Lost TV box and remote

Never watched much TV and I know when I completely stopped and why in 2011.  We had 2 working TVs and I

disposed of both.  What happened to the TV box or remote I don't know, whether they were returned or not, I live in rural Vermont, there was no Comcast drop off place anywhere around at that time (or at this time?) -- I do remember we had a TV box, I think, it belonged to the local cable company Comcast sucked up --I didn't realise I would pay hundreds of dollars in charges for it and a cheap remote --  both actually worth, what?, maybe $20 --

I didn't pay much attention to the continuing TV equipment charges on my bill -- until I switched to a plan without TV service & noticed that the TV equipment charges continued.  Every time I contacted Comcast, I asked about these charges

& was told I had to return the TV box and remote before they could be dropped.  They weren't in my possession,

so what could I do?

Finally, on my most recent contact earlier this year, I talked to a sympathetic customer service person about the charges -- she said she would see that they were canceled. After all, I had paid for this equipment many times over by then.

But the charges returned -- she may have lied to me, which I doubt -- or she was overruled or the system just did what systems do.  It took me until now to notice because I had signed up for autopay & didn't look at the monthly bills.  I admit to not paying attention -- but even if I had, what could I do?   After my father's death 5 years ago, when we tried to close his account, Comcast refused until we returned the equipment -- the company had no choice but to charge a dead man -- We live all over the country -- finally, after 3 years, when his condo was being sold, I went through a big hassle -- nothing is simple with Comcast --  to return the equipment. He'd had Comcast service for 20+ years and I'm sure he too had paid the price of this equipment many times over. 

Because I don't have the equipment, I guess I'll be chained to Comcast until I'm in my own grave & leave the equipment charges to  my descendants.  Maybe I'll have to provide for them in my will.

I understand others have similar issues, with perhaps fewer lapses than mine  -- but has anyone found a solution?