Remembering Novelist Tom Clancy

We remember best-selling spy novelist Tom Clancy.

Leslie Grantham (1947 – 2018), British actor starred in soap opera “EastEnders”

Actor Leslie Grantham, the British actor who starred in the soap opera "EastEnders," died Friday, June 15, 2018, according to the Associated Press. He was 71.

Deborah Batts (1947–2020), pioneering judge who was overseeing Michael Avenatti trial

Deborah Batts was the nation’s first openly LGBTQ federal judge, who was set to oversee Michael Avenatti’s Stormy Daniels-related embezzlement trial. She was nominated for a federal judgeship by President Bill Clinton in 1994, and she was sworn in later that year after a smooth confirmation hearing. Serving as the U.S. District Judge for Manhattan, Batts oversaw cases including a 2006 civil suit against an EPA administrator who was accused of misleading the public about the risk of toxic air pollution around the site of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Florian Schneider (1947–2020), Kraftwerk co-founder

Florian Schneider was a co-founder of Kraftwerk, the highly influential German electronic band.

Bunny Wailer (1947–2021), reggae icon who co-founded the Wailers

Bunny Wailer was a giant of reggae music who co-founded the Wailers along with and Peter Tosh (1944–1987).

Ray Fosse (1947–2021), Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians catcher

Ray Fosse was a catcher for Major League Baseball teams including the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians, as well as a color commentator after his playing career.

Johnny Grier (1947–2022), first black referee in the NFL 

Johnny Grier became the first black referee in NFL history at the start of the 1988 season.   

Fito Olivares (1947–2023), Tejano musician known for Juana La Cubana

Born Rodolfo Olivares, musician Fito Olivares began playing the saxophone at 12 and by 16 was performing professionally. He soon began writing his own compositions, establishing himself as an artist who embraced new directions in Mexican cumbia music as adeptly as he adhered to the traditional. He is best known for his hit songs “Juana La Cubana” and “El Colesterol,” which are mainstays at weddings and quinceañeras.

Wayne Northrop (1947–2024), Days of Our Lives star

Wayne Northrop was an actor best known for his performances in the soap operas “Days of Our Lives,” “Dynasty,” and “Port Charles.” 

Paquita la del Barrio (1947–2025), acclaimed Mexican singer 

Paquita la del Barrio was a Mexican singer, songwriter, and actress whose songs often confronted women’s issues and butted heads with “macho” culture.