She wrote of peasants, unsung women, border crossers and, most popularly, Martin Guerre, a 16th-century village impostor recalled in a 1980s movie.
Category: Deaths (Obituaries)
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Martin Goetz, Who Received the First Software Patent, Dies at 93
“I knew at some point in time the patent office would recognize” computer software, he said. It happened in 1968, helping to ignite the software market.
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Kenneth Force, the ‘Toscanini of Military Marching Bands,’ Dies at 83
Captain Force was part of the pomp and ceremony at 10 presidential inaugurations, and for 45 years he taught midshipmen to revere traditional military music.
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The 45 King, Who Produced for Jay-Z and Eminem, Dies at 62
The 62-year-old Bronx native infused a distinctive jazzy flavor in his beats. He contributed tracks to Queen Latifah’s debut album and produced Eminem’s “Stan,” among other hip-hop classics.
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Vincent Patrick, Chronicler of Hustlers and Mobsters, Dies at 88
A novelist and screenwriter, he wrote “The Pope of Greenwich Village” and “Family Business” and brought them both to the big screen.
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Edward Bleier, Visionary Executive at Dawn of Cable TV, Dies at 94
Seeing untold promise in new technology, he was a prime mover in the creation of the cable industry, helping to transform Time Warner Cable into a giant in the field.
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Burt Young, ‘Rocky’ Actor Who Played Complex Tough Guys, Dies at 83
A former boxer from the streets of Queens, he became a scene stealer with his portrayals of mobsters, cops and working men with soul.
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Steven Lutvak, Whose Darkly Comic Show Won a Tony, Dies at 64
He wrote several musicals without attracting much notice. Then he struck Broadway gold with “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.”
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Carla Bley, Jazz Composer, Arranger and Provocateur, Dies at 87
Her music, which ranged from chamber miniatures to blaring fanfares, was suffused with a slyly subversive attitude.
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Piper Laurie, Reluctant Starlet Turned Respected Actress, Dies at 91
She began as just another product of the studio system, but she went on to receive three Oscar nominations, win an Emmy and appear on Broadway.
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Rudolph Isley, an Original and Enduring Isley Brother, Dies at 84
He provided harmony vocals and the occasional lead. He also helped write some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Shout,” “Fight the Power” and “That Lady.”
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Michael Chiarello, Chef and Food Network Star, Dies at 61
His culinary empire included several restaurants, an olive oil company, a winery and retail stores with a robust catalog business.