Richard F. O’Brion, 89, of Wyckoff, N.J., died on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Industry veterans affectionately knew him as “The Pope.” He retired as an executive vice president for JVC Corporation of America, in charge of the company’s entire U.S. operations, and was one of the key individuals who introduced the VHS format. O’Brion was also identified with the early days of Sony’s broadcast and professional business, and worked for Ampex and Allan Dumont Laboratories during his career.
Born in Milton, Mass., O’Brion lived in Wyckoff for 38 years. He was a World War II Navy veteran and earned the Silver Star, one of the military’s highest decorations, for gallantry in action.
Surviving are his daughters, Candace Ahto and her husband, Charles, of Florham Park, Robyn O’Brion of Garfield, and Kimberly O’Brion and her husband Charles Esty of Albuquerque, N.M. O’Brion’s wife Barbara (nee Frank) passed away in 2004.
O’Brion was buried on July 11 at the Wyckoff Reformed Church Cemetery.
