Millerton, N.Y. Brian F. Saltern, 71, of Millerton, NY, died on July 2, 2017, after a relatively short but stoic battle with cancer. Brian was born in Easton, PA, and educated in the Wilson Borough Public Schools, where he was a high school honor student and co-captain of his high school basketball and football teams. He attended East Stroudsburg State College and Temple University for journalism. After college Brian was an activist in the anti-war and civil rights movement in the 60’s, living in Philadelphia and Haight Ashbury, attending the Chicago Democratic Convention protests in 1968. Moving to New York City in the early 70’s, Brian worked in a variety of careers, including stained glass, textile design and publishing. However, he is best known as a nightclub and music promoter for legendary New York City venues, including The Underground, Danceteria, Heartbreaks, and the Purple Barge, among others. Brian went on to work as a photo and video archivist for PBS/Channel Thirteen and a volunteer coordinator and fundraiser for Marianne Williamson’s Manhattan Center for Living. Brian and his life partner, Joan Daidone, first moved to Millerton as weekend residents in 1997, and became full-time residents in 2008. With the support of the local artist community, Brian started painting and became an early member of the 14th Colony Artist Group, the ArtEast Open Studio Tours and Fall for Art, exhibiting throughout the Northeast corner. Brian was also involved in The Fresh Air Fund Friendly Families program, hosting children from the city and overseas. In addition to Joni, his life partner of 30 years, Brian is survived by his beloved 18- year-old dog-child, Miles, his 97-year-old mother, Elizabeth, his sister, Brenda Caracuzzo, and beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, including Bethany, Lloyd and Quinn Ranolo, Alexander, Tracy, Sophia and Max Caracuzzo, and Zachary and Matthew Daidone, among others. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for late summer/early fall in Millerton, N.Y., and Manhattan, and will be announced. An exhibit of Brian’s artwork is being planned for the fall in Easton, PA. For those who would like to remember Brian, the family suggests donations to the ASPCA, The American Cancer Society
or a local Easton arts or children’s organization.
