In the month of April, we witnessed the passing of the first Latin American pope in history.
Renowned for championing those at the margins, Pope Francis, who passed away due to a stroke, introduced a distinct approach to the papacy, prioritizing humility over arrogance. Heads of state and royalty from various nations gathered to attend his funeral and offer their last tributes.
This period was marked by the passing of actor Val Kilmer, known for iconic performances such as a beloved role in “Top Gun” and his portrayal of musician Jim Morrison in “The Doors.” Despite the passion he displayed in his acting, Kilmer gained a reputation for being challenging to collaborate with.
Notable deaths in April also included basketball Hall of Fame member Dick Barnett, actor Jay North known for his role as Dennis Mitchell in “Dennis the Menace,” former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, renowned Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, Blondie’s drummer Clem Burke, and football player Steve McMichael.
Below is a list of notable individuals who passed away during the initial four months of this year, along with their cause of death where known:
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JANUARY
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Wayne Osmond
, 73. He was a vocalist, guitar player, and one of the original members of The Osmonds, the multi-platinum selling familial band famous for their 1970s pop hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River.” January 1st.
David Lodge
, 89. A witty and prolific British novelist and critic who gently satirized academia, religion and even his own loss of hearing in such highly praised narratives as the Booker Prize finalists “Small World” and “Nice Work.” Jan. 1.
Rosita Missoni
, 93. The matriarch of the renowned Italian fashion brand known for elevating vibrant zigzag-patterned knits to haute couture and played a key role in introducing Italian ready-to-wear clothing. Jan. 1.
James Arthur Ray
, 67. A self-improvement coach whose vast empire collapsed following a fatal incident during a sweat lodge ritual he conducted in Arizona, resulting in three deaths. Jan. 3.
Costas Simitis
, 88. He was a former prime minister of Greece and played a key role in the nation’s adoption of the Euro as part of the European single currency system. January 5.
Jean-Marie Le Pen
, 96. The founder of France’s far-right National Front was renowned for his incendiary speeches opposing immigration and multiculturalism, which garnered both dedicated followers and significant criticism. On Jan. 7.
Peter Yarrow
, 86. Known primarily as one of the members of Peter, Paul and Mary — the influential folk trio whose powerful vocal harmonies resonated with audiences advocating for civil rights and opposing war — this artist was also a accomplished singer-songwriter. January 7.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon
, 104. She was the initial African American female to become part of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps following the integration of the armed forces in the 1940s. January 8.
Sam Moore
, 89. The remaining member with the higher vocal range from the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, famous for iconic hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” passed away on Jan. 10.
José “Cha Cha” Jiménez
, 76. An influential Civil Rights leader in Chicago fought for the rights of Puerto Ricans, established the Young Lords, and co-founded the Rainbow Coalition. January 10.
David Lynch
, 78. The director renowned for his distinctively bleak and surreal style evident in films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” along with the television series “Twin Peaks.” Jan. 16.
Bob Uecker
, 90. He turned his unremarkable playing career into a recurring joke for roles in movies and television as “Mr. Baseball,” along with a prestigious broadcasting hall of fame career. January 16.
Joan Plowright
, 95. A renowned British actor who, alongside her late husband Laurence Olivier, significantly contributed to rejuvenating theater in the United Kingdom during the post-World War II era. January 16.
Cecile Richards
, 67. A prominent advocate for reproductive rights and women’s freedoms who helmed Planned Parenthood through 12 challenging years. Jan. 20.
Mauricio Funes
, 65. A former president of El Salvador who lived out his last days in Nicaragua to evade multiple criminal charges. January 21.
Valérie André
, 102. A French pilot and paratrooper who was the first woman to achieve the rank of general in France. January 21.
Garth Hudson
, 87. The Band’s exceptional keyboard player and versatile artist known for blending an eclectic range of tones and genres, infusing a casual yet masterful quality into iconic tracks like “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” and “Rag Mama Rag.” Jan. 21.
