What Happened This Year 2010

People Who Died in 2010

Angelo Poffo

Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
April 10th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 85 years old

Played a significant role in professional wrestling as both a wrestler and promoter. Competed in various wrestling promotions including the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Founded the International Championship Wrestling (ICW) promotion, which contributed to the development of wrestling talent in the 1970s and 1980s. Promoted various events and was involved in training future wrestling stars. His legacy includes contributions to the wrestling industry through promotion and training.

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Jacques Swaters

Race car driver and team manager
Born
October 30th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in sports car racing during the mid-20th century. Achieved prominence in the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, participating with Ferrari and later managing the Scuderia Filipinetti team. Contributed to the development and promotion of motor racing in Belgium and Europe. Transitioned from driving to team management, guiding several successful drivers in endurance racing.

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Bobby Bragan

Baseball player and manager
Born
October 30th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 93 years old

A professional baseball player, coach, and manager, Bragan played as a catcher in Major League Baseball. His playing career spanned from 1940 to 1949, including time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and management roles, serving as a manager for teams such as the Texas Rangers and the Milwaukee Braves. He was recognized for his contributions to the game and his leadership in developing young talent.

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Marshall Warren Nirenberg

Biochemist, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology
Born
April 10th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent biochemist and geneticist contributed significantly to the field of molecular biology. Achievements include deciphering the genetic code, which laid the groundwork for understanding how sequences of nucleotides correspond to amino acids in protein synthesis. Research during the early 1960s focused on the role of messenger RNA in protein synthesis, demonstrating how genetic information is translated within cells. This milestone in genetics has had lasting implications for biochemistry and genetic research.

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Allan Kornblum

American police officer and judge
Born
March 4th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 72 years old

Served as a police officer in Minneapolis before becoming a judge. Held the position of a judge in the Fourth Judicial District, overseeing various cases. Contributed to the legal community through judicial leadership and public service initiatives. Involved in efforts to improve police-community relations during tenure as an officer.

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Maurice Lucas

Basketball player; Trail Blazers star
Born
February 18th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 58 years old

A professional basketball player, contributed significantly to the National Basketball Association. Played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, where participation in the 1977 NBA Championship contributed to the team's victory. Known for an imposing physical presence and defensive skills, earned the nickname 'The Enforcer'. Selected for the NBA All-Star Game in 1978, highlighting recognition for athletic performance. Also played for the New Jersey Nets and the Seattle SuperSonics during a career that extended into the late 1980s.

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Vasily Smyslov

Chess player and World Champion
Born
March 24th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 89 years old

Achieved prominence in chess as a top player during the mid-20th century. Claimed the title of World Chess Champion in 1957, defeating Mikhail Botvinnik, and successfully defended the title in a rematch in 1958. Contributed to chess literature and theory with many published works. Renowned for a strategic playing style and exceptional endgame skills.

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Agathe von Trapp

Singer and author of 'The Sound of Music'
Born
March 12th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 97 years old

Born in Hungary in 1913, a notable singer and author contributed to the legacy of the von Trapp family. Developed a successful musical career, performing with siblings in their family ensemble. Later, relocated to the United States and shared her life story through various books, including a memoir detailing the family's experiences and their connections to 'The Sound of Music'. Involved in educational efforts promoting the arts.

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Vladimir Msryan

Armenian actor in film and television
Born
March 12th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 72 years old

An actor, notable for contributions to Armenian cinema and television. Participated in numerous film productions and television series. Gained recognition for performances that resonated with audiences in Armenia and beyond. Worked with various prominent directors in the industry and contributed to the development of Armenian performing arts.

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