DAVID LLOYD, 75

Writer for most popular sitcoms

David Lloyd, who wrote scores of scripts for some of the most popular television sitcoms of the 1970s, '80s and '90s -- including the memorable Chuckles the Clown episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which was revered by comedy connoisseurs for wringing belly laughs from a funeral -- died Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif. He was 75.

CLARA RUSH OESTERLE, 84

Clara Oesterle | Former Miami-Dade commissioner pushed for Metrorail

Clara Rush Oesterle's legacy as a Miami-Dade County commissioner runs on 30 miles of electrified track: the Metrorail/Metromover system.

As commissioner from 1974 to 1988 and close ally of the late county Mayor Steve Clark, she championed light rail as essential to controlled county growth.

JEREMY N. MORRIS, 99

Jeremy N. Morris | Epidemiologist linked exercise, heart health

Jeremy N. Morris, a British epidemiologist whose comparison of heart-attack rates among double-decker bus drivers and conductors in London in the late 1940s and early '50s laid the scientific groundwork for the modern aerobics movement, died Oct. 28 in Hampstead, London. He was 99 1/2.

FRANCISCO AYALA, 103

Francisco Ayala | Spanish novelist examined abuses of power

Francisco Ayala, an eminent Spanish novelist whose work explored societies in which there is much despotism and little benevolence, died on Tuesday at his home in Madrid. He was 103.

GEORGE NA'OPE, 81

George Na'ope | Hula master was last link to sacred tradition

George Na'ope, whose mastery of the hula -- the flowing, pantomimic dance of Hawaii -- and its lilting chants made him a last link between an ancient ritual and modern entertainment, died on Oct. 26 at his home in Hilo, Hawaii. He was 81.

FRED L. SINGER, 76

Fred L. Singer | Film pioneer best known for Burdines TV ads

Fred L. Singer, the documentary and TV-commercial producer/director whose Coronado Studios helped pioneer Miami's film industry -- and launch several protégés' successful careers -- died of pancreatic cancer on Oct. 25.

AUGUST COPPOLA, 75

August Coppola | Former professor, actor Nicolas Cage's father

August Coppola, a former literature professor and the father of actor Nicolas Cage and the brother of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and actress Talia Shire, has died. He was 75.