Below is a note I wrote for the Southeast Chapter of MBSI.

  Eulogy for Robert (Fritz) Gellerman

MBSI has lost one of our great ones.  Robert (Fritz) Gellerman passed
away suddenly on June 13, 2011, at age 82.  Many of us knew Fritz well
from his years of attendance at musical box meetings and his talks
(lectures).  He was one of the world's experts on reed organs, having
written at least four books on the subject, the last being "The American
Reed Organ and the Harmonium," published in 1996 by Vestal Press.

Fritz was an enthusiast of all organs, big and small, and was always
willing to bring his expertise to discussions of the same.  He formerly
owned a North Tonawanda band organ that he brought to a number of band
organ rallies.

Fritz was born in Minnesota and graduated from University of Minnesota
with a degree in electrical engineering.  He spent his working career
in telecommunications, with many years in Latin America, chiefly Panama.
He lived in Florida after retirement and in Gainesville, Florida, for
the last two years.

He suffered a number of family tragedies.  His wife passed away in
1992.  His daughter was killed in an auto accident in 1993.  And some
years later, his son was also killed in an auto accident.

Although not known for his smile, Fritz had a great sense of humor and
was a devoted companion to Nita in his last ten years.

He will be greatly missed by all.

Howard Sanford