Answer:
Only the person or lender who owned the mortgage can discharge it.
In Massachusetts, if a mortgage discharge has not been provided by the mortgagee within a reasonable period of time, or when the mortgagee is no longer in business, there is a statutory scheme by which proof of payment in full can be recorded with an affidavit. You should speak to someone at your state attorney general's office or a private attorney if you are having difficulty obtaining a discharge for a paid mortgage.