2025-They died this year

[Bazza]

Tom Matano, Designer of the Original Mazda MX-5 Miata, Dies at 76

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a68000703/tom-matano-designer-of-original-mazda-mx-5-miata-dies-at-76-years-old/?T=&link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68d17d1164f81b000168c53f

The world lost an automotive legend this weekend when Tsutomu 'Tom' Matano passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Matano is often referred to as the “Father of the Miata” for his work designing what has become the best-selling two-seat sports car of all time—the Mazda MX-5.

The Miata is the best-known car that Matano ever had a hand in, but it's far from the only one. His automotive career spanned 30 years. He held positions at General Motors in Detroit as well as in Australia where he worked for the Holden brand. From there he moved to BMW where he worked on several projects including the E36-generation 3-Series.

In December of 1983, he joined Mazda’s North American studio as a chief designer. At that time, there was not even a formal setup there; the entire team consisted of less than 10 people. Matano told TopMiata back in 2021 that the studio at the time was supposed to just monitor market trends in the U.S., not propose concepts or designs. However, that quickly changed under Matano.

 

[Bazza]

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is saddened to learn of the passing of Sergei I. Sikorsky on Sept. 18 at the age of 100. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Elena.

A proud military veteran, Sergei served our country during World War II, in the United States Coast Guard, assigned to the Helicopter Development Unit. “The entire team – past and present – at Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin mourn the passing of a remarkable man, a link to the golden age of aviation who meant so much to the success of our business,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “Sergei will be greatly missed.”

This video tribute commemorates the amazing life and times of Sergei I. Sikorsky, a remarkable man who meant so much to aviation history, the Sikorsky business, its employees and the greater Stratford, Connecticut, community. The remarkable impact of the Sikorsky family spans generations, touching every current and former employee, engineer and technician, the places we live and work and the countless lives saved by the helicopter.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Tom Matano, Designer of the Original Mazda MX-5 Miata, Dies at 76

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a68000703/tom-matano-designer-of-original-mazda-mx-5-miata-dies-at-76-years-old/?T=&link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68d17d1164f81b000168c53f

The world lost an automotive legend this weekend when Tsutomu 'Tom' Matano passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Matano is often referred to as the “Father of the Miata” for his work designing what has become the best-selling two-seat sports car of all time—the Mazda MX-5.

The Miata is the best-known car that Matano ever had a hand in, but it's far from the only one. His automotive career spanned 30 years. He held positions at General Motors in Detroit as well as in Australia where he worked for the Holden brand. From there he moved to BMW where he worked on several projects including the E36-generation 3-Series.

In December of 1983, he joined Mazda’s North American studio as a chief designer. At that time, there was not even a formal setup there; the entire team consisted of less than 10 people. Matano told TopMiata back in 2021 that the studio at the time was supposed to just monitor market trends in the U.S., not propose concepts or designs. However, that quickly changed under Matano.

The Rx-7 was a cool car.

 

[selmaborntidefan]

Russ Francis passed at 70.

Russell Ross Francis was an American professional football player who was a tight end for 13 seasons in the National Football League. He played for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. He was also a professional

Always enjoyed watching him play. RIP

Not to be mean, but Russ died two years ago when I was living in the house of a guy who knew him in Methuen, Massachusetts. He was killed in a plane crash.

 

[Crimson1967]

Russ Francis, who played for the 80s dynasty 49er teams, has been killed in a plane crash in Lake Placid, NY.

Report: Former Patriot Russ Francis killed in Lake Placid plane crash (timesunion.com)

In a cruel twist of fate, Francis was an avid skydiver who, in 1980, was scheduled as a backup if nobody showed up for a particular event. They all arrived, leaving Francis at home - and their plane crashed, killing all on board en route to a drop into Aloha Stadium before a Univ of Hawaii football game.

Just like you told us.

Not to be mean, but Russ died two years ago when I was living in the house of a guy who knew him in Methuen, Massachusetts. He was killed in a plane crash.

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

Sorry. I've done that before. Article wasn't dated, and my memory is not what it once was.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

The Rx-7 was a cool car.

My Best Friend in HS and College had an ‘85 RX-7 that looked exactly like this:

We drove all over the place in that thing and were up to our fair share of no good… lol

Had Metallica, Megadeth, Ozzy, Iron Maiden etc on Heavy rotation.

Great Car and Better Times.

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

Miata was and still is a great vehicle. Corners like a go kart. RIP

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

Claudia Cardinale passed at 87. Great actress (and as a teen I thought she photographed well). Loved “Once Upon a Time in the West.” RIP
https://www.al.com/life/2025/09/legendary-star-of-iconic-films-dead-at-87.html

 

[selmaborntidefan]

50 years and 2 days after she attempted to kill President Ford, Sara Jane Moore dies at 95.

US President Gerald Ford's would-be assassin dies at age 95

Sara Jane Moore fired two shots at the Republican president during his visit to San Francisco in 1975.

www.bbc.com