Tom Lysiak (1953 - 2016), NHL player

Tom Lysiak, a former NHL All-Star who played for the Flames and the Blackhawks, died May 30, according to multiple news sources. He was 63. Lysiak died of leukemia three years after being diagnosed with the disease. His daughter, Jessie Lysiak Braun, tweeted the news Monday. "It saddens me to the core of my being to write this post," she wrote. "My dad lost his battle with Leukemia today and has gone to be with the Lord now."

Celso Pina (1953–2019), legendary Mexican accordionist

Celso Pina was a legendary Mexican accordionist and singer known as “The Accordion Rebel.” He taught himself to play the accordion with no formal training. Pina was a very important musician in the genre of Cumbia music. He was a pioneer in combining tropical music with modern music such as hip-hop, reggae, ska, and other music styles. He released more than 20 albums in his career and toured around the world, including the United States.

Esther Scott (1953–2020), “Boyz n the Hood,” “Birth of a Nation” actress

Esther Scott  was an actress whose many roles included Tisha’s grandmother in “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and Nat Turner’s grandmother Bridget in “The Birth of a Nation” (2016). On TV, she starred as Gladys on the short-lived “Geena Davis Show,” and she had a recurring role on “Hart of Dixie” as Delma Warner.

Hal Ketchum (1953–2020), "Small Town Saturday Night" singer

Hal Ketchum was a country music star known for the song "Small Town Saturday Night."

Ron Wright (1953–2021), U.S. Representative from Texas

Ron Wright was a Republican U.S. Representative from Texas’ 6th congressional district, in the Arlington area.

Russ Francis (1953–2023), 13-year NFL tight end and pro wrestler 

Russ Francis was a 13-year veteran of the NFL who played tight end for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers before becoming a professional wrestler with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). 

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek (1953–2024), Oscar-winning composer

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek was a Polish composer who won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2005 for “Finding Neverland.”