Vicki, it's been four years since you posted your query, and I don't know if your search has been completed. I just checked a few websites, in an effort to help you, and this is what I found :

Rootsweb's version of the online Social Security Death Index
http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi
has an entry for a man named Howard TANAKA, born Sep. 8, 1957. He died in Feb. 1980.

This man's birthplace and names of his parents would be on the SS-5 form he filled out when he applied for his Social Security card. RootsWeb has a form letter which can be used to apply for a copy of the SS-5. That website also allows one to post an annotation (Add Post-em) to any entry---such as a plea for contact with any relatives who happen to see your Post-em.

The SSDI never gives the place of death. If the state is known or guessed at, one applies to the state bureau of vital statistics in the state capital.

A man named Howard S. TANAKA, was born on Feb. 2, 1936. He generated a record of some type (such as a drivers license application or voter registration) while a resident of zip code 03060---which I know is Nashua, NH. I found this at :

http://dbserver.anybirthday.com/amehcs/WEBDB.asearch.show

His date of birth and zip code were obtained for free. His address, which may not be current, costs a fee. Or you can check Switchboard.com, which is a nationwide telephone directory.

The same name and city of Nashua occur at :

http://preview.ussearch.com/preview/newsearch?searchtab=peop...

That website (US SEARCH) sells background reports and public records of various types. I have no experience with any website that charges a fee.

Reg Niles
RegNMINiles@cs.com