Joseph B. Richter

Joe, born in Richmond, Virginia, was most proud to have graduated from Benedictine High School in 1965. He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, being honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He began working in the Consumer Electronics Industry to support himself while he attended Virginia Commonwealth University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in 1974.

Joe was hired by Mr. Bill Kasuga, one of the founders of Kenwood USA, in 1981. In 1984, he moved his family to California where Kenwood’s corporate offices were located, and he became the first non-Japanese President of Kenwood in 1993. He served on the Consumer Technology Association’s Board of Industry Leaders between 1997 to 1999 and again from 2000 to 2003. In 2004, he founded 3D, Incorporated, remaining in the CE realm as a consultant working on various projects.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Joseph B. Richter, Sr. and Anne K. Richter, of Richmond, VA. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Best-Richter, of Newport Coast, CA, daughter Stephanie N. Richter of Los Angeles, CA, son Joseph “Joey” B. Richter III of Seattle WA, son Brandon S. Best of Newport Coast, CA, sister Sandra R. Claytor and her husband Thomas, sister Sharon R. Williams, brother Stephen K. Richter and his wife Cathy, sister Susan R. Brooks and her husband Rodney along with many nieces and nephews, all in VA.

A celebration of life will take place in the future months in Richmond Virginia.