It is with great sadness that I report the unexpected passing of my
friend Frank Himpsl. I was contacted yesterday by one of his daughters
who informed me that he had passed away at his home a few days ago.
Frank was 66.

Many of you will remember Frank as a frequent contributor to MMD
and as the former curator of Don Neilson's American Treasure Tour
collections now located in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

Frank was an avid collector of music rolls and had vast knowledge
of mechanical music history, manufacturers, devices and instruments,
music composers, roll artists, and musicology. He was also a very
talented pianist and composer skilled in all genres of music, but
with a special affinity for ragtime music and its history.

A fact less known in the mechanical music world is that Frank had
a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rutgers University and had an lengthy
career in industry working for several major companies, including
Engelhard Corporation in New Jersey.

Frank was an only child, and was predeceased by his wife Amanda in
2016. He is survived by his three daughters and by his father-in-law
and mother-in-law.

In accordance with his wishes there will be no ceremony or funeral,
and his ashes will be interred in New Jersey beside his parents.

Gene Gerety