MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems

LOCUST VALLEY, NY – Vincent Jachetta, founder of MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems, passed away on September 2, 2008.

Vincent started MultiDyne in 1977 with the development of the first portable test signal and ID generator. He provided leadership and direction for over 30 years, while designing and developing many of MultiDyne’s products and systems. He also made numerous contributions to the broadcast industry, including developing a long-haul equalizing video distribution amplifier that helped get CNN on the air. He also developed the industry’s first digital hand-held video/audio test signal generator in 1990 and was awarded several patents.

Vincent started his career in the broadcast television industry as the Chief Engineer with the production company Lewron. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Lewron owned and operated a mobile production truck that produced the early days of professional wrestling and The Bill Moyers Show.

Vincent held other positions at several of the major networks, including ABC, CBS and NBC, with the majority of his career spent working for NBC in the GE building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Vincent was part of the team that produced the Christmas Show from the Florida Everglades, the Miss America Pageant, The Game of the Week in Major League Baseball and the NFL, Presidential Elections and Conventions, and many more. Vincent enjoyed being on the road with the NBC crew getting the show on the air. Over the years, he told many stories of life on the road with the NBC crew, where they worked very hard, but had many laughs. He was always eager to work overtime with the mobile production crew to support his family.

The Jachetta family often traveled together while Vincent worked on a remote production; Christmas vacations in Florida while the NBC Christmas Show was produced; and on the boardwalks of Atlantic City for the Miss America Pageant. They also shared recollections of a Pittsburg Steelers’ playoff game and meeting Mean Joe Green, Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw in the hotel elevator.

“Our father was a friend, colleague and mentor to many people in the broadcast industry,” said Jim Jachetta, senior vice president of engineering and product development. “He was very thankful that we all worked in a prosperous industry with such great people and friends. Many former NBC employees followed in his footsteps to form their own companies to serve the broadcast industry. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

"My father was very proud that Jim and I are carrying on the MultiDyne tradition. A great void will be left by the loss of our father, friend and mentor" said Frank Jachetta, senior vice president of sales and operations.

Vincent Jachetta is survived by his wife Joan and two sons, Jim and Frank who are all executives with MultiDyne.

Funeral services will be held at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, 26 Franklin Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 11542 on Friday, September 5^th from 3 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM. Directions can be found at http://www.dodgethomas.com/. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542 on Saturday, September 6^th at 10:15 AM. Directions can be found at http://www.stpatrickshill.com/.

In lieu of flowers, the Jachetta family wishes that a charitable donation in the name of Vincent Jachetta be made to the ILADS – International Lyme and Associated Disease Society. to support medical research for a cure and treatment of chronic Lyme Disease. Details can be found at http://www.ilads.org/forms/donations.html. Under Special Instructions, please add the note “Donation made in the name of Vincent Jachetta.”

Condolences and remembrances can be sent to vincentj@multidyne.com. Please check the MultiDyne Web site (www.multidyne.com) for further details.