Charles Anthony - Opera Ironman

Charles Anthony, 82, was the ironman of the New York City Metropolitan Opera. In a career that spanned from 1954-2010, he sang in 2,928 performances at the Met. It included 11 roles in 69 operas. He died on February 15, 2012.

He was born Calegero Antonio Caruso in New Orleans in 1929. In 1952, he entered a Met competition called "Auditions of the Air" and secured a spot. The Met general manager changed his name 30 minutes before air time because he didn't want the audience to think he was related to Enrico Caruso.

Steve Kordek - Developed Pinball Flippers

Steve Kordek spent his career designing pinball machines for various game manufacturers. In 1947, flippers were first introduced to players.

Mr Kordek was working for Genco at the time. His firm wanted to compete with the others in this new design. He changed the design from six flippers down to two which he located at the bottom of the playing field before the balls fall into he drain. He debut his design at the 1948 pinball trade show where it became an immediate hit with players.

Mr Kordek, 100, died on February 19, 2011 in Park Ridge Illinois.

He left Genco in 1960 and began working at Williams, one of the top pinball game manufacturers. He led a group of designers who developed some of the most popular arcade games that continue to enjoy success.

John Faifax - Rower

John Fairfax became the first person to row across the Atlantic Ocean back in 1969. His achievement made him an international celebrity at the time. Two years later he rowed across the Pacific Ocean with his girl friend. They were the first two-person crew to accomplish the feat.

Mr Faifax, 74, died of a heart attack at his home in Las Vegas on February 8, 2011.

His Atlantic Ocean crossing started on January 20, 1969 from the Canary Islands to Miami. It took 180 days, covering 5,300 miles. He was blown off course many times, ending up along the west coast of Africa before he was able to get back on track.

His Pacific Ocean attempt started April 26, 1971 from San Francisco with the goal of reaching Australia's Great Barrier Reef. His journey, accompanied by his girl friend lasted 361 days.

He spent the rest of his years living a life of adventure. At various times, he was a shark fighter, ocelot hunter, mink farm operator and authority on baccarat.

Dick Turfield - Voice of Robot

From 1965-1968 Dick Tufield was the voice of the robot on the television show "Lost in Space". He often uttered the phrase "Danger Will Robinson.

Tufield, 85, died on January 22, 2012 at his home in Los Angeles.

He made a career of doing voice-overs in hundreds of commercials as well as sporting events and news programs. His other tv shows included "Zorro" and "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea".

Cecil Pond - Popularized Riding Lawn Mowers

Cecil Pond will be known for introducing the riding lawn mower to the American family. He founded Pond Tractor Co, later named Wheel Horse Products, which built two-wheeled tractors that the operator could walk behind.

After World War II, his company developed a riding lawn-mower. With the growth of suburbs, sales increased every year. The company made a total of 22 attachments, including those for snow plowing, and plows for backyard gardens.

Mr Pond, 87, died on December 30, 2011 at a hospital in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

In 1975, Pond's company had over 500 employees when he sold it to American Motors Company. AMC later sold it to Toro.

James Ramseur - Shot By Bernard Goetz

A brief encounter on a New York City subway on December 22, 1984 changed the life of James Ramseur forever. He was one of the four teenagers who accosted Bernard Goetz and was subsequently shot by the "Subway Vigilante".

The shootings attracted world-wide attention and highlighted the problem of crime and danger on the subway system. All four teens were shot, including one who was paralyzed and suffered permanent brain damage.

In 1987, Goetz was acquitted of attempted murder,but found guilty of illegal possession of a gun, He served 8 1/2 months in prison.

Ramseur, 45, died on December 22, 2011 which was the 27th anniversary of the shootings. He was found dead in a Bronx motel room, the apparent victim of a drug overdose and possible suicide.

Ramseur was incarcerated at the time of Goetz's trail. He had been sentenced for raping and robbing a pregnant woman in 1986. He was released in 2002, but returned to prison in 2005 for a parole violation. He was released in July 2010.

Edie Stevenson- Created "Mikey" Commercial

Edie Stevenson spent her career as a copywriter for print and television ads. Her biggest hit was the "Mikey, He likes It" spot that she did for LIFE cereal in 1973.

The ad became a staple on television throughout the 70's and 80's and was selected in 1999 by TV Guide as number 10 in a list of the top 50 commercials.

Ms Stevenson, 81, died on December 19, 2001 at an assisted living facility in Westport, Mass. from complications resulting from Alzheimer's Disease.

She landed a job as a junior copywriter after her divorce in 1966. She also worked on commercials for Volkswagon, Cutty Sark scotch and Smirnoff vodka.

Paul Leka - Songwriter

Paul Leka was a song writer and producer who wrote and worked for many recording artists dunig the late 60's and early 70's. He wrote "Green Tambourine" for the Lemon Pipers. It went to # 1 in 1967. He also signed REO Speedwagon to their first record contact. He moved onto producing four albums for Harry Chapin, including his only #1 hit: "Cat In the Cradle".

He is best known for co-writing the song "Kiss Him Goodbye". It reached #1 in 1969. It included a long chorus of the band singing "Na, na, na, na, na,na,na, na hye, hye, goodbye."

In 1977, the organist for the Chicago White Sox starting to play the chorus to excite the home fans when the visiting players struck out or a relief pitcher came in. It soon became a staple at stadiums and arenas around the country. It became a way for the home to to taunt the losing visiting team. It continues to enjoy great success today.

Mr Leka died from the effects of lung cancer on October 12, 2011 at his home in Sharon, Conn. at the age of 68.

Peter Gent - Author

Peter Gent wrote a book about the seamier side of football which became the movie, "North Dallas Forty"died at the age of 69 on September 30, 20011 from a pulmonary illness. He was living at his boyhood home in Bangor, Michigan.

Gent was a basketball star at Michigan State University in the 1960's. He was drafted by the NBA Baltimore Bullets, but decided to tryout for the Dallas Cowboys in spite of not having played college football. He made the team as a receiver and spent five seasons with them.

He penned his novel in 1973 dealing with the drugs, sex and greed in professional football. The book was made into the 1979 movie starring Nick Nolte.

He wrote sevral other books including a sequel, "North Dallas After Forty".

Willie Susan Smith Stewart - Reagan Classmate

Willie Susan Smith Stewart was the last member of the class of 1932 of Eureka College that included future President Ronald Reagan. Ms Stewart died on August 17, 2011 at the age of 101 at a hospital in Tyler, Texas.

She spent her entire life in Texas after graduating from Eureka and receiving a master's degree in education from Texas A&M. Her career included decades as a grammar school teacher.