Here are the most recent deaths in the national news, as reported at Legacy.com, the fourth
week of January 2023. Legacy.com is where you can find any obituary,
or publish an obituary in any newspaper in America, and beyond.
Actor Yoshio Yoda died January 13, 2023, in Fullerton, California at the age of 88.
He was one of the stars of the classic sitcom, “McHale’s Navy,” playing Fuji, a Japanese
prisoner of war. Yoda is also being remembered for a prominent
role in the movie “The Horizontal Lieutenant.” TikTok star Randy Gonzalez died January 25,
2023, of colon cancer at the age of 35. He and his son, Brice, made funny lip sync
videos that were enjoyed by millions of people on their “Enkyboys” TikTok channel.
Gonzalez is being remembered for his love for his family, which was so evident in their
videos, and for his openness in publicly raising cancer awareness.
Baseball player Sal Bando died January 20, 2023, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He died of
cancer at the age of 78. He was a third baseman and team captain for
the Oakland A’s, helping them to three consecutive World Series victories in the 1970s.
Bando is also being remembered for his years as a player and general manager with the Milwaukee
Brewers. Musician Johnny Powers died January 15, 2023,
at his home in Michigan. He died after a series of health issues at the age of 84.
He was an early rock and roller known for songs including “Long Blond Hair” and
“Honey Let’s Go (to a Rock and Roll Show).” Powers is also being remembered as the only
musician known to have signed with both Sun Records and Motown Records.
Soccer player Anton Walkes died January 19, 2023, at a hospital in Miami. He died from
injuries sustained in a boating accident at the age of 25.
A native of London, he played in the U.S. Major League Soccer clubs Atlanta United and
Charlotte FC. Walkes is also being remembered for playing
for the English clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth.
DJ Jerry Blavat died January 20, 2023, at a hospital in Philadelphia. He died of myasthenia
gravis at the age of 82. Known as “The Geator with the Heater,”
he was a legend of Philadelphia rock and roll radio and television for decades.
Blavat is being remembered for helping launch the careers of artists including the Four
Seasons and Dionne Warwick by being the first DJ to play their songs on the radio.
Dancer Jean Veloz died January 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 98.
She was known for dancing the Lindy Hop in movies of the 1940s, including “Swing Fever”
and “Groovie Movie.” Veloz is also being remembered as a teacher
of dance, whose elegant footwork was a joy to behold all throughout her long life.
Author Sal Piro died January 21, 2023, at his home at the age of 72.
He was the founder and longtime president of the Rocky Horror Picture Show fan club,
and he wrote books about the fandom, including “Creatures of the Night.”
Piro is being remembered as a driving force behind the audience traditions that helped
make Rocky Horror a cult classic. Comedian Polo Polo died January 23, 2023,
at his home. He died of natural causes at the age of 78.
A star in his native Mexico, he crossed over to fame in the U.S. Spanish-speaking community
in the 1980s and ‘90s. Polo Polo is being remembered for his popular
comedy albums, which were famously labeled, “For Adults Only.”
Psychologist Lloyd Morrisett, cofounder of the Children’s Television Workshop, died
January 23, 2023, at the age of 93. He was the co-creator of the classic public
television show, “Sesame Street.” Morrisett is being remembered for revolutionizing
children’s TV and proving it could be educational. Doctor J. Richard Steadman died January 20,
2023, at his home in Vail, Colorado at the age of 85.
He was an orthopedic surgeon who pioneered new techniques in knee surgery to help patients
recover faster and more completely. He is being remembered for working with elite
athletes including Martina Navratilova, Joe Montana, and Picabo Street.
Steadman was a U.S. Army veteran who served for two years.
Singer Carol Sloane died January 23, 2023, at a senior care center in Stoneham, Massachusetts.
She died of complications from a stroke at the age of 85.
She was a rising star of jazz in the 1950s and ‘60s before fading from the public eye.
She made a comeback in the late 1980s. Sloane is being remembered for concerts including
her breakout performance at the 1961 Newport Jazz Festival.
Football player Jessie Lemonier died January 26, 2023, at the age of 25.
In the NFL, he was a linebacker for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Lemonier is also being remembered for recently joining the USFL team the Birmingham Stallions.
Actor Lance Kerwin died January 24, 2023, in San Clemente, California at the age of
62. He starred in the 1970s TV drama “James
at 15” – which was renamed “James at 16” when the title character he played had
a birthday. Kerwin is also being remembered for his starring
role in the made--for-TV movie “Salem’s Lot,” as well as appearances in ABC Afterschool
Specials and many other TV shows. At Legacy.com, ANY family can publish an obituary
in honor of a loved one’s memory, online and in local newspapers everywhere. Just visit
Legacy.com and select your local community. On January 21, 2023, 11 people were killed
in a shooting at a dance studio in Monterey Park, California. Their names are:
Valentino Marcos Alvero Hongying Jian
Yu Lun Kao Lilan Li
Ming Wei Ma My My Nhan
Diana Man Ling Tom Muoi Dai Ung
Chia Ling Yau Wen Tau Yu
Xiujuan Yu On January 23, 2023, seven people were killed
in a series of shootings in Half Moon Bay, California. Their names are:
Yetao Bing Qizhong Cheng
Jingzhi Liu Zhishen Liu
Marciano Martinez Jimenez Jose Romero Perez
Aixiang Zhang Every week in the United States, flags are
lowered to half-staff to honor the lives of Americans whose communities are mourning their
loss. Here are the most recent half-staff memorial flag honors.
Flags across the United States have been lowered to honor the memory of the victims of the
shooting in Monterey Park, California. Flags in Texas have been lowered to honor
the memory of City of El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen.
Flags in Hawaii have been lowered to honor the memory of veteran State and City legislator
Ron Menor. Flags in Washington have been lowered to honor
the memory of Clallam County Fire District 3 Captain Charles “Chad” Cate.
Flags in Massachusetts have been lowered to honor the memory of former Senate President,
Thomas F. Birmingham. This week also marks several notable anniversaries.
Fifteen years ago this week, actor Heath Ledger died at the age of 28. Considered one of the
best actors of his generation, he starred in movies including “Brokeback Mountain”
and “The Dark Knight.” Twenty years ago this week, actress and singer
Nell Carter died at the age of 54. She won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance
in “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and starred on TV in “Gimme a Break.”
Twenty five years ago this week, actor Jack Lord died at the age of 77. He was best known
for starring in the original “Hawaii 5-O.” Thirty years ago this week, Supreme Court
justice Thurgood Marshall died at the age of 84. He was a giant of civil rights law
and the first Black justice on the Supreme Court.
Thirty years ago this week, wrestler and actor André the Giant died at the age of 46. He
was a star of WWF wrestling and a beloved co-star of the movie “The Princess Bride.”
Actress Sharon Tate was born 80 years ago this week. She died in 1969 at the age of
26. Her career was on the rise at the time of her notorious murder, with roles in movies
including “Valley of the Dolls.” Singer Etta James was born 85 years ago this
week. She died in 2012 at the age of 73. Her gorgeous voice was showcased in her signature
song, “At Last.” You can read more about the lives of the people
featured in this video on Legacy.com. You can also follow Legacy.com on Facebook
and subscribe to our channel on YouTube to stay up to date on national news deaths.