What Happened This Year 1986

People Who Died in 1986

Red Ruffing

Baseball pitcher and coach with the Yankees
Born
May 3rd, 1905 121 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 81 years old

An accomplished baseball pitcher and coach, recognized for a significant career primarily with the New York Yankees. Played from 1924 to 1947, achieving notable success in Major League Baseball. Earned seven American League pennants and participated in six World Series, securing four championships. Developed a reputation for being a reliable starting pitcher and later contributed to the development of future players as a coach.

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Bill Edrich

English cricketer and footballer
Born
March 26th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 70 years old

An English cricketer and footballer played for Middlesex and represented England in cricket from 1946 to 1956. In cricket, achieved notable success as a batsman, accruing over 5,000 runs, including several centuries. Also contributed to the game as a wicketkeeper. In football, played for the team Fulham, showcasing talents on the pitch during the late 1930s.

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O'Kelly Isley Jr.

R&B/Soul Singer-Songwriter, The Isley Brothers
Born
December 25th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1937, this American singer-songwriter gained fame as a founding member of the Isley Brothers, a group that significantly influenced the genres of R&B and soul music. The group started as a gospel group and transitioned to pop and rock music, achieving great success. Their hit singles included 'Shout' and 'It's Your Thing'. The Isley Brothers were known for their dynamic performances and rich harmonies, helping shape the sound of American music across various decades. This artist's contributions helped cement the group's legacy in the music industry, making them one of the most enduring acts in popular music history.

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Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

Author and illustrator of children's books
Born
September 30th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 88 years old

A German-American author and illustrator was renowned for creating children's books that blended educational content with engaging illustrations. Collaborated closely with his wife, publishing many works that became staples in children's literature. Focused on American history and mythology, producing titles that appealed to young readers. The most notable works include "The Book of Giants," "America, A Patriotic Primer," and the acclaimed biography of Benjamin Franklin.

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László Lékai

Archbishop of Esztergom and Cardinal
Born
March 12th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Esztergom and held the title of Cardinal within the Roman Catholic Church. Contributed to church leadership during a time of significant social change in Hungary. Worked towards the restoration of church properties and the re-establishment of religious institutions in post-World War II Hungary. Participated in various church councils and contributed to ecclesiastical discussions on pressing issues of the time.

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Christa McAuliffe

Educator and Challenger astronaut
Born
September 2nd, 1948 77 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 38 years old

An educator selected to be the first teacher in space. Participated in the STS-51-L mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. McAuliffe's mission aimed to develop educational programs using the unique perspective of space. Tragically, the Challenger disaster occurred shortly after launch on January 28, 1986, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members, including McAuliffe.

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Raimundo Orsi

Argentinian-Italian footballer and World Champion
Born
December 2nd, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1901, a forward made significant contributions to professional football, primarily in Europe and South America. Emigrated to Italy in the 1920s and started a successful career with Bologna, where remarkable performances garnered attention. Played for the national teams of both Argentina and Italy, achieving a unique distinction in football history. Featured prominently in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, where Italy secured the championship, marking a prestigious moment in career.

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Howard Greenfield

American songwriter with hit songs
Born
March 15th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 50 years old

A notable songwriter, contributed to the music industry primarily during the 1960s. Collaborated with composers to produce a range of popular songs. Worked extensively with several prominent artists, creating timeless tunes that have been covered by various musicians. Also wrote lyrics for songs in films and television, further expanding the reach of work. Contributed to the development of the pop music genre during a transformative era.

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Ida Cook

English campaigner for Jewish refugees
Born
August 24th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 82 years old

A campaigner advocated for Jewish refugees during World War II, raising significant awareness about their plight and securing aid for those in need. Under the pseudonym Mary Burchell, wrote numerous romantic novels, becoming a popular author in the genre. Engaged in various fundraising activities to support refugees, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts during times of crisis.

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