WEST NEWTON, MASS. — Frank Barmakian, founder of F.B. Sales, Inc. passed away on Feb. 26 at the age of 86.

Barmakian entered the consumer electronics business in 1961 with Hetherington Sales in Weston, Mass., as a representative for McIntosh and KLH.

He started his own rep firm in 1969. Barmakian was instrumental in the launching of many specialty audio companies in New England, such as Yamaha, ADS, B&O, Aiwa and Sanus, according to the company.