Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning gospel singer and Whitney Houston’s mother, dies at 91

She performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

Leonard Riggio, who forged a bookselling empire at Barnes & Noble, dies at 83

In his time, no one in the book world was more feared. With the power to make anything a bestseller, or a flop, to alter the market on an idle whim, Riggio could terrify publishers. Then came Amazon.

Bill Pascrell Jr., long-serving House member from N.J., dies at 87

He was the U.S. House of Representative’s second-oldest member, after Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, D-Calif., who is set to retire at the end of the current term.

Former UMaine astronomer remembered for unpacking the mysterious universe

George Ayers taught Mainers about the wonders of the celestial world for decades at UMaine and in his monthly column 'What's Up.' He died at home in Gorham on May 10 at age 96.

Falmouth woman remembered by friends for service, generosity

Nancy Goddard, 78, was a lifelong Mainer and longtime public servant to her home state, known for her work in social services and volunteering.

Laurent de Brunhoff, ‘Babar’ heir and author, dies at age 98

Laurent de Brunhoff revived his father's popular picture book series about an elephant-king.

Frans de Waal, who explored empathy among apes, dies at 75

Witnessing 2 chimpanzees fight and then reconcile began de Waal’s exploration into the inner lives and emotions of primates.

Martin Greenfield, tailor to presidents and stars, dies at 95

Greenfield dressed generations of entertainment stars, among them Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Paul Newman, Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Laurent de Brunhoff, ‘Babar’ heir and author, dies at age 98

Laurent de Brunhoff revived his father's popular - and in some cases controversial - picture book series about an elephant-king.

Dan Wakefield, novelist, reporter and spiritual chronicler, dies at 91