Classical musician played, conducted all over world

Conducting orchestras, playing in venues nationwide, teaching aspiring performers — Francesco DiBlasi was devoted to making melody. “Music was his whole life,” said his stepdaughter, Christine Moore.

Popular character actor Ben Gazzara dies

New York— Ben Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in such iconic productions over the decades as the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway and the film "The Big Lebowski," has died at age 81.

Fox 2 CEO was a ‘true leader’

WJBK-TV is mourning the loss of its vice president and general manager, Jeff Murri, who died Thursday at age 50.

Football coach was ‘highly respected’

When Belleville High School football coach Robert J. LaPointe got loud, players knew he cared.

UAW leader was also a civil rights activist

As a longtime UAW leader, Joe Davis tirelessly defended causes that boosted local workers.

Fox 2 general manager Jeff Murri dies

WJBK-TV is mourning the loss of its vice president and general manager, Jeff Murri, who died Thursday at age 50.

Angelo Dundee, trainer for Muhammad Ali, dies at 90

Dundee died in his apartment in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday night at the age of 90, and with him a part of boxing died, too. He was surrounded by his family, said his son, Jimmy.

‘Soul Train’ host and creator Don Cornelius dead at 75

Los Angeles — Don Cornelius, who with the creation of “Soul Train” helped break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and cutting-edge style, died early Wednesday of an apparent suicide. He was 75.

R&B singer David Peaston dies at age 54

St. Louis — Singer David Peaston, who had a string of R&B hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has died, his family said Thursday.

• Video: David Peaston, "Everything Must Change"

Fox 2 general manager Jeff Murri dies

WJBK-Fox 2 is mourning the loss of its vice president and general manager, Jeff Murri, who died Thursday at age 50.

Pioneer in nuclear medicine ‘had a human touch’

Dr. Howard Dworkin was committed to advancing the study and education of nuclear medicine. “He trained so many people. He was just an outstanding nuclear medicine physician,” said Dr. Darlene Fink, director of the nuclear medicine department at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. “He was one of the pioneers.”

Robert Hegyes, played Epstein on ’Kotter,’ dies

Metuchen, N.J.— Robert Hegyes, the actor best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein on the 1970s TV show "Welcome Back Kotter," has died. He was 60.

Ex-Boston Mayor White, led in turbulent ’70s, dies

Boston — Former Mayor Kevin H. White, who led the city for 16 years including racially turbulent times in the 1970s, died Friday, a family spokesman said. He was 82.

Child psychiatrist renowned as ‘teacher of teachers’

Heiress Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans dies at 91

Dick Tufeld, voice of 'Lost in Space" robot, dies

Respected teacher loved the outdoors

Mom was clothes designer, writer

Volunteer, retired teller kept her family No. 1

Ad executive was a ‘people person’

‘Friendly undertaker’ was Army veteran

Funk legend Jimmy Castor dies in Las Vegas at 71

Newsman Richard Threlkeld dies in car accident

Love of community sparked philanthropist’s generosity

Jerome Rubin, helped forge LexisNexis, dies at 86

Popular lawyer active in politics and alma mater

Southfield High teacher, congressional aide served community well

12-year-old California girl who blogged cancer fight has died