Richard Williamson
, 84. A highly conservative Catholic bishop who denied the Holocaust sparked controversy in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI reinstated him along with other members of his splinter group. January 29.
Dick Button
, 95. He was among the most skilled male figure skaters ever, also serving as an influential innovator and promoter within his sport. January 30.
Marianne Faithfull
, 78. The British pop icon, known for her role as a muse, libertine, and person with an old soul, who both drew inspiration from and co-wrote several of the Rolling Stones’ most celebrated tracks. She emerged as a powerful vocalist and overcame the life she once lived. January 30.
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FEBRUARY
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Horst Köhler
, 81. An ex-leader of the International Monetary Fund who later served as a well-liked President of Germany shocked the nation with his sudden resignation due to controversial remarks regarding the country’s armed forces. February 1st.
Barbie Hsu
, 48. An actress from Taiwan who appeared in the widely acclaimed Asian TV series “Meteor Garden.” February 2. Died from pneumonia caused by influenza.
The Aga Khan
, 88. At the age of 20, while studying at Harvard University, he assumed the role of the spiritual guide for millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide. Subsequently, he transformed an extensive financial empire valued at billions of dollars from religious contributions into investments in housing, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions within less developed nations. February 4th.
Kultida Woods
, 80. The Thailand-born mother of Tiger Woods, who attributes her for instilling in him a competitive drive and urging him to sport a red shirt every Sunday because she believed it was his lucky color. Feb. 4.
Irv Gotti
, 54. The founder of Murder Inc. Records, a prominent figure in the industry who discovered and managed significant talents like Ashanti and Ja Rule in the realms of hip-hop and R&B. February 5.
Virginia McCaskey
, 102. She came into possession of the Chicago Bears due to her father, George Halas, yet she stayed out of the limelight for over four decades while serving as the team’s main owner. Feb. 6.
Tony Roberts
, 85. An adaptable theater actor nominated for a Tony Award, equally comfortable in both plays and musicals, who also starred in multiple Woody Allen films—often portraying Allen’s closest confidant. Feb. 7.
Sam Nujoma
, 95. The passionate, silver-haired revolutionary who guided Namibia towards independence from apartheid-era South Africa in 1990 and went on to serve as its inaugural president for 15 years, earning him the title of the country’s founding father. February 8.
Tom Robbins
, 92. The author and mischief-maker philosopher who captivated and bewildered countless readers through zany tales like “EvenCowgirlsGetTheBlues” and “JitterbugPerfume.” February 9.
Anne Marie Hochhalter
, 43. She experienced partial paralysis as a result of the Columbine High School shooting, but she discovered the courage to forgive and mend her spirit when she connected with another family who had also been profoundly affected by the same tragedy. Feb. 16.
Gene Hackman
, 95. The Academy Award-winning actor known for his compelling portrayals of both hesitant heroes and cunning villains, which established him as one of the most esteemed and recognized talents in the business.
Feb. 17
. Discovered deceased alongside his spouse, who had passed away one week prior, within their residence.
Paquita la del Barrio
, 77. A legendary figure in Mexican music recognized for her strong vocals and unwavering advocacy for women. February 17.
James Harrison
, 88. An Australian man is recognized for rescuing an estimated 2.4 million babies through his unprecedented blood plasma donations spanning six decades. Feb. 17.
Souleymane Cissé
, 84. The Malian filmmaker was a trailblazer for African cinema, having had a career lasting 50 years. Feb. 19.
Mabel Staton
, 92. The Black track and field standout who broke through racial barriers and became the only woman to compete for the United States in the long jump at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Feb. 20.
Clint Hill
, 93. The Secret Service agent who jumped onto the rear of President John F. Kennedy’s car following the shooting, only to be compelled into an early retirement due to persistent haunting memories of the event. February 21.
Joe Fusco
, 87. A college football hall-of-fame coach who claimed four NAIA Division II national titles during his 19-year tenure at Westminster College. February 22.
