Two notable figures from recent American history passed away this week. Andy Rooney, the curmudgeonly commentator on CBS’s 60 Minutes for more than 30 years, died November 4 at the age of 92. Rooney died one month after he had signed off from "60 Minutes" in October after a 33-year run. A statement from CBS News stated that he died of complications following minor surgery. Rooney began his journalism career as a correspondent for the Stars and Stripes newspaper and was awarded a Bronze Star for his work during the Normandy invasion. He joined CBS News in 1949 and joined "60 Minutes" in 1968, first as a producer, then as a commentator ten years later.

Boxer Joe Frazier died November 7 at the age of 67 after a brief battle with liver cancer. Known as Smokin' Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion was the first man to beat Muhammad Ali when he knocked him down in the 15th round at Madison Square Garden in March 1971. He was a top amateur for several years before becoming the only American fighter to win a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.