Nick Daniels III (1955–2024), mainstay of New Orleans funk scene

Nick Daniels III was a bass player and mainstay of the New Orleans funk scene best known as the co-bassist and co-vocalist for Dumpstaphunk.

Shirley Jo Finney (1949–2023), Wilma star and theatre director

Shirley Jo Finney was an actress who starred in the TV movie “Wilma” and worked widely in regional theatre as a director.

Arnold Díaz (1949–2023), Shame on You consumer watchdog

Arnold Díaz was a reporter and consumer watchdog whose news segments “Shame on You,” “Shame Shame Shame,” and “What a Shame” made him an icon in the New York City news scene and the bane of bad businesses everywhere.

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.

Kent Damon (2017), Matt Damon's father

Matt raised awareness for multiple myeloma after his dad’s diagnosis…

William Peter Blatty (1928 - 2017), The Exorcist author

William Peter Blatty, the best-selling author and screenwriter who terrified readers and moviegoers with "The Exorcist," died Thursday, January 12, of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He was 89.