What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Jorge Sampaio

Politician and 18th President of Portugal
Born
September 18th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the 18th President of Portugal from 1996 to 2006. Prior to presidency, held the position of Mayor of Lisbon from 1990 to 1991. Worked as a lawyer and was involved in political activism during the Portuguese dictatorship. Played a significant role in advocating for democracy and human rights in Portugal and internationally. After presidency, continued to engage in various diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.

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Richard Marcinko

American commander and author of Rogue Warrior
Born
November 21st, 1940 84 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1940, a U.S. Navy commander and author gained recognition for founding SEAL Team Six, a special forces unit designed for counter-terrorism operations. Commanded SEAL Team Two and participated in various missions, including the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Navy, wrote the Rogue Warrior series, which detailed military concepts and personal experiences. His work contributed to a greater understanding of special operations forces and their roles in modern warfare.

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Aaron Beck

Psychiatrist and cognitive therapy pioneer
Born
July 18th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 100 years old

A prominent psychiatrist and academic contributed significantly to the field of psychology, particularly through the development of cognitive therapy. Founded the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which conducts research and provides training in cognitive therapy. Authored numerous influential books and articles on cognitive theory and therapy, which transformed the treatment of mental health disorders. Beck's work established the foundations for understanding cognitive distortions and their effects on emotional well-being.

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Paul Foytack

Baseball player with Detroit Tigers
Born
November 16th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 91 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1953 to 1962. Spent the majority of career with the Detroit Tigers. Appeared in 141 games, accumulating a win-loss record of 35-38. His contributions on the mound played a role in the team’s pitching staff during his tenure. In addition to his time with the Tigers, also played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox.

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Yury Vlasov

Weightlifter and politician
Born
December 5th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Ukraine, a prominent weightlifter achieved notable success in the sport during the 1960s. Competed for the Soviet Union, securing three gold medals at the World Weightlifting Championships in 1959, 1962, and 1964. Also won Olympic gold in the heavyweight category at the 1960 Rome Games. Transitioned to a political career after retiring from weightlifting, becoming a member of the Supreme Soviet in the 1990s. Vlasov's contributions to both sports and politics made a significant mark in his country's history.

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Julio Lugo

Baseball player with World Series title
Born
November 16th, 1975 49 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 46 years old

Played as a professional baseball infielder, primarily as a shortstop. Lugo began his MLB career with the San Diego Padres in 2000. Subsequent tenures included time with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, and Boston Red Sox. In 2007, contributed to the Red Sox's World Series championship victory. Lugo concluded his MLB career after stints with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.

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Paul Mariner

Football player and manager, England
Born
May 22nd, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 68 years old

Played as a forward in professional football, primarily for Ipswich Town and Arsenal. Achieved success in both club and international play, representing England at the senior level. Transitioned to coaching and management roles after retirement, contributing to various teams including Plymouth Argyle.

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Delia Fiallo

Cuban author and screenwriter
Born
July 4th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 97 years old

Esteemed as an influential author and screenwriter, this individual contributed significantly to the genre of telenovelas. With a career spanning several decades, works in literature and television showcased intricate storytelling and character development. The creation of popular telenovelas brought pivotal themes of love, conflict, and social issues, resonating with audiences across Latin America.

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Momčilo Vukotić

Footballer and manager, European champion
Born
June 2nd, 1950 75 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 71 years old

A Serbian footballer and manager, made significant contributions to the sport in the 1970s and 1980s. Played as a midfielder and was part of the successful Red Star Belgrade team that secured the European Cup in 1991. Transitioned into management after retirement, overseeing various clubs and making influential decisions within the teams.

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