I heard from Ruth Kromer today that her husband, William H. "Bill"
Kromer Jr., of Wayne, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 17th.
Bill was a long-time MBSI member and was busy repairing players
when we first met in the early 1970s.  He was a great character and
a do-it-yourselfer of the first order.

A visit to his basement was a unique experience.  A huge pot-belly
wood stove, fed on scrap wood, provided winter heat.  A South Bend
lathe, a Shopsmith and a few other tools provided the means to make
all sorts of band organ parts, including unit valves, gears and pipes
(including flageolet pipes made of old maple mop handles).  A typical
visit included an animated conversation about solving valve and bellows
problems.  Bill's solutions were ingenious, often involving old
furniture parts and plumbing supplies.

He began as a "Mr. Fix-It" repairing radios, TV's and other electrical
things.  The business soon turned to player pianos and organs.  He
would keep old, over-used organs playing in parks and on carousels.
He would sell 8-track and cassette band organ tapes to carnival owners.
He played his DeKleist trumpet organ (converted to Wurlitzer rolls) in
parades well into his 80s.  Anyone meeting Bill would remember the
experience.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 Nov. 5th at Church of the
Savior, Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Phil Jamison
West Chester, Pennsylvania