What Happened This Year 1948

Born in 1948

Giuseppe Impastato

Italian journalist and activist against the Mafia
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1978 47 years ago — 30 years old

Journalist and activist focused on exposing the Mafia's influence in Sicily. Founded a radio station that broadcasted anti-Mafia messages. Assassinated in 1978 by Mafia operatives, his death prompted national outrage and led to increased attention on organized crime in Italy. His life and work have since been commemorated in films and literature, highlighting the struggle against oppression and injustice.

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Carlos Velázquez

Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2000 25 years ago — 52 years old

A professional baseball pitcher from Puerto Rico, played in Major League Baseball (MLB). Played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox. Contributed to teams during the 1970s and earned respect for pitching skills and performances on the mound. Achieved notable statistics throughout career. Retired from professional play and remained engaged in the baseball community.

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Ron Bouchard

Race car driver and businessman
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2015 9 years ago — 67 years old

Bouchard competed in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 1980s. He achieved his most notable success in 1981 by winning the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award. Bouchard also won the 1981 Talladega 500, which marked his first and only victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. After retiring from racing, he transitioned to a career in business, operating a successful used car dealership.

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Ernie Holmes

American football player and actor
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2008 17 years ago — 60 years old

Played as a defensive tackle in the NFL, primarily for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Contributed to the team’s success during the 1970s, winning two Super Bowl championships. Transitioned into acting after retirement, appearing in television and film. Also engaged in professional wrestling.

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Alexander Onassis

Businessman associated with shipping
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1973 52 years ago — 25 years old

A prominent businessman in the shipping industry, focused on building a global shipping empire. Managed the family business interests after the death of his father, Aristotle Onassis. Expanded the fleet significantly during the mid-20th century, capitalizing on international trade. Demonstrated strategic insight into the shipping markets that resulted in substantial profit and influence.

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Donna Summer

Singer-songwriter with disco hits
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent singer-songwriter rose to fame in the 1970s as a defining voice of the disco era. Achieved mainstream success with hits like 'Love to Love You Baby', 'Bad Girls', and 'Last Dance'. Received multiple Grammy Awards and achieved commercial success with numerous best-selling albums. Contributed to the transformation of pop music with a unique blend of disco, soul, and rock influences. Continued to perform and release music until death in 2012.

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Bunny Rugs

Jamaican singer with Third World
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2014 11 years ago — 66 years old

A Jamaican singer achieved prominence as the lead vocalist for the reggae band Third World in the 1970s and 1980s. Contributed to the band's successful fusion of reggae, rock, and pop music. Participated in various albums that gained international attention. The band was notable for hits such as 'Now That We've Found Love' and '96 Degrees in the Shade.' Continued to perform solo, appealing to reggae music fans globally. Also involved in charitable activities supporting various social causes.

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Geoff Nicholls

British musician and Black Sabbath keyboardist
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2017 8 years ago — 69 years old

A musician primarily recognized for keyboard work in the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Joined Black Sabbath in the late 1970s as a touring keyboardist and contributed to the studio albums 'Technical Ecstasy' and 'Never Say Die!'. In addition to work with Black Sabbath, collaborated with other artists and bands throughout his career, enhancing many musical projects with his keyboard skills and arrangements.

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Zdravko Tolimir

Bosnian Serb military commander
Born
1948 77 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2016 9 years ago — 68 years old

A military commander served during the Bosnian War, Tolimir was a prominent figure in the Army of Republika Srpska. He held key command positions, including the role of assistant commander for intelligence and security affairs. Tolimir was implicated in war crimes and was associated with the Srebrenica massacre of 1995, where significant atrocities occurred against Bosniak civilians. Captured in 2007, he was later tried by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

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