Ion Rațiu

Romanian journalist and politician

Ion Rațiu - Romanian journalist and politician
Born

1917
108 years ago

Died

January 17th, 2000
25 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Romania

Links & References

A prominent Romanian journalist and politician, played a significant role in political life during the communist regime. Worked in exile, advocating for democracy and human rights. Involved with various opposition movements aimed at reforming Romanian politics. Returned to Romania after the fall of communism and was elected a member of the Romanian Parliament, where efforts focused on promoting democratic principles. Contributed to establishing a democratic framework in the country.

Advocated for democracy during exile

Elected to the Romanian Parliament after 1989

Other People Who Died on January 17th

George Bancroft

Historian and 17th US Secretary of the Navy
Born
October 3rd, 1800 225 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1891 134 years ago — 90 years old

An influential historian and politician, served as the 17th United States Secretary of the Navy. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Authored a multi-volume history of the United States, contributing greatly to the field of American historical scholarship. Held the position of Secretary of the Navy under President James K. Polk and was instrumental in the Navy's expansion during the Mexican-American War.

Continue Reading

Helen Stephens

American Olympic runner and shot putter
Born
February 3rd, 1918 107 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1994 31 years ago — 75 years old

Achieved fame as an American runner, shot putter, and discus thrower. Competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning two gold medals in the 100 meters and 4x100 meter relay. Set multiple world records in track and field events. Later transitioned to coaching and served as an inspiration to young athletes. Contributed to the growth of women's athletics throughout her career.

Continue Reading

Denis Law

Scottish footballer, Ballon d'Or winner
Born
February 24th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2025 0 years ago — 84 years old

A professional footballer recognized for exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability. Played primarily as a forward, spending a significant part of his career at Manchester United. Helped the club win the English league title and the European Cup in 1968. Achieved international acclaim as a member of the Scotland national team, earning over 50 caps. Received the Ballon d'Or award in 1964, honoring the best male football player in Europe.

Continue Reading

Hermann Schlegel

Ornithologist and herpetologist
Born
June 10th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1884 141 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed to the fields of ornithology and herpetology in the 19th century. Mainly focused on the study of birds and reptiles, and published significant works on their classification and biology. Served as a curator at the Natural History Museum in Berlin, where substantial collections were researched and documented. Notable for contributions to the understanding of avian and reptilian species which influenced future studies in these areas.

Continue Reading

John Ray

Botanist and natural historian
Born
November 29th, 1627 397 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1705 320 years ago — 77 years old

Significant contributions made to the field of botany, resulting in the development of modern plant classification. Utilized a systematic approach in the study of plants, setting foundational guidelines for botanical nomenclature. Authored several works, including 'Historia Plantarum,' which detailed various plant species and their characteristics. Contributions to natural history included studies on animal taxonomy and ecology.

Continue Reading

Jules Feiffer

Cartoonist and playwright; wrote 'Little Murders'
Born
January 26th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2025 0 years ago — 95 years old

An influential cartoonist and playwright, contributed significantly to American humor and satire. Created the comic strip 'Feiffer', which ran for six decades in various publications. Worked in theater as a playwright and won a Tony Award for the play 'Little Murders'. Co-wrote the screenplay for the film 'Carnal Knowledge', which received an Academy Award nomination. Served as a professor, teaching cartooning and graphic novel courses at several institutions.

Continue Reading