Brian F. Saltern of Millerton, NY died on July 2, 2017 after a short but stoic battle with cancer. Brian, a local artist and activist was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on December 25, 1945, educated in the Wilson Borough Public Schools where he was a High School Honor Student, Co-captain of his High School Basketball and Football teams. He attended East Stroudsburg State College and Temple University for Journalism.

Post college, Brian became an activist in the anti-war and civil rights movements in the 60’s living in Philadelphia and Haight Asbury, attending the Chicago Democratic Convention protests in 1968. Moving to NYC in the early 70’s he 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 NYC venues including The Underground, Danceteria, Heartbreaks, 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 serving AIDs and cancer patients.

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, he started painting and became an early member of the 14th Colony Artist Group and the ArtEast Open Studio Tours exhibiting throughout the Northeast corner. Brian was also involved in The Fresh Air Fund Friendly Families program hosting children during the summer and school breaks from the city and overseas. Several of his young friends went on to receive scholarships to private high schools and college through Brian's mentorship.


In addition to Joni, his life partner of 30 years, Brian is survived by his beloved 18 year-old rescue dog Miles, his 97 year-old mother, Elizabeth Anshau Saltern, his sister, Brenda Caracuzzo, his loving mother-in-law, 91-year-old Helen Daidone and beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members including Bethany, Lloyd and Quinn Ranola, Alexander, Tracy, Sophia and Max Caracuzzo, Zachary and Matthew Daidone, Alexandra and Gabriel Brittman, Mohamed Bamba and Nikolai James Gritsouk and extended family members Ben, Carol, Joseph and Roseanne Daidone.

A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for late summer/early fall in both Millerton and Manhattan. The Celebration of Life Exhibit is planned for September 9th, 2017 at the Annex at the North East - Millerton Library from 4-8 pm. For those who would like to remember Brian, the family suggests donations to the North East Community Center, the North East – Millerton Library or the Dutchess ASPCA.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton , NY 12564.

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