Franciszek Blachnicki

Polish priest and founder of Focolare

Franciszek Blachnicki - Polish priest and founder of Focolare
Born

March 24th, 1921
104 years ago

Died

February 27th, 1987
38 years ago — 65 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Poland

Links & References

A Polish priest, established the Focolare movement which focused on promoting unity and ecumenism among different Christian denominations. Initiated various retreats and gatherings aimed at spiritual renewal. Worked extensively in youth work and contributed to the spiritual formation of many in Poland. His efforts emphasized community living and engagement in social issues. He also promoted the idea of living the Gospel through daily actions and relations.

Founded the Focolare movement

Promoted ecumenical dialogue

Organized retreats for spiritual renewal

Other People Born on March 24th

William Morris

English textile designer and poet
Born
March 24th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1896 128 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, this individual was a textile designer, poet, and author. He founded Morris & Co., which produced handcrafted furnishings and wallpapers. The individual also wrote extensively, contributing to literature with works such as 'The Defence of Guenevere' and 'News from Nowhere'. Passion for social reform was evident in writings and lectures, advocating for improvements in workers' rights and the quality of life through artistry and craftsmanship.

Continue Reading

Nick Lowe

English singer-songwriter and producer
Born
March 24th, 1949 76 years ago

Born in 1949, this English singer-songwriter and producer made significant contributions to rock and pop music. Initially a member of the band Brinsley Schwarz, he gained prominence as a solo artist and through his songwriting for other musicians. His production work helped shape the sound of new wave music during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The single 'Cruel to Be Kind' became a major hit, showcasing his knack for catchy melodies and smart lyrics. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various artists and produced albums for notable names including Elvis Costello and Graham Parker.

Continue Reading

Bob Mackie

American fashion designer and costume creator
Born
March 24th, 1940 85 years ago

Started a career in fashion design that included contributions to television and film. Gained prominence for iconic costume designs for celebrities, particularly with entertainers such as Cher and Diana Ross. Designed costumes for the TV show "The Carol Burnett Show" and worked on several Broadway productions. His designs have been featured in major fashion exhibitions, showcasing his innovative techniques and artistry in costume design.

Continue Reading

Michael Masser

Songwriter and music producer
Born
March 24th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent songwriter and music producer, contributions spanned several decades, with notable collaborations with various artists. Masser achieved recognition for writing songs for top charting artists and produced successful albums. Significant works include 'The Greatest Love of All' and 'Touch Me in the Morning' performed by Whitney Houston and Diana Ross, respectively. His work in the music industry helped shape popular music during the 1970s and 1980s.

Continue Reading

Lacey Evans

Professional wrestler and WWE performer
Born
March 24th, 1990 35 years ago

Competed in professional wrestling since 2016, primarily with WWE. Gained recognition for her character work and in-ring performances, often portraying a Southern belle persona. Participated in major events including WrestleMania and was a competitor in the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble match. Achieved title opportunities in the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and WWE Raw Women's Championship.

Continue Reading

Viktor Kingissepp

Estonian politician and revolutionary leader
Born
March 24th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1922 102 years ago — 34 years old

Active in politics, focused on the establishment of the Republic of Estonia. Participated in the Estonian War of Independence and served as a member of the Estonian Parliament. Advocated for socialist principles and played a role in the formation of the Estonian Workers' Party. Engaged in significant political actions during the tumultuous early 20th century, particularly during the 1917 revolution which influenced the course of Estonia's governance. Engaged in various political movements aimed at establishing a sovereign state.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 27th

Konrad Lorenz

Austrian zoologist and Nobel laureate
Born
November 7th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1989 36 years ago — 85 years old

Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist specialized in animal behavior. Developed the theory of imprinting, focusing on the bond between animals and their caregivers. Conducted extensive research on social behavior in animals, particularly in birds, which laid the foundation for ethology as a discipline. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for discoveries in behavioral research. Contributions influenced the understanding of instincts in animals and humans alike.

Continue Reading

Aaron Allston

Game designer and author
Born
December 8th, 1960 64 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2014 11 years ago — 53 years old

Worked primarily in the gaming industry and science fiction literature. Contributed to role-playing games and created content for popular franchises, including 'Star Wars.' Authored several novels and game supplements, merging storytelling with gameplay mechanics. Helped design video games, including 'Star Wars: X-Wing' and its sequels, which became influential in the genre. Continued to produce content until death in 2014.

Continue Reading

Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar

Indian politician, 1st Lok Sabha Speaker
Born
November 27th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1956 69 years ago — 67 years old

An influential Indian politician and activist, served as the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1952 to 1956. Played a significant role in the establishment of parliamentary procedures in independent India. Was involved in the Indian independence movement, contributing to the Indian National Congress and advocating for social reforms. After independence, focused on the democratic processes in the newly formed government, emphasizing the importance of legislative functions and discipline within the assembly.

Continue Reading

Terry Rand

American basketball player
Born
November 17th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2014 11 years ago — 79 years old

Played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the early 1970s. Contributed to the team winning the NCAA Championship in 1971. Had a professional career that included playing for various teams in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Following retirement from playing, focused on coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Continue Reading

Paul Sweezy

Economist and journalist, co-authored "Monopoly Capital"
Born
April 10th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2004 21 years ago — 93 years old

This individual was an influential economist and journalist in the United States. He co-authored the book "Monopoly Capital" in 1966, which examined the effects of monopoly power on capitalism. As the founder and editor of the journal "Monthly Review," he contributed significantly to socialist thought and analysis of economic issues. Throughout the professional career, the individual also engaged in various academic pursuits, teaching at several universities and sharing insights on political economy, imperialism, and economic theory. Active in political movements, the individual was known for advocacy of socialist policies.

Continue Reading

Otis Chandler

American publisher and newspaper executive
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2006 19 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent publisher based in the United States, played a crucial role in transforming a major newspaper into a leading multimedia organization. Served as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times from 1960 to 1980, overseeing its expansion and modernization during a significant growth period. Championed investigative journalism and introduced innovative editorial practices that enhanced the newspaper's reputation. Under leadership, the Times won numerous Pulitzer Prizes, solidifying its status in American journalism.

Continue Reading