The CE industry is mourning the death of two beloved dealers who passed away on the eve of CES.
Robert “Bob” White, age 57, VP and partner in Bjorn’s Audio Video, died on Dec. 23.
White began his career with Bjorn’s in 1980 and became a partner in the business in the late 1980s. He helped build Bjorn’s into a nationally recognized business and greatly contributed to the continual growth of the company over the years.
He is survived by his wife Jeannie, daughters Margaret and Kathryn, son Matthew, their spouses and four grandchildren.
Donations in his memory may be made to Texas Lutheran University/Development Office, Attn. Bob White Choral Scholarship, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
A.J. Richard, 95, chairman of regional CE and majap powerhouse P.C. Richard & Sons, died Dec. 28 of pneumonia.
Born Alfred Joseph, he took over what was then his father’s hardware business in Brooklyn and started it on a path that would lead to the creation of today’s 49-store chain. Richard served as company president until 1980. The 95-year-old company is run by Richard’s sons Gary, president and CEO, and Peter, executive VP.
The family has asked that donations be made in memory of A.J. Richard to Our Lady of Consolation, 111 Beach Dr. West Islip, N.Y., 11795 or to the Heed Foundation, 205 South Service Rd., Plainview, N.Y., 11803.