Four more memorable people passed away in early 2025.
This group starred in most of the episodes of M*A*S*H; played the rememberable “NORM” on the TV show Cheers; was one of the engineers responsible for saving the astronauts on Apollo 13; and played memorable characters such as Chucky, Howard the Duck, and the dinosaur Tasha in Land of the Lost.
His journey to the United States began in 1987 when he received a scholarship to study at Georgetown University.
Dikembe Mutombo, born on June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo1, grew up in a large family of 12 siblings. From a young age, Mutombo stood out not only for his towering height but also for his academic abilities. He was initially interested in becoming a doctor, a reflection of his academic focus. Mutombo’s fluency in multiple languages, including English, French,
My 4th inductee of 2024, the 23rd overall.
Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her powerful voice and profound impact on the music industry have left an indelible mark on generations. Here’s an in-depth look at her life, career, and achievements. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Barbara Siggers Franklin and C.L. Franklin[1].
Games: 2,992, At Bats: 9,454, Batting Average: .302, Hits: 3,283,
Home Runs: 660, Runs Batted In (RBIs): 1,903
Stolen Bases: 338
Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. Raised in a predominantly African American community in Fairfield, a suburb of Birmingham, Mays displayed remarkable athletic prowess from a young age. His father, Willie Sr., was a talented baseball player in the Negro Leagues, and his mother, Annie Satterwhite, was a champion sprinter. This blend of athletic genes and a supportive environment cultivated Willie’s early interest and talent in baseball. Mays began his professional career in 1948 at age 17 with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a Negro minor league team.
