What Happened This Year 1962

People Who Died in 1962

George Preca

Maltese priest and saint
Born
February 12th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 82 years old

A Maltese priest who founded the Society of Christian Doctrine, dedicated to religious education. Preca was ordained as a priest in 1906 and began his mission to educate young people in the faith, leveraging various methods including the use of biblical teachings. His efforts contributed to the spiritual development of many in Malta. In 1947, Preca received the title of Servant of God, and in 2007, he was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, recognizing his commitment to education and spirituality.

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Augusta Savage

American sculptor and educator
Born
February 29th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent American sculptor and educator, this figure played a key role in the Harlem Renaissance. The artist became well-regarded for large-scale sculptures, particularly 'The Harp' and 'Gamin'. She also contributed to the community by providing art education to aspiring artists through her studio and advocacy for African American artists. In addition to sculpture, the individual taught at various institutions and served as a mentor to many during a time of racial discrimination in the arts.

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Patsy Hendren

English cricketer and footballer
Born
February 5th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 73 years old

Played cricket for Middlesex and represented England in international matches. Achieved success in first-class cricket with over 39,000 runs and scored 100 centuries. Also played football for various clubs, including Fulham, during his sports career from the early 20th century.

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Archduke Joseph August of Austria

Austrian Archduke and military leader
Born
August 9th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1872, served in the Austro-Hungarian military. Achieved the rank of General and commanded troops during World War I. Contributed to military strategies and participated in various campaigns. After the war, became involved in cultural and historical preservation efforts in Austria. Actively engaged in the restoration of the family’s historical properties, promoting heritage and community involvement.

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Per Thorén

Figure Skater, Olympic Competitor
Born
January 26th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Sweden in 1885, the figure skater competed in men's singles events. Participated in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London, marking a significant point in the history of the sport. The competition provided a platform for showcasing skills and techniques in figure skating, contributing to the early development of the discipline in competitive sports. Represented Sweden at the international level.

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Olga Preobrajenska

Russian ballerina and choreographer
Born
January 21st, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1871, this celebrated ballerina trained at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg. She performed as a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Theatre, captivating audiences with exceptional technique and artistry. Later, she became a prominent teacher, influencing the next generation of dancers. As a choreographer, innovative works showcased her unique style and approach to ballet. In the early 20th century, she toured extensively, gaining recognition in Europe and the United States. Her contributions to ballet education have had lasting effects on the discipline.

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Polly Adler

Madam and author of 'A House is Not a Home'
Born
April 16th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Russia and later relocating to the United States, a career in the sex industry began in the 1920s. Managed upscale brothels in New York City during a time of cultural change. Authored the autobiography 'A House is Not a Home', detailing experiences in the sex trade and life in the city. The book provided insights into the era's social landscape and was published in 1954. Encountered various public figures and celebrities throughout the career, weaving a narrative that reflected the complexities of her profession and the cultural dynamics of the time.

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Wilhelm Blaschke

Mathematician known for differential geometry
Born
September 13th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 77 years old

Specialized in differential geometry and projective geometry. Contributed to the development of various geometric theories and concepts. Authored several significant papers and textbooks in mathematics, influencing both teaching and research. Served as a professor at several universities, including the University of Vienna and the University of Hamburg. Developed the concept of the Blaschke product in complex analysis.

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Hermann Wlach

Austrian-Swiss actor in theater and film
Born
August 11th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Austria, Wlach had a significant career in both theatre and film. In the early 20th century, he became recognized for performances in various stage productions and moved into cinema with a focus on German-language films. Wlach's dedication to acting allowed for a versatile career across multiple platforms, contributing substantially to the performing arts in German-speaking countries. His work in the theater was especially prominent during the interwar period, where he displayed a range of emotional depth in character representation.

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