December 21

Kaarlo Koskelo was born in 1888 in Kotka, Finland and emerged as one of his nation’s top Greco-Roman wrestlers. He captured the gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. After World War I, Koskelo emigrated to the United States, settling in Oregon and transitioning from sport to entrepreneurship. He founded a construction and real estate business, gaining respect in his adopted community for his work ethic and leadership. Koskelo also remained involved in wrestling circles, mentoring younger athletes and promoting the sport. He died in 1953, remembered both for his Olympic triumph and his accomplishments as a businessman.

Christos Lambrakis was born in 1934 into a family with deep roots in journalism. After studying law, he took over the Lambrakis Press Group and expanded its reach across newspapers, magazines, and broadcast media. Under his leadership, the company influenced public opinion and modernized Greek journalism. Lambrakis was also known for philanthropic efforts, supporting cultural institutions and charitable causes. His tenure reshaped Greece’s media landscape until his death in 2009.

Edgar Bronfman Sr. was born in 1929 into the prominent Bronfman family in Montreal. He took control of the Seagram Company in 1971, expanding its portfolio into entertainment and transforming it into a global brand. Beyond business, he was an active philanthropist and served as president of the World Jewish Congress, advocating for human rights and Jewish causes worldwide. Bronfman’s leadership bridged commerce and community service, leaving a diverse legacy when he died in 2013.