Roberta Flack
, 88. The Grammy Award-winning vocalist and keyboard player known for her personal vocal and musical approach became one of the leading recording stars during the 1970s and remained an impactful performer well beyond then. Feb. 24.
Michelle Trachtenberg
, 39. An ex-child actor who starred in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy” and later took part in two popular millennial television series — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl.” February 26.
Boris Spassky
, 88. A former world chess champion from the Soviet era who lost his title to American Bobby Fischer in a renowned 1972 match that served as a symbol of Cold War rivalry. February 27.
David Johansen
, 75. The thin, raspy-voiced singer and the only remaining original member of the glam and proto-punk band called the New York Dolls, who later took on the flamboyant, pomaded persona known as Buster Poindexter. February 28.
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MARCH
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Angie Stone
, 63. The Grammy-nominated R&B artist was part of the all-female hip-hop group The Sequence and famous for their hit track “Wish IDidn’t Miss You.” March 1. Car accident.
Joey Molland
, 77. A guitarist from the Welsh pop-rock group Badfinger, famous for their 1970s hit singles “No Matter What” and “Day After Day.” Born on March 1st.
George Lowe
, 67. The voice of the irreverent animated superhero on Adult Swim’s “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.” March 2.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart
, 70. A Cuban-American advocate who dedicated his efforts to achieving freedom for Cuba and served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a influential political clan from South Florida. March 3.
Carl Dean
, 82. Dolly Parton’s loyal spouse of almost six decades, who shied away from attention and was the muse behind her classic song “Jolene.” March 3.
Oleg Gordievsky
, 86. A Soviet KGB agent who played a crucial role in altering the trajectory of the Cold War by secretly providing intelligence to British authorities. March 4.
Roy Ayers
, 84. An iconic jazz musician renowned for playing the vibraphone, keyboards, composing music, and singing. He gained fame with his distinctive, funk-infused track “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” from 1976. This song has since been featured in numerous samples by prominent figures in R&B and hip-hop like Mary J. Blige, N.W.A., Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Mos Def, and Ice Cube. March 4.
Robert G. Clark
, 95. He became Mississippi’s first African American legislator of the 20th century when he was elected in 1967 and eventually attained the second-highest leadership position in the state House of Representatives. March 4.
D’Wayne Wiggins
, 64. A founder of the Grammy-nominated band Tony! Toni! Tone!, known for hit tracks such as “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow.” March 7.
Junior Bridgeman
, 71. An outstanding basketball player who guided Louisville to the Final Four, played professionally for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, and later achieved even greater success in business ventures including restaurants, publishing, and ownership of the Bucks franchise. March 11.
Ron Nessen
, 90. An experienced broadcast journalist who served as press secretary for President Gerald Ford and aimed to reinstate the credibility that the role had lost under the Nixon administration. March 12.
Raúl M. Grijalva
, 77. TheDemocratic congresspersonwas an advocate for environmental safeguards and progressive values, tackling principled yet frequently quixotic issues throughout their twenty-year tenure inCongress. March 13.
Alan Simpson
, 93. The ex-U.S. senator was a legendary figure in politics known for his sharp humor that transcended party divides during an era less marked by current political tensions. March 14.
Nita Lowey
, 87. The ex-congresswoman was a prominent Democratic member from New York who served for an extended period as the first woman to lead the influential House Appropriations Committee. March 15.
Émilie Dequenne
, 43. The Belgian actress who earned a prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival for her breakthrough performance in “Rosetta.” Born on March 16. Died from cancer.
Eddie Jordan
, 76. A former Formula 1 team proprietor who transitioned into media as a commentator known for his witty remarks, assertive viewpoints, and flamboyant attire. He became quite a favorite among viewers following his exit from the racing scene in 2005. The date was March 20.
George Foreman
, 76. The formidable heavyweight boxer who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali prior to his motivational resurgence as a 45-year-old world champion and accomplished entrepreneur. March 21.
Kitty Dukakis
, 88. The spouse of ex-Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Dukakis, known for speaking candidly about her battles with depression and substance abuse. March 21.
