October 20

Lawrence Dale Bell (1894–1956) began his career at the Glenn L. Martin Company before founding Bell Aircraft Corporation in 1935. Under his leadership, Bell developed iconic aircraft such as the P-39 Airacobra and the P-63 Kingcobra for World War II. Bell Aircraft also produced the Bell X-1, the first plane to break the sound barrier under Chuck Yeager’s piloting. Bell’s emphasis on innovation and advanced research positioned his company at the forefront of early jet and rocket-powered aviation. He championed collaboration between government and industry to accelerate technological progress. Bell’s legacy endures in the numerous airframes and flight records his company achieved.

Calvin Griffith was a Canadian-American baseball executive best known for owning and managing the Washington Senators, later the Minnesota Twins.\nBorn in 1911 in Montreal, he and his brother moved the franchise to Minnesota in 1961, renaming them the Twins.\nUnder his leadership, the team won the World Series in 1987 and became a fixture in Midwestern sports culture.\nGriffith was known for his hands-on management and commitment to developing young talent through the farm system.\nHe served as club president and chairman for decades, overseeing significant growth of the organization.\nHis tenure transformed the franchise into a perennial contender and left a lasting legacy in baseball.

A successful private equity investor who made his mark through strategic corporate deals and banking ventures. He was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting the arts, education, and the New York community. His personal life became a public spectacle during a bitter divorce and custody battle with his wife Generosa. In January 2001, he was tragically found shot to death in his Manhattan home in a case that captivated national attention. Ted Ammon left behind a legacy of business acumen and enduring intrigue surrounding his untimely demise.

Bob Guccione (1930–2010) was an American publisher and entrepreneur who created Penthouse, an adult magazine that challenged social norms and expanded into a global media brand. He launched the magazine in 1965, pioneering a more explicit style of erotic journalism and photography. Under his leadership, Penthouse diversified into books, film, and lifestyle products, building a vast entertainment empire. Despite later financial difficulties, Guccione remained a prominent and controversial figure in publishing. He died in 2010 at the age of 79.

Raymond Watson (1926–2012) was an American businessman and corporate leader. He served in executive roles at several manufacturing and industrial companies, guiding strategic growth and modernization efforts. Known for his analytical approach and collaborative leadership style, he helped steer firms through economic expansions and market challenges. Watson was also active on corporate boards and industry associations, influencing policies and best practices. His career reflected the dynamism of American industry in the mid- to late-20th century.

Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-American fashion designer renowned for his sophisticated evening wear and bridal collections. Born in 1932 and trained in Spain and France, he brought European haute couture techniques to American fashion. De la Renta served as lead designer for brands like Elizabeth Arden before establishing his own label in 1965. His designs adorned first ladies, celebrities, and royalty, making him a symbol of elegance on the global stage. Beyond design, he was a philanthropist who supported arts education and charitable causes in the Dominican Republic. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of refinement and international acclaim.

Christophe de Margerie was a French businessman and longtime executive at Total S.A. Born in 1951 into a family with deep roots in the oil industry, he joined Total in 1974 and rose through the ranks. He became CEO in 2007 and later chairman, steering the company toward global expansion and sustainable energy initiatives. Under his leadership, Total strengthened its presence in emerging markets and invested in innovation. Known for his diplomatic skills, he maintained strong relations with world leaders and industry partners. De Margerie tragically died in a plane accident in Moscow in 2014 at the age of 63.