What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

Roberto M. Levingston

Argentinian general and politician
Born
January 10th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
June 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 95 years old

Served as the 36th President of Argentina from 1970 to 1971. Directed a military government during a turbulent period in Argentine history. Implemented various economic policies aimed at addressing inflation and instability. Resigned from the presidency amid political unrest and the return to democratic governance.

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Süleyman Demirel

Turkish politician and 9th President
Born
November 1st, 1924 101 years ago
Died
June 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1924, an engineer by training, served multiple terms as Prime Minister and was elected the 9th President of Turkey in 1993, holding office until 2000. During political career, advocated for economic development and modernization. Contributed to significant infrastructure projects and participated in the establishment of Turkey's political landscape. Played a key role in the transition of Turkey to a multi-party democracy in the 1950s. After presidency, remained active in political affairs until late in life, influencing various party dynamics.

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Clementa C. Pinckney

American minister and state senator
Born
July 30th, 1973 52 years ago
Died
June 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 41 years old

Served as a minister and state senator in South Carolina, focusing on social issues and community development. Played a pivotal role in the history of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and was a significant voice in the political landscape. Advocated for education, healthcare, and civil rights. Tragically, lost life during the Charleston church shooting in 2015, which drew national attention to gun violence and racial tensions in America.

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Ron Clarke

Australian runner and Gold Coast Mayor
Born
February 21st, 1937 89 years ago
Died
June 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

Achieved prominence as a middle-distance runner, competing in the 1960, 1964, and 1968 Olympics. Set multiple world records during the 1960s, particularly excelling in the 5000 meters. Transitioned to a career in politics, serving as the Mayor of the Gold Coast from 2004 to 2012. His tenure focused on promoting the region's development and community engagement.

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Allen Weinstein

American historian and academic
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

Held a prominent role in American history scholarship and education. Authored multiple influential works focusing on the analysis of key historical events and figures. Served as a professor at various institutions, significantly contributing to the academic field. Co-founded the National Archives and Records Administration, where efforts were made to improve public access to historical documents and records.

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Phil Austin

American comedian and actor
Born
April 6th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

A comedian, actor, and screenwriter, this individual was part of the groundbreaking comedy group The Firesign Theatre. The group gained prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s through their innovative radio plays and albums that combined absurdist humor with social commentary. The work often parodied popular culture and media, contributing significantly to American comedy. The person also made appearances in various television shows and films throughout their career, showcasing talents beyond the stage. Contributions to spoken word albums and live performances helped shape the landscape of surreal comedy in the United States.

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Danny Villanueva

American football player and broadcaster
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

Played as a punter in American football for the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Later transitioned to a broadcasting career, contributing to various media outlets. Co-founded Univision, a prominent Spanish-language television network in the United States, which significantly shaped Hispanic media and culture.

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Ralph J. Roberts

American businessman, co-founder of Comcast
Born
March 13th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 95 years old

Co-founded Comcast in 1963, leading the company to become one of the largest telecommunications and media conglomerates in the world. Oversaw significant acquisitions and expansions, including the purchase of NBCUniversal in 2011, which greatly diversified Comcast’s portfolio. Served as CEO and later as chairman, fostering innovations in cable television and internet services. Continued to influence the company until retirement, establishing a legacy in the telecommunications industry.

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James Salter

American novelist and short-story writer
Born
June 10th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
June 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent American writer, this individual made significant contributions to literature through novels and short stories. Works include 'Light Years' and 'A Sport and a Pastime,' which explore themes of love and memory with rich prose. An accomplished essayist, he also published collections such as 'Several Short Sentences About Writing.' This individual served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, an experience that informed some of the narrative elements in later writings.

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