William Joel Blass

American soldier and politician

William Joel Blass - American soldier and politician
Born

October 19th, 1917
107 years ago

Died

October 23rd, 2012
12 years ago — 95 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served in the United States Army during World War II, participating in key operations. Held various legal roles after returning from military service, including working as an attorney. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 13th District for multiple terms. Throughout political career, focused on legislative issues and community engagement within the local region.

Served in the U.S. Army during World War II

Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates

Other People Born on October 19th

Emil Gilels

Renowned classical pianist and performer
Born
October 19th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
October 14th, 1985 39 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent pianist contributed significantly to the classical music scene in the 20th century. Achieved international recognition for performances of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. Excelled in both solo and chamber music settings. Gained acclaim for recordings and performances with leading orchestras and conductors. Received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Stalin Prize and the People's Artist of the USSR title.

Continue Reading

Emilio Eduardo Massera

Argentinian Admiral and military leader
Born
October 19th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
November 8th, 2010 14 years ago — 85 years old

Emilio Eduardo Massera served as an admiral in the Argentine Navy. He played a significant role during the National Reorganization Process in Argentina, a period marked by military dictatorship in the late 20th century. Massera was a key member of the military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983. His leadership in the Navy was characterized by involvement in various operations and events impacting the country during this tumultuous time.

Continue Reading

Umberto Boccioni

Italian painter and sculptor of Futurism
Born
October 19th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1916 109 years ago — 34 years old

An influential figure in the Italian Futurist movement, contributions included both painting and sculpture, emphasizing speed, technology, and modernity. Boccioni's work sought to capture dynamic movement and the energy of modern life. Major works included 'The City Rises' and 'Unique Forms of Continuity in Space', which showcased innovative approaches to form and perspective. His life was cut short during World War I, but his artistic vision continued to inspire future generations.

Continue Reading

Roger Wolfe Kahn

American bandleader and composer
Born
October 19th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1962 62 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent bandleader and composer during the early 20th century, Kahn led a successful dance band in the 1920s and 1930s. The band was recognized for its innovative arrangements and exciting performances, which brought popularity to various jazz and swing standards. Compositions included popular songs that were widely recorded and performed during the swing era. Kahn's work contributed to the growth of big band music and influenced future generations of musicians.

Continue Reading

Bill Morris

Union leader and politician
Born
October 19th, 1938 86 years ago

A significant figure in British trade unionism, served as General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union from 1992 to 2003. Played a vital role in advocating for workers' rights and was instrumental in various negotiations with employers to secure better work conditions. Elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Morris of Handsworth in 2004, contributing to discussions on labor and social issues. Known for engaging in political discourse surrounding employment and community matters in both Jamaica and the UK.

Continue Reading

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

Lithuanian basketball player, Olympic athlete
Born
October 19th, 1989 35 years ago

A professional basketball player, participated in various leagues across Europe and the NBA. Played for the Lithuanian national team, contributing to their achievements in international competitions. Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the team secured a bronze medal. Played for notable clubs such as Zalgiris Kaunas and New York Knicks during an extensive career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 23rd

Eugène Grasset

Swiss illustrator and poster artist
Born
1845 180 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1917 107 years ago — 72 years old

Eugène Grasset was a Swiss illustrator and designer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Grasset's work primarily focused on decorative arts, book illustrations, and posters, exemplifying the Art Nouveau movement. A significant career milestone included contributions to the decorative arts in France, where he settled and influenced the visual aesthetics of the period. He published several illustrated books, integrating design and typography seamlessly. Grasset's style emphasized organic forms and intricate details, making a lasting impact on graphic design.

Continue Reading

Charles Glover Barkla

Nobel laureate physicist in X-ray research
Born
1877 148 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1944 80 years ago — 67 years old

A physicist conducted significant research in X-ray scattering and X-ray spectroscopy. Developed crucial techniques for studying the electromagnetic radiation emitted by elements. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1917 for discovering the characteristic radiation of elements, which enhanced the understanding of atomic structure. Served as a professor at the University of Edinburgh and contributed to advancements in the field of physics through various academic roles.

Continue Reading

Ibrahim II of Ifriqiya

Aghlabid emir during the 9th century
Born
June 27th, 850 1174 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 902 1122 years ago — 52 years old

Sovereign of the Aghlabid dynasty in Ifriqiya, governed from 875 until death in 902. Focused on boosting trade and cultural exchanges in the region. Oversaw a flourishing period involving architectural advancements and the patronage of scholars. Under leadership, the Aghlabids maintained strong maritime power.

Continue Reading

Adolph Green

Playwright and composer of musicals
Born
December 2nd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2002 22 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent playwright and composer, created several successful musicals during a prolific career spanning several decades. Collaborated with Betty Comden to form a renowned writing duo. Wrote lyrics for musicals such as 'On the Town', and 'Bells Are Ringing'. Received multiple Tony Awards and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading

Ralph Rainger

American pianist and composer
Born
1901 124 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1942 82 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent pianist and composer, contributions to film music included popular songs and scores during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Collaborated with lyricist Leo Robin on numerous hits, enhancing the musical landscape of the time. Worked on notable films, composing memorable pieces that resonated with audiences. Rainger's work on projects such as "Going My Way" and "The Bank Dick" showcased exceptional talent in blending music with cinematic storytelling.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Brasse

Photographer from Auschwitz concentration camp
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A Polish photographer documented life in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. After being imprisoned, created over 40,000 photos of inmates, capturing their faces and stories. After the war, Brasse became an advocate for the remembrance of the Holocaust and shared experiences of survival through his photography. His work served as a historical record and contributed to the preservation of memory regarding the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Continue Reading