The funeral services for Scott Fitlin, the operator and DJ extraordinaire of Coney Island’s Eldorado Bumper Cars were on Friday in Long Island. At 9 am in front of the Eldorado, guests began boarding a chartered bus. We’re told that while the passengers waited for everyone to arrive, a friend rolled up the steel doors of the Eldorado, put on some music, and turned up the volume in tribute to Scotty.
By 10 am, the bus had left Surf Avenue. Before the friend locked up and left to go to the funeral, he paid one more tribute to Scotty: He turned on the lights of the Eldorado’s dazzling marquee and the neon lights in the ticket booth. That’s why we found the Eldorado all lit up, though it was closed, when we got to Coney Island at 4:30 and took these photos. The lights were still blazing at midnight when we passed by on our way home. The friend returned the next morning and turned off the Eldorado’s lights for the 2010 season. RIP Scott, your passion for Coney Island and knowledge of its history were greatly admired. You will be missed more than you could ever know.
Related posts on ATZ…
March 30, 2012: 60 Years of Family History in Coney Island End with Sale of Eldorado
November 18, 2010: Good News from Coney Island! Eldorado “Bump Your Ass Off” Bumper Cars To Reopen
October 13, 2010: Rest in Peace: Scott Fitlin, Coney Island’s Eldorado Man
March 14, 2010: Eldorado Auto Skooter: Coney Island’s Disco Palace of Bumper Cars
I can’t imagine a better tribute. RIP, Scott.
The Coney Island History Project has posted a very moving excerpt from an audio interview that Scott did with CIHP director Charles Denson
http://www.coneyislandhistory.org/news/?p=484
After hearing of Scott’s passing I googled for some info….why am I not surprised that he had so many friends. He will be missed.