Paul “Greg” House
, 63. He spent twenty years on Tennessee’s death row before his eventual release and subsequently became an advocate against capital punishment. March 22.
Mia Love
, 49. The offspring of Haitian migrants who was the inaugural Black Republican female to be seated in Congress. March 23. Deceased due to brain cancer.
David Childs
, 83. The chief designer of the One World Trade Center tower that was constructed at the location where the Twin Towers fell in New York City during the September 11 attacks. March 26.
Richard Chamberlain
, 90. The dashing lead actor from the 1960s TV show “Dr. Kildare,” who later became an acclaimed master of mini-series productions. March 29.
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APRIL
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Val Kilmer
, 65. The intense and adaptable actor known for his role as the beloved Iceman in “Top Gun,” wore a large cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and took on the character of Jim Morrison in “The Doors.” April 1. Pneumonia.
Theodore McCarrick
, 94. An influential Catholic cardinal who previously held significant power but was stripped of his position by Pope Francis in 2019 following a Vatican inquiry that found him guilty of molesting both adults and children. April 3.
Jay North
, 73. He portrayed the blond troublemaker on the television show “Dennis the Menace” for four seasons beginning in 1959. April 6.
Clem Burke
, 70. His adaptable drumming drove the legendary rock band Blondie throughout their years of performances ranging from new-wave punk to disco-influenced tracks. April 6. Cancer.
Rubby Pérez
, 69. Famous for tracks like “Volveré,” “El Africano,” and “Tu Vas à Volar,” he dedicated his extensive career to merengue, the defining genre of the Dominican Republic. April 8. Passed away following a ceiling collapse at a club in the Dominican Republic.
Octavio Dotel
, 51. Over his 15-year career, he played for 13 Major League teams and secured a World Series victory with the St. Louis Cardinals. On April 8, he passed away following a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
Kim Shin-jo
, 82. An influential former North Korean commando who relocated to South Korea and became a pastor following his unsuccessful attempt to assassinate then-South Korean President Park Chung-hee in 1968. April 9.
Mario Vargas Llosa
, 89. The Nobel Laureate from Peru was also a towering figure in Latin American literature. April 13.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
, 85. The ex-Malaysian prime minister was considered a moderate figure who expanded the nation’s political liberties; however, he faced criticism for his weak leadership. April 14.
Wink Martindale
, 91. The affable host of popular game shows like “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough,” who also conducted one of the earliest televised interviews with a young Elvis Presley. April 15.
Nora Aunor
, 71. She emerged as one of the leading figures in Filipino cinema throughout her career, which lasted for seven decades. April 16.
Bob Filner
, 82. A politician who served ten terms in the U.S. Congress and then became the mayor of San Diego. His lengthy political career came to an abrupt end when he resigned amidst sexual misconduct allegations shortly after taking office as mayor. April 20.
Pope Francis
, 88. The inaugural Latin American pope captivated global audiences with his modest demeanor and dedication to social justice, particularly the plight of the underprivileged. However, he also drew criticism from conservative factions due to his condemnations of capitalism and climate change issues. April 21. Cause of death: stroke.
Steve McMichael
, 67. A prominent defensive tackle from the Chicago Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning squad, known not only for his exceptional skills on the field but also for his charismatic persona that kept him a notable figure in the Windy City for many years. He was equally at home in professional wrestling due to this magnetic presence. On April 23, he passed away due to ALS.
Tom Brown
, 84. The multi-talented athlete who scored an interception in the 1966 NFL championship game, securing victory for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers. April 23.
Virginia Giuffre
, 41. She alleged that Britain’s Prince Andrew and several prominent figures exploited her sexually when she was a minor, whom financier Jeffrey Epstein had trafficked. The accusation came on April 25.
Dick Barnett
, 88. A Basketball Hall of Fame player who won championships with the New York Knicks after playing for the renowned college team at Tennessee A&I. April 27.
Bernard McGee, The Canadian Press
