What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Carmen Delgado Votaw

Civil rights pioneer and activist
Born
September 29th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 82 years old

Carmen Delgado Votaw played a significant role in the American civil rights movement, particularly focusing on Puerto Rican rights and broader Latino issues. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and served as its first Latina president. Delgado Votaw worked on multiple initiatives to enhance the lives of Puerto Ricans and highlighted issues such as discrimination and inequality. She also contributed to the establishment of various community organizations aimed at supporting the rights of Latino populations in the United States.

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Dina Merrill

American actress and producer
Born
December 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 94 years old

An accomplished actress, gained recognition through performances in films such as 'Desk Set' and 'The Courtship of Eddie's Father'. Started career on Broadway with 'The Mermaids Singing', showing talent in both performance and production. Served as a panelist on the game show 'Password'. Additionally, engaged in business ventures, contributing to family businesses, and held positions on various boards and charities. Inherited significant wealth and maintained a high-profile social life.

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Joseph M. McDade

American politician and Congressman
Born
September 29th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 86 years old

Served as a U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania for 28 years, representing the 10th congressional district. Played a significant role in appropriations and federal funding, especially in areas related to transportation and environmental concerns. Held the position of Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, influencing budgetary decisions during his tenure. Retired from Congress in 1998 after deciding not to seek re-election.

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Richard Gordon

Surgeon and author of medical books
Born
September 15th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 96 years old

An English surgeon specialized in the field of surgery and authored several medical books. Contributed to the popularization of surgical practices through engaging writings. Served as a consultant surgeon and conducted surgeries at various institutions. His works offered insights into the medical profession, combining expertise with accessible language for a broader audience. Engaged in teaching and made significant contributions to surgical education.

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Pierre Gaspard-Huit

French director and screenwriter
Born
November 29th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 100 years old

A French director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to French cinema. Gaspard-Huit directed a variety of films across multiple genres, showcasing a unique storytelling approach. His work included collaborations with prominent actors and participation in various cinematic festivals. He also gained recognition for his contributions as a screenwriter, adapting works from literature and other sources into film.

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Barbara Cook

American singer and actress in musical theatre
Born
October 25th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 90 years old

This individual achieved acclaim as a leading figure in musical theatre, with a career spanning several decades. Initially gaining recognition for performances in Broadway productions, particular highlights included roles in 'The Music Man' and 'She Loves Me'. Cook also earned a reputation for her concert performances, celebrated for vocal technique and interpretation. Numerous recordings captured her signature style and showcased her extensive range. In later years, this individual shifted focus to cabaret and solo concerts, positioning herself as a respected figure in that domain.

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Donald Malarkey

American sergeant and author of memoir
Born
July 31st, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 96 years old

Served as a sergeant during World War II in Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division. Participated in key battles including D-Day and the Battle of Carentan. After the war, contributed to the historical narrative of his experiences by co-authoring the memoir 'Easy Company: The Story of a Brotherhood', which detailed the camaraderie and challenges faced by the soldiers. The memoir gained further recognition through the acclaimed HBO miniseries 'Band of Brothers'.

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Sib Hashian

Rock drummer for Boston
Born
August 17th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 68 years old

Active as a rock drummer, contributed to the band Boston during the 1970s and 1980s. Participated in the recording of the band's acclaimed debut album, which became one of the best-selling debut albums in history. Continued to perform and tour with the band and other music projects over the years. His style and contributions played a significant role in shaping the band's sound.

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Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan

Indian author and scholar, notable poet
Born
December 31st, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1934, this individual contributed significantly to Urdu literature as a poet, author, and scholar. A career marked by a dedication to cultural and literary expression, the individual authored numerous works that explored themes of love, philosophy, and social issues. In addition to poetry, the individual engaged in scholarly pursuits, focusing on the rich heritage of Urdu literature and its linguistic nuances. The author's works reflect a deep understanding of traditional and contemporary societal values, bridging gaps between past and present narratives in the literary landscape.

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