Mike Saltzstein, the operator of the B&B Carousel passed away
unexpectedly either on late Wednesday night July 4, 2001, or early
Thursday morning July 5, 2001, according to Larry Villano.  He was
buried about 9:00 A.M. EDT Friday July 6, 2001.  I do not know the
cause of death at this time although details might be made available
over the next few days.

I do know the Mike Saltzstein was either about 56 or 57 years of
age at the time of his death.  He was known to have been a curmudgeon
and I did have my difficulties with him two years ago, but I managed
to get along with him otherwise and I had a lot of fun riding the
B&B Carousel while I was at Coney Island.

When Mike was in a reasonable mood I was able to have a little fun
with him and he seemed to have enjoyed watching me have fun riding
on the B&B Carousel and listening to the 65-key Gebrueder Bruder
"Elite Orchestra Apollo" organ which plays 66-key B.A.B. rolls.

It seems a shame that he passed away so suddenly as the last time
I was at Coney Island (Friday May 25, 2001) I was having a very good
time on the B&B Carousel and hoped to see him again, perhaps sometime
in September, but that now isn't going to be.  At least he saw me for
the last time having some fun on the B&B Carousel.

Jeff Alterman