Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2013

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in October 2013. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

Oct. 1 Giuliano Gemma
Giuliano Gemma was a prominent Italian actor famous for his iconic roles in Spaghetti Western films during the 1960s and 1970s. He was particularly known for his performances in classic Western movies like 'A Pistol for Ringo' and 'Day of Anger'.
Oct. 1 Tom Clancy
Bestselling American novelist renowned for military and espionage thrillers that often blended technical detail with gripping narratives. His works significantly influenced the techno-thriller genre and were adapted into numerous films and video games.
Oct. 4 Võ Nguyên Giáp
Võ Nguyên Giáp was a legendary Vietnamese general who played a crucial role in Vietnam's independence struggles against French colonialism and in the Vietnam War.
Oct. 7 Ovadia Yosef
Prominent Sephardic rabbi and influential religious leader in Israel who served as the spiritual leader of the Shas political party and was a highly respected halakhic authority in the Jewish world.
Oct. 8 Andy Pafko
Andy Pafko was a notable Major League Baseball player who played primarily for the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves. He was a five-time All-Star outfielder and third baseman during his career from 1943 to 1959. Pafko was known for his consistent batting and defensive skills.
Oct. 8 Paul Desmarais
Prominent Canadian businessman who led Power Corporation of Canada and was a significant philanthropist in Quebec and Canada.
Oct. 11 María de Villota
Spanish race car driver who tragically died in 2013 after a severe racing accident, known for her courage and impact on motorsports.
Oct. 11 Erich Priebke
Nazi SS captain responsible for the Ardeatine massacre in Rome during World War II, convicted of war crimes and mass murder.
Oct. 13 Takashi Yanase
Takashi Yanase was a renowned Japanese children's book author and illustrator, best known for creating the beloved character Anpanman, a superhero who helps others by sharing parts of his edible head.
Oct. 14 Bruno Metsu
Renowned French football manager who achieved international recognition by leading Senegal to a historic quarter-final performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, notably defeating France.
Oct. 17 Lou Scheimer
Pioneering American animator and producer who co-founded Filmation Studios, a significant animation company that produced numerous popular TV cartoons in the 1960s and 1970s.
Oct. 17 Mother Antonia
Compassionate American-Mexican nun and humanitarian activist dedicated to serving prisoners and marginalized communities.
Oct. 18 Tom Foley
Prominent American politician who served as the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, representing Washington state's Democratic Party.
Oct. 18 Bum Phillips
Oail Andrew 'Bum' Phillips was a renowned NFL coach who led the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints, becoming a significant figure in professional football during the 1970s and 1980s.
Oct. 19 Ronald Shannon Jackson
Innovative American jazz drummer and composer who significantly influenced avant-garde and free jazz movements.
Oct. 20 Lawrence Klein
Lawrence Klein was a renowned American economist who revolutionized economic modeling and forecasting. He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1980 for his groundbreaking econometric models that significantly improved economic prediction techniques. Klein's work profoundly influenced modern macroeconomic analysis and policy-making.
Oct. 20 Don James
Renowned American football coach who led successful programs at Kent State University and the University of Washington, establishing one of the most impressive winning records in college football history.
Oct. 22 James Robinson Risner
James Robinson Risner was a distinguished American Air Force pilot and brigadier general, renowned for his heroic service during the Vietnam War and his extraordinary military career.
Oct. 23 Anthony Caro
Influential English sculptor known for his innovative abstract metal sculptures that transformed modern art in the 20th century.
Oct. 24 Ana Bertha Lepe
Mexican model and actress (b. 1934)
Oct. 24 Manna Dey
Manna Dey was a legendary Indian playback singer renowned for his versatile voice and significant contributions to Hindi and Bengali cinema music.
Oct. 25 Bill Sharman
Bill Sharman was a legendary basketball player and coach who played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics' dynasty during the 1950s, revolutionizing coaching techniques with the introduction of morning shootarounds.
Oct. 27 Lou Reed
Legendary rock musician and founding member of The Velvet Underground, Reed was a pioneering figure in punk, alternative rock, and experimental music. He significantly influenced rock music through his innovative songwriting and raw, uncompromising artistic vision.
Oct. 28 Tadeusz Mazowiecki
Tadeusz Mazowiecki was a prominent Polish journalist, politician, and the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Poland after the fall of communism. He played a crucial role in Poland's transition to democracy and was a key figure in the Solidarity movement.
Oct. 30 Michael Palmer
American physician and bestselling medical thriller author who wrote numerous novels exploring medical themes before his death in 2013.
Oct. 30 Frank Wess
Renowned American jazz saxophonist and flute player, prominent member of the New York Jazz Quartet who significantly contributed to the bebop and swing jazz genres.
Oct. 31 Bobby Parker
Bobby Parker was an influential American blues and rock guitarist known for his innovative guitar playing and songwriting in the mid-20th century.
Oct. 31 Gérard de Villiers
Renowned French journalist and author famous for his spy novels, particularly the SAS series which made him a prominent figure in French literary circles.