Social security records of death are available online - is that enough, or do you need the actual certificate? I'm pretty sure it's public record, but you'll need to get it from the city/county the person died in.
I'm not really sure if I want to know why you need it, but the court house in that city/county has all the documents. They should be open to public record also.
$15k and i will give you the fucking address to pick it up... i've had to do it more than i care.... the person will need to prove their and either a sole heir or it was left to them. All capitals have this on record.... most ounties unlesss you live near the capital of your state. What city and state and i can tell you.