NYC) and a Genealogy Copy can be ordered at the following URL for $22. This is for a Death Record that is "over 50 years" unless you are next of kin. http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/genealogy.htm You can also contact the City/Village or Town Clerk where the person D directly and I have found this method to be faster and better. So I suggest you get the exact location of the Death (not the residence) of your people and make a TC to the Clerk and confirm the charge. Then Snail Mail a request direct. Good Luck Pat R