January 26, 2004 -- Westmont, Illinois — Richard M. Connor, Director of Corporate Accounts and Regional Sales Manager for MAN Roland Inc., passed away on January 16th. "Dick Connor was the epitome of professionalism and class," said Vince Lapinski, Chief Operating Officer, Web Division, at MAN Roland Inc. "He loved the newspaper industry and its people and they loved him. His friends and colleague around the world will sorely miss him." Joining MAN Roland in May 2002, Connor served as the company’s executive liaison with top newspaper decision makers throughout North America. He also oversaw all newspaper press sales operations in the Eastern Region. For the previous 13 years, Connor was Executive Vice President of Marketing for Muller Martini’s GMA unit. He was responsible for both strategic and tactical marketing and sales there, directing the activities of all regional sales managers and support staff. From 1967 to 1988, he served in various executive posts for the ATF-Davidson Company in Whitinsville, Massachusetts — then a maker and distributor of small offset presses and supplies. Connor’s roles included Vice President of Marketing as well as Vice President and General Manager of that corporation.