Tommy Kirk, Young Star of ‘Old Yeller,’ Is Dead at 79

For a time, he was a Disney regular, seen in movies like “Swiss Family Robinson” and “The Shaggy Dog.” But his career derailed.

Todd Akin, Whose Senate Bid Collapsed After a Rape Remark, Dies at 74

The former Republican representative from Missouri was widely criticized after saying in 2012 that women’s bodies could reject pregnancies that were the result of a sexual assault.

Pearl Tytell, Examiner of Dubious Documents, Dies at 104

For a half-century, she used her knowledge of handwriting, typewriters, paper and ink to investigate the veracity of checks, letters, contracts and other paperwork.

Clive Sinclair, Inventive Computer Pioneer, Dies at 81

His inexpensive Sinclair personal computer, one of many inventions, was an introduction to computing for young people in Britain and beyond.

Mohib Ullah, 46, Dies; Documented Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya

Shot dead by gunmen, he had compiled a list of those who perished in the hope that the data could be used as evidence in international courts.

R. Allen Gardner, 91, Dies; Taught Sign Language to a Chimp Named Washoe

He and his wife and collaborator made headlines with their finding that they could communicate with a young ape using the language of the deaf.

Edward Keating, Times Photographer at Ground Zero, Dies at 65

In a risk-taking career, he helped the paper win a Pulitzer for its 9/11 photography and later prompted a debate on journalistic ethics that led to his leaving The Times.

John J. Rigas, Cable TV Magnate Who Pillaged His Company, Dies at 96

He built Adelphia Communications into a business with 5.5 million customers, then was convicted of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from it.

Lonnie Smith, Soulful Jazz Organist, Is Dead at 79

Adept at blending the sophistication of jazz with the earthy appeal of rhythm and blues, he was later widely sampled by hip-hop artists.

Ruth Sullivan, Advocate for People With Autism, Dies at 97

After her son was found to be autistic, she started organizations to help children and adults. She also consulted on the making of the movie “Rain Man.”

Marilyn Golden, Effective Voice for the Disabled, Dies at 67

“Radicalized” after an accident left her disabled, she became a “linchpin” in the fight for the Americans With Disabilities Act as a leading policy analyst.

Sue Thompson, Who Sang of ‘Norman’ and Sad Movies, Dies at 96

She started out a country singer, but she found fame and pop-chart success in the early 1960s with catchy novelty songs, as well as the occasional ballad.

Pee Wee Ellis, James Brown’s Partner in Funk, Dies at 80

As musical director for the bands behind Mr. Brown and also Van Morrison, Mr. Ellis helped forge new hybrids, meshing pop, jazz, R&B and more.

Jay Sandrich, Emmy-Winning Sitcom Director, Is Dead at 89

Acclaimed for his work on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Cosby Show,” he also made a crucial casting decision about “The Golden Girls.”

George Mraz, Consummate Jazz Bassist, Dies at 77

For half a century, he was in constant demand, backing big names like Oscar Peterson as well as countless up-and-coming performers.

Cloyd Boyer, Last of a Three-Brother Baseball Rarity, Dies at 94

His pitching career was cut short, but at one time he and his brothers Ken and Clete were all on the major league stage together. He ended up outliving them.

Bobby Zarem, ‘Superflack’ and Maker of Stars, Dies at 84

As a spirited impresario of public relations, he promoted entertainers, films and the “I Love New York” tourism campaign.

Doris Diether, Guardian of Greenwich Village, Dies at 92

She challenged Robert Moses to preserve Washington Square Park and helped save Shakespeare in the Park. In the process, she became a zoning expert.

Cliff Freeman, Adman Who Asked, ‘Where’s the Beef?,’ Dies at 80

His humorous touch was evident in commercials for Wendy’s, Little Caesars, Fox Sports and many other clients. “We have to win with wit,” he once said.

Sherwood Boehlert, a G.O.P Moderate in the House, Dies at 84

A champion of environmentalism who chided climate-change skeptics, he was among the last of the relatively progressive Rockefeller Republicans.