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  • Michael S. Rosenwald

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Joe Nickell, Paranormal Investigator and ‘Real-Life Scully,’ Dies at 80

A professional skeptic, he took on hundreds of mysteries, offering rational explanations for the Loch Ness monster, the Shroud of Turin and countless hauntings.

Joseph Boskin, Scholar of Humor and April Fool’s Prankster, Dies at 95

To oblige an eager reporter, he invented a story about the holiday’s origin. He didn’t realize it would turn out to be his “Andy Warhol...

Joe DePugh, Pitcher Who Inspired Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Glory Days,’ Dead at 75

A gifted athlete, he gave a clumsy teenage Bruce Springsteen his first nickname, Saddie. Years later, the Boss returned the favor, memorializing him in a...

Laura Sessions Stepp, Who Reported on Teenage Sex, Dies at 73

A Pulitzer Prize-winning editor, she went on to write about “hookup culture” and young women’s sexual experiences for The Washington Post and in a best-selling...

Angela Alvarez, Great-Grandmother Who Won a Latin Grammy, Dies at 97

Her only album made her a media star after she had raised four children and worked as a house cleaner — proving, she said, that...

Mike Shatzkin, Colorful Publishing Industry Guru, Dies at 77

His blog, The Shatzkin Files, was an essential read for industry insiders. His observations about the changes digital publishing would bring were prophetic.

Charles Brandt, Whose Book Inspired ‘The Irishman,’ Dies at 82

“I Heard You Paint Houses,” his true-crime best seller about the death of Jimmy Hoffa, was brought to the screen by Martin Scorsese and Robert...

Bob Yerkes, Bruised but Durable Hollywood Stuntman, Dies at 92

A body double to the stars, he performed sometimes bone-breaking feats in movies like “Return of the Jedi” and “Back to the Future.” And he...

Bob Weatherwax, Trainer of Lassie and Other Celebrity Dogs, Dies at 83

Like his father, who taught him the interdisciplinary roles needed for the job, he bred and coached the collies who played the heroic star of...

Jim Riswold, Creator of ‘Bo Knows’ and Air Jordan Ads, Dies at 66

His work for Nike — particularly commercials starring Michael Jordan and Spike Lee — blurred the line between advertising and entertainment.