What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

Ranko Žeravica

Basketball player and coach
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
October 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in Serbian basketball, played for the Yugoslav national team and contributed significantly as a coach. Achieved notable success during coaching career, leading various teams in the Yugoslav leagues. The coaching career included tenure with the national team, where significant results in European competitions were attained. Also part of the success achieved with the Partizan team during the 1970s and 1980s.

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Luther Burden

Basketball player with notable collegiate success
Born
February 28th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
October 29th, 2015 9 years ago — 62 years old

Played college basketball at the University of Missouri, where exceptional skills led to a successful collegiate career. After college, continued career in professional basketball, participating in various leagues. Transitioned to coaching roles after playing career, contributing to player development and the sport's growth at the grassroots level.

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Norm Siebern

Baseball player and scout
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 82 years old

Played as an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball from 1956 to 1966. Teams included the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, and the Chicago White Sox. Achieved notable success with the Yankees, contributing to their 1960 American League pennant victory. After retirement, transitioned to scouting and worked in player development, providing insights into talent evaluation for various organizations.

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Mel Daniels

Basketball player, ABA MVP 1971
Born
July 20th, 1944 80 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 71 years old

A basketball player and coach participated in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later the National Basketball Association (NBA). Played for the Indiana Pacers and was instrumental in the team's success during his tenure. As a center, secured two ABA championships and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1971. Transitioned to coaching and contributed to various teams in both professional and collegiate levels.

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Al Molinaro

Actor on 'Happy Days' and 'The Odd Couple'
Born
June 24th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
October 30th, 2015 9 years ago — 96 years old

An American actor recognized for roles in television series, particularly as Al Delvecchio on 'Happy Days' and as a recurring character, Murray the Cop, in 'The Odd Couple'. Molinaro began his career in local theater before transitioning to television. His comedic timing and character portrayals gained popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, leading to guest appearances on various shows. Later, he ventured into business, opening a series of restaurants known for their Italian cuisine while maintaining ties to his acting roots in guest roles and commercials.

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Gus Savage

American politician and businessman
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2015 9 years ago — 90 years old

Served as a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois from 1981 to 1993. In Congress, focused on issues affecting the African American community and was involved in various social justice initiatives. Prior to his election, had a successful career in business and community organizing. Also served on the Chicago Board of Education. Had a reputation for strong advocacy on civil rights and education reform.

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Charles Duncan Michener

Entomologist; author of 'The Bees of the World'
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2015 9 years ago — 97 years old

An American entomologist and academic contributed significantly to the study of bees, particularly through extensive research and fieldwork. His work in classification and ecology provided a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of bee species. Michener authored the influential book 'The Bees of the World', which served as a crucial reference in entomology. He held a professor position at the University of Kansas, where he also guided numerous graduate students in their research careers. Michener conducted important studies on the social behavior of bees and their role in pollination.

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Günter Schabowski

German journalist and politician
Born
January 4th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2015 9 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent journalist and politician, held key positions within the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. In 1989, played a significant role in the events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall. During a press conference, mistakenly announced the immediate opening of the Berlin Wall, which contributed to the end of an era in East Germany. After German reunification, engaged in various political activities and served in different roles, including as a member of the German Bundestag.

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Fred Thompson

American actor and politician
Born
August 19th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2015 9 years ago — 73 years old

Started a career in acting, appearing in the film 'The Hunt for Red October' and the television series 'Law & Order'. Transitioned into politics, serving as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 1994 to 2003. Participated in the 2008 Republican presidential primaries. Worked as a registered lobbyist before and after the Senate tenure, and was involved in various public and legal advocacy efforts.

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