I let my Tech Plus license (1x3) lapse back around 2005. I retested in 2018/19 and now have an extra license. The person who was assigned my original call sign died in 2017 (I have the obit). I applied for a Vanity call as the original holder but it was rejected as "not available". I now see that my original call and the SK holder is still in "active" status, expiring in 2024. Is there any way that I could notify the FCC (send the obit?) and have my original call available without waiting until 2024?
Yes, they have a procedure for that. I'm not familiar with how it all works so I'd suggest contacting them directly.