Industry veteran Richard Waldinger died Jan. 12 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He was 86. A part owner of the Chromatic Pen Corp., Waldinger became a consultant after that company was sold. He continued to work in the industry up until a month before his death, consulting with Lakewood, NJ-based GMG Pens (asi/55583), according to son Tom Waldinger.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA, Waldinger worked in his father’s writing instruments company, Everlast Pens, while pursuing an MBA from New York University. Waldinger’s master’s thesis on specialty advertising launched his career in the industry.

During his long career, Waldinger received several patents for writing instruments. “He was always looking for a new idea,” said Tom. More important than pens, though, were people. “Relationships were extremely important to him,” Tom said. “He was very interested in collaborating with companies and in helping them place products to increase sales.”

In his spare time, Waldinger enjoyed sports, particularly basketball and tennis. “He was always looking for a tennis game,” Tom said.

Waldinger is survived by wife Bobbi; children Amy and Tom and their spouses Alan and Marcy; and grandchildren Jonathan, Andrew, Jason and Emily.