December 05

Glenn L. Martin (1886–1955) was a pioneering American aviator, aircraft designer, and businessman who founded the Glenn L. Martin Company in 1912. His company produced many influential aircraft for both civilian and military use, including bombers used in World War II. Martin's innovative designs and manufacturing practices helped to establish the American aviation industry. He served as a leader and mentor in aeronautical engineering, fostering advancements in aircraft performance and safety. Today, the legacy of his company lives on in later aerospace corporations, reflecting his impact on aviation.

Emil Fuchs (1878–1961) was a German-American lawyer and businessman active during the early to mid-20th century. Trained in law, he practiced and advised on corporate matters in both Germany and the United States. Fuchs expanded his career into business ventures, leveraging his legal expertise to guide company growth. He navigated transatlantic financial landscapes during a period of significant economic change. His dual background in law and business underscored his versatile professional legacy.

Born in Kempten, Germany in 1884, Claude Dornier studied engineering at the Technical University of Munich and the University of Stuttgart. He joined the Zeppelin Company before establishing Dornier Flugzeugwerke in 1914. His firm produced iconic seaplanes such as the Dornier Do X and advanced metal monoplanes. Dornier's designs served both military and civilian needs, influencing bomber development during World War II. After the war, he revived the company to build cutting-edge commuter aircraft like the Do 228. His contributions to aeronautical engineering left a profound mark on 20th-century aviation. He passed away on December 5, 1969, at the age of 85.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1918, Cole began illustrating for various publishers in the 1940s. He became art director for Novelty Press before founding Star Publications in 1949. His dynamic, surreal cover designs set him apart, making titles like Captain Aero and Blue Bolt visually striking. In the 1950s, he launched his own imprint, producing horror and crime comics with a distinctive style. After the comic book industry collapse, Cole shifted to commercial illustration and teaching. He died in 1995, remembered as a visionary artist of mid-century comics.

George Paraskevaides co-founded the international engineering and construction company Joannou & Paraskevaides in 1947, which became known for projects across the Middle East and Africa. Under his leadership, the firm expanded into diverse infrastructure ventures, ranging from oil pipelines to highways. A dedicated philanthropist, Paraskevaides supported hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural initiatives in Cyprus and abroad. He was honored with awards for his contributions to engineering and humanitarian efforts. His vision and charitable work left a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Born in Santa Cruz in 1926, Beverly Garland began her career in B-movies and quickly became a television staple with roles in series like 'My Three Sons' and the crime drama 'Decoy'. Known for her strong, no-nonsense on-screen persona, she appeared in over 100 film and TV productions. In the 1970s, Garland and her husband purchased and operated a motel in the Hollywood Hills, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. She received a Golden Boot Award for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Garland's dynamic career spanned six decades until her passing in 2008.

Chuck Williams (1915–2015) was an innovative American businessman who transformed home cooking with the creation of Williams-Sonoma. After discovering French cookware on a trip to France, he opened a small store in Sonoma, California, in 1956, offering premium kitchen tools and culinary books. Williams authored several cookbooks that introduced Americans to European cooking techniques. Under his leadership, Williams-Sonoma grew into a national brand celebrated for quality and style. His entrepreneurial vision and passion for food left a lasting impact on the culinary retail industry.