It is with very unfortunate and solemn news that I announce that well-known Wurlitzer band organ arranger David E. Stumpf, who has arranged many rolls for the Style 125, 150, and 165 scales, has sadly passed away in his late 70s thanks to a post I saw on Instagram.

David was born in 1945 in Cumberland, MD and grew up in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and has lived and arranged in his parents' dwelling until his recent death. More at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/triblive-valley-news-dispatch/name/david-stumpf-obituary?pid=201981494 

While many organ fanatics haven't viewed David's work as the cream of the crop in band organ arrangements, given the fact his style of arranging never utilized register changes much to a degree per se.  However, I personally find most of his tunes pleasing to listen to and one benefit he did do in his arrangements was the use of using odd key signatures (for example, D Major and a tiny bit of F Major) interpreted to the style 150 scale, which lacks the full chromatic ability of the normal musical scale. A true dark horse ability!

I will also add that my favorite band organ roll of all time happens to be David Stumpf's "Children's Roll", W150 roll no. 13408 (no. 3275 for the W125), and my favorite arrangement on that roll is tune No. 8, "Puff the Magic Dragon" a well-loved song of mine. I absolutely think David did a fantastic job with this arrangement and this roll. A list of my favorite top 10 rolls arranged by David E. Stumpf follows in a separate message.

May you Rest In Peace, David Stumpf.

Andrew Lardieri
Voorhees, New Jersey