What Happened This Year 2013

People Who Died in 2013

Dave Gold

American businessman, 99 Cents Only Stores founder
Born
June 5th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 81 years old

Founded 99 Cents Only Stores in 1982, creating a discount retail chain specializing in selling products for 99 cents or less. This innovative model attracted budget-conscious consumers and rapidly expanded throughout California and other states. Gold's business acumen led to the chain becoming one of the leading discount retailers in the region, and it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2010. The concept revolutionized discount shopping, emphasizing value and accessibility for a wide range of customers. Gold’s leadership and vision provided essential services to communities during economic downturns, fostering customer loyalty and brand recognition.

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Diosa Costello

Entertainer and nightclub owner
Born
April 23rd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 100 years old

An entertainer and producer, played a significant role in promoting Latin music and culture in the United States. Owned and operated popular nightclubs, becoming a central figure in the nightlife scene. Gained recognition for contributions to the arts, particularly in the realm of music and theatrical performances, playing a vital part in the Puerto Rican community's cultural landscape.

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Rudolf Friedrich

Swiss lawyer and political figure
Born
July 4th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent Swiss lawyer and politician. Served in various capacities in local government and was a member of the Swiss Federal Assembly. Advocated for legal reforms and contributed to the development of Swiss law during tenure. Played a significant role in shaping political discourse in Switzerland through active participation in legislative processes.

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J. J. Cale

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, 'Cocaine'
Born
December 5th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 75 years old

American singer-songwriter and guitarist developed a distinctive style blending rock, blues, and country influences. Cale released several albums throughout his career, with 'Naturally' in 1971 showcasing his talent. The song 'Cocaine', later popularized by Eric Clapton, became one of his most recognized works. Cale's laid-back sound and unique guitar playing earned him a lasting influence on numerous artists and the country rock genre.

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Shafiga Akhundova

Azerbaijani Composer and Opera Pioneer
Born
January 21st, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1924, a prominent figure in Azerbaijani music, made significant contributions as a composer. The first professional female author of an opera in the East, created works that combined traditional Azerbaijani music with modern influences. Achieved recognition for composing 'Gülüstan' and other notable pieces that blended various musical styles. Played a crucial role in promoting opera and classical music in Azerbaijan throughout her career.

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Anna Wing

English actress of EastEnders fame
Born
October 30th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 99 years old

Born in 1914, this actress achieved recognition for her role in the long-running television series EastEnders, where she portrayed the character Lou Beale. The role highlighted her talent and contributed to the show's popularity. In addition to her work on television, she participated in various stage productions, showcasing her range as a performer. She was active in the entertainment industry for several decades, earning a reputation for her performances across different media.

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Iryna Zhylenko

Ukrainian poet and author
Born
April 28th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Ukraine in 1941, this poet and author became a prominent figure in contemporary Ukrainian literature. Zhylenko published numerous poetry collections, often reflecting the complexities of life and personal experiences in a changing society. Her works engaged with themes of identity, culture, and history within Ukraine, resonating with readers during a time of political and social transformation. As an editor and translator, she contributed to bringing Ukrainian literature to a broader audience, fostering cross-cultural understanding. Zhylenko's literary voice gained recognition, making significant contributions to the national literary landscape.

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Ariel Castro

Convicted Kidnapper and Rapist
Born
July 10th, 1960 64 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 53 years old

Ariel Castro was a Puerto Rican-American individual who kidnapped three women and held them captive in his home in Cleveland, Ohio, from 2002 to 2013. The women were subjected to physical and psychological abuse during their captivity. Castro was arrested in 2013 after one of the women managed to escape and alert authorities. His actions led to a high-profile investigation and trial, resulting in a guilty plea to multiple charges of kidnapping and rape. In 2013, he was sentenced to 1,000 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Castro's crimes garnered significant media attention and sparked discussions on issues of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

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Héctor Garza

Mexican professional wrestler
Born
June 12th, 1969 56 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 44 years old

A professional wrestler from Mexico, notable for contributions to the sport in various promotions including AAA and CMLL. Competed in multiple wrestling styles and played a significant role in the lucha libre tradition. Garza participated in high-profile matches and tournaments, showcasing athleticism and charisma. Achieved notable success in tag team competitions and singles matches.

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