Many famous people have left this world, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence. This article delves into the lives of 15 notable individuals who passed away on July 13. Each had a unique story, contributing significantly to their respective fields. Here, we highlight their birthdays and commemorate their lasting impact.
1. Leslie Groves
Date of Death: July 13, 1970
Leslie Groves was a prominent American military officer best known for his role in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bombs during World War II. Born on August 17, 1896, in Albany, New York, Groves’ strategic brilliance and organizational skills were crucial to the project’s success. His leadership and commitment to his duty made him a significant figure in military history.
2. Marțian Negrea
Date of Death: July 13, 1973
Marțian Negrea was a distinguished Romanian composer and musicologist. Born on January 29, 1893, in Vârfurile, Arad County, he was renowned for his contributions to Romanian classical music. Negrea’s work often reflected Romanian folklore, making him an essential figure in preserving and promoting national cultural heritage through his compositions.
3. Frederick Hawksworth
Date of Death: July 13, 1976
Frederick Hawksworth was a celebrated British railway engineer. Born on February 10, 1884, in Swindon, England, he served as the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Great Western Railway. Hawksworth was known for his innovative locomotive designs, which significantly improved the efficiency and reliability of British railways, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of railway engineering.
4. Corine Griffith
Corine Griffith
Date of Death: July 13, 1979
Corine Griffith, born on November 21, 1894, in Texarkana, Texas, was a celebrated American actress, author, and businesswoman. She was one of the most popular film stars of the silent film era. Griffith later became a successful writer and businesswoman, proving her versatility and resilience in various fields. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were significant, making her a beloved figure in Hollywood history.
5. Kirby Stone
Date of Death: July 13, 1981
Kirby Stone, born on April 27, 1918, in New York City, was an American jazz singer and bandleader. He was the founder of the Kirby Stone Four, a vocal ensemble known for its lively performances and unique blend of jazz and swing music. Stone’s charisma and musical talent made him a notable figure in the American jazz scene, influencing many aspiring musicians.
6. Gabrielle Roy
Date of Death: July 13, 1983
Gabrielle Roy was a renowned Canadian author born on March 22, 1909, in Saint Boniface, Manitoba. She was one of the most influential French-Canadian writers of the 20th century. Roy’s works often depicted the lives of ordinary people, and her novel “The Tin Flute” won the Governor General’s Award. Her literary contributions significantly enriched Canadian literature, earning her a place among the country’s literary greats.
7. Abdul Rahman Qassemlu
Date of Death: July 13, 1989
Abdul Rahman Qassemlu, born on December 22, 1930, in Mahabad, Iran, was a prominent Kurdish politician and leader. He was the Secretary-General of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan. Qassemlu was a strong advocate for Kurdish rights and autonomy, and his efforts for peace and justice left a significant impact on the Kurdish political movement. His assassination in 1989 was a tragic loss for the Kurdish cause.
see also: 21 Famous People Born on July 13 You May Not Know
8. Bob Payton
Date of Death: July 13, 1994
Bob Payton, born on May 17, 1944, in New York City, was an American restaurateur and entrepreneur. He was instrumental in introducing American-style dining to the United Kingdom, founding several popular restaurant chains. Payton’s innovative approach to the restaurant business significantly influenced British dining culture, making him a pioneer in the industry.
9. Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Date of Death: July 13, 1995
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, born on July 8, 1920, in Billund, Denmark, was a key figure in the LEGO Group. As the son of the company’s founder, he played a crucial role in developing the iconic LEGO brick. Christiansen’s vision and leadership helped transform LEGO into one of the world’s most beloved and enduring toy brands, leaving an indelible mark on the toy industry.
10. Alexandra Danilova
Date of Death: July 13, 1997
Alexandra Danilova, born on November 20, 1903, in Peterhof, Russia, was a celebrated Russian-American ballerina and ballet teacher. She was one of the leading figures in the world of ballet, performing with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and later teaching at the School of American Ballet. Danilova’s grace and dedication to ballet made her a revered figure in the dance community.
11. Arthur Kane
Date of Death: July 13, 2004
Arthur Kane, born on February 3, 1949, in New York City, was an American musician best known as the bassist for the glam rock band New York Dolls. He was a pivotal figure in the band, which influenced the punk rock movement. Kane’s distinctive style and contributions to rock music left a lasting legacy, and he remains an iconic figure in the history of punk rock.
12. Ilja Zeljenka
Date of Death: July 13, 2007
Ilja Zeljenka, born on December 21, 1932, in Bratislava, Slovakia, was a renowned Slovak composer. He was a leading figure in contemporary Slovak music, known for his innovative compositions that blended traditional and modern elements. Zeljenka’s works earned him numerous accolades and significantly influenced Slovak and European classical music.
13. Allan Jeans
Allan Jeans
Date of Death: July 13, 2011
Allan Jeans, born on September 21, 1933, in Finley, New South Wales, Australia, was a legendary Australian rules football coach. He led the St Kilda Football Club to their only premiership in 1966 and later coached the Hawthorn Football Club to three premierships. Jeans’ strategic genius and motivational skills made him one of the greatest coaches in Australian football history.
14. Jerzy Kulej
Date of Death: July 13, 2012
Jerzy Kulej, born on October 19, 1940, in Częstochowa, Poland, was a celebrated Polish boxer. He was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a dominant figure in amateur boxing during the 1960s. Kulej’s achievements in the ring earned him international acclaim, and he is remembered as one of Poland’s greatest athletes.
15. Shirley Fry
Date of Death: July 13, 2021
Shirley Fry, born on June 30, 1927, in Akron, Ohio, was an American tennis player. She was one of the few players to win all four Grand Slam titles during her career. Fry’s remarkable achievements on the tennis court made her a trailblazer in women’s sports, and she is celebrated as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Conclusion
The legacies of these 15 individuals continue to influence and inspire many across various fields. Their contributions to music, literature, sports, and beyond have left an indelible mark on the world. Remembering them on the anniversary of their passing allows us to honor their achievements and reflect on the impact they had on our culture and history.