John Francis Regis
French priest and saint
Ordained as a priest in the Society of Jesus, dedicated to preaching and teaching in France during the 17th century. Focused on the spiritual needs of the marginalized and carried out missionary work, notably among the poor and the sick. Established a strong connection with the people through his compassionate approach. Contributed to the founding of the parish and worked on spiritual guidance and catechesis. Canonized as a saint by Pope Clement XII in 1737.
Preached among the poor in France
Canonized as a saint in 1737
Other People Born on January 31st
Brett Pitman
Professional footballer and striker
Born
January 31st, 1988 37 years ago
A professional footballer, played primarily as a striker. Began a career in youth football at AFC Bournemouth, progressing to the first team in 2006. Contributed significantly to the club's success during tenure, including promotion to higher leagues. Also played for clubs like Portsmouth and Bristol City, continuing to demonstrate skill in attacking positions. Represented the national team of Guernsey, showcasing versatility and adaptability on the field.
Continue ReadingChristopher Chataway
Runner and politician with a record in athletics
Born
January 31st, 1931 94 years ago
Died
January 19th, 2014 11 years ago — 82 years old
Competed in middle-distance running, achieving a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the 1954 Commonwealth Games and participating in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Transitioned to journalism, serving as a sports commentator and later as a political figure with the Conservative Party. Held the position of Member of Parliament for]][London-Berrington from 1964 to 1970 and played a role in the development of sports policies in government. His career spanned athletics, journalism, and politics, showcasing a multifaceted path.
Continue ReadingAdam Federici
Professional footballer; goalkeeper
Born
January 31st, 1985 40 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper primarily in the English Football League and for the Australian national team. Started professional career with the Australian club Newcastle Jets before moving to England, where he played for clubs such as Reading and Bournemouth. Competed in the Premier League and Championship, showcasing skills in goalkeeping across numerous seasons. Represented Australia in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
Continue ReadingTerry Kath
Guitarist and songwriter of Chicago
Born
January 31st, 1946 79 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1978 47 years ago — 31 years old
A prominent American guitarist and songwriter, this musician was a founding member of the rock band Chicago. Renowned for exceptional guitar skills and distinctive vocals, the artist contributed significantly to the band's early success with hits in the 1970s. The unique sound combined rock with jazz and orchestral elements. An influential figure in the band, he played guitar on several key albums, making a lasting impact on the group's identity. The musician’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 31, but the music remains enduring in the rock genre.
Continue ReadingTommy La Stella
Baseball player with the Chicago Cubs
Born
January 31st, 1989 36 years ago
Played professional baseball primarily as an infielder. Made debut in Major League Baseball with the Atlanta Braves in 2014. Achieved a career-high batting average of .295 in 2019. Also played for the Chicago Cubs, where contributions helped secure the 2016 World Series championship. Subsequently signed with the San Francisco Giants, continuing to be a valuable player in the league.
Continue ReadingJacob Markström
Swedish ice hockey goaltender
Born
January 31st, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, an ice hockey goaltender played for multiple teams in the NHL, notably the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames. Markström gained recognition for his strong performance in goal and represented Sweden in international tournaments. Prior to joining the NHL, played in the Swedish Hockey League, honing skills that led to his professional career in North America. Markström's significant contributions to team efforts have been highlighted during playoff runs, showcasing his abilities as a reliable goaltender.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 30th
Giuseppe Occhialini
Physicist and academic with major findings
Born
December 5th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1993 31 years ago — 86 years old
Born in Italy and later became a French citizen, significant contributions were made to the field of particle physics. Engaged in research at CERN and the University of São Paulo, collaborating on numerous experiments. Discovered the existence of the positron and researched cosmic rays. Also contributed to advancements in the understanding of particle interactions.
Continue ReadingAlfred North Whitehead
Mathematician and philosopher of science
Born
February 15th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1947 77 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. Co-authored the seminal work 'Principia Mathematica' with Bertrand Russell, which laid foundational aspects of mathematical logic. Developed process philosophy, emphasizing the processual nature of reality and the interconnectivity of all entities. Served in various academic roles, including at Harvard University, influencing future generations of scholars.
Continue ReadingRalph Flanagan
American pianist and conductor of orchestras
Born
April 7th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1995 29 years ago — 81 years old
Born in 1914, a pianist, composer, and conductor contributed significantly to American orchestral music. Established a career through performance and arranging music, including popular styles of the mid-20th century. Led orchestras on national tours and recorded numerous albums, blending classical and popular genres. Achieved recognition for work on radio and television, showcasing compositions that garnered widespread appeal.
Continue ReadingFerdinand Charles
Archduke of Austria and general
Born
May 17th, 1628 397 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1662 362 years ago — 34 years old
Born as the son of Emperor Ferdinand II, this Archduke served as a military commander in the Thirty Years' War. Ferdinand Charles led Imperial forces in several key battles, defending the Habsburg dynasty's interests in Europe. He was a significant figure in the military strategies of the Habsburgs during this turbulent period. His tenure saw fluctuating fortunes in warfare, shaping the political landscape of Europe during the 17th century.
Continue ReadingMichel Plasse
Canadian ice hockey goaltender
Born
June 1st, 1948 77 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2006 18 years ago — 58 years old
An ice hockey goaltender played in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the St. Louis Blues during the 1970s. His professional career began in the late 1960s, and he played a significant role in the league during his tenure. Plasse participated in over 100 NHL games, showcasing his skills in the net and contributing to his team's efforts. He also played in various minor leagues, where he continued to develop his abilities and gained further experience in the sport, leading to his selection for the NHL.
Continue ReadingSaddam Hussein
Iraqi President and military leader
Born
April 28th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2006 18 years ago — 69 years old
Served as the 5th President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. Played a significant role in the Ba'ath Party and became a leading figure in Iraq's politics during the late 20th century. Oversaw the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 and initiated the Gulf War in 1990 by invading Kuwait. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States, was captured, tried for crimes against humanity, and executed in 2006.
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