They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service.

Ron Popeil, an American original who died this week at 86, thrived in the world of infomercials and home-shopping channels.

Ron Popeil, the quintessential TV pitchman and inventor known to generations of viewers for hawking products including the Veg-O-Matic and the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ, has died.