Max Nowicki obituary, forwarded to me by Pete Zorlanzan.

Matthew Caulfield

 - - -

Max M. Nowicki Sr., age 91, fondly known as "The Organ Man", of Milford,
Connecticut, died on Friday, February 24, 2012.  Mr. Nowicki was born
in Richmond, Virginia, on December 15, 1920, to the late Max Bernard
and Eleanor Nowicki.

Max was a 4th generation master organ builder and repair man.  The
ancient craft had been handed down through the generations from his
elders who originated in Poland.  Max's father literally brought the
art with him when he came to America at the age of 14.  His mother
helped his father carry the business while Max and his brothers, Walter
and Bob, served their country during World War Two.  Max served in the
876th Engineer Battalion during W.W.II.  He parachuted into areas and
then set up the landing lights for Allied planes to arrive and evacuate
the wounded.

After his father's death in 1948, Max carried on the business.  From
Maine to Florida and west to Ohio, he traveled throughout the country
building and repairing the many band organs, calliopes, church organs,
nickelodeons, pianos, and many early arcade games.  His trade took him
to the Smithsonian, Myrtle Beach, Central Park, Coney Island as well
many amusement parks and carnival shows.  Max mastered the art of
innovation -- creating parts for the band organs.  He will be missed
by the carnival people in the life that he loved so much.