Emmanuel Fiorentino - Art critic and historian, died January 6, aged 61.
Mr Fiorentino was one of Malta's leading art scholars, having studied and lectured extensively about the subject. He had served as an art critic for The Sunday Times since 1975 and published several books about art, including books on Giuseppe Calì and Willie Apap.

Fra Andrew Bertie - the 78th prince and Grandmaster of the Knights of Malta, died February 7, aged 78.
Fra Bertie headed the 900-year-old charitable Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and Malta. He was passionate about Malta and spent his holidays at his residence in Attard.

Carm Lino Spiteri - former Nationalist MP, died February 9, aged 75.
Also known as iċ-Ċumpaqq, Mr Spiteri was an architect by profession before first contesting the election and being elected to Parliament in 1971, and subsequently in 1976, 1981 and 1992. Mr Spiteri was also involved in a number of construction projects, including that of the new Gudja airport terminal.

Gemma Portelli - Actress - died February 21, aged 75.
One of Malta's most-loved actresses and comedians, Mrs Portelli acted in some memorable productions on stage and on screen, including F'Baħar Wieħed and Fuq Tlieta Toqgħod Il-Borma. In December 2000, she was awarded the Midalja Ġieħ ir-Repubblika and last year she received the Charles Arrigo Lifetime Achievement Award at the Malta Television Awards.

Fr Maximillian Mizzi - Franciscan friar nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, died March 3, aged 77.
Fr Mizzi's devotion to promoting ecumenism and dialogue among different religions was acknowledged around the globe. In 1999, he was appointed Companion of The National Order of Merit and nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of his work to promote ecumenism and spread peace.

Albert Rizzo - former Gżira mayor and PN candidate, died February 29, aged 60.
Mr Rizzo was an auctioneer by profession. He was well-known for his series of swimming feats, which culminated in his 1980 record-breaking water treading. Mr Rizzo was also awarded the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika in 2001.

Emanuel Abela - Former Director of Information, died April 9, aged 62.
Mr Abela joined the public service in 1964 as a clerk with the Department of Emigration, Labour and Social Welfare and later served within the Ministry of Labour, Culture and Welfare and the Ports Department.

Sir Anthony Mamo - first President of Malta, died May 1, aged 99.
Sir Anthony Mamo was President between 1974 and 1976 after serving as the country's only Maltese Governor-General from 1971. He was awarded the OBE in 1955 and knighted two years later. He was made Sieħeb il-Ġieħ within the National Order of Merit in 1992. He was acknowledged as the world's oldest living former Head of State before his death.

Carmelo Abela - composer, died May 24, aged 87.
Composer Carmelo Abela was instrumental in introducing accordion examinations in Malta and was co-founder and president of the Malta Accordion Organisation.

Edmond Mallia - former GWU president, died May 27, aged 70.
Mr Mallia served as president of the General Workers Union between 1993 and 1998 after having headed the Parastatal and People's Industries Section.

Kilin (Mikiel Spiteri) - Author and poet, died July 9, aged 90.
Known as Kilin since childhood, Mr Spiteri published a string of books in Maltese, which included novels and poetry. He was fluent in six languages and has published in languages, including English and Spanish. In December 2000, he was awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.

John Privitera - former Hibernians FC and Malta defender, died July 19, aged 68.
Mr Privitera was one of the best Maltese attacking full-backs of the 1960s. He joined Hibernians in 1959 from Sliema Wanderers and played 262 competitive matches for the club, winning 13 major honours before retiring in 1974. He also played seven times for Malta and captained the national team in the game against Austria in April 1969.

Joe Mercieca - journalist and lecturer, died August 13, aged 63.
A seasoned journalist, Mr Mercieca was the coordinator of Journalism Studies at the Centre for Communication Technology at the University of Malta. Apart from working for The Times, Mr Mercieca also served as head of news at Public Broadcasting Services Limited.

Frans Frendo - Sliema ASC waterpolo stalwart and former Malta national team coach, died August 23, aged 83.
Mr Frendo was a Sliema clubman and won various honours while playing for the Blues during a successful span between the late 1950s and 1960s. Upon retiring, he took up coaching and was in charge of Sliema for several years before getting the job of national coach in the 1970s.

Mary Jane Spiteri - co-founder of the National Council of Women, died October 7, aged 86.
Ms Spiteri helped set up the National Council of Women in 1964. She also helped set up the welfare division of the Social Services Department and became a family welfare officer and eventually a principal welfare officer.

Karl Chircop - Labour MP, died October 12, aged 43.
Mr Chircop was a much-loved family doctor and politician. He was a Labour MP from 1996 to 2008, and served as Shadow Minister for Social Policy and Health. He fell into a coma following cerebral haemorrhage on August 3, triggering off a wave of sympathy across the country.

Anton Agius - Artist, died October 19, aged 74.
The well-renowned sculptor was well versed in a number of genres and media. He sculpted many public monuments, such as the Workers' Memorial Monument in Msida, the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa, as well as the Dun Mikiel Xerri, the Sette Giugno and the Manuel Dimech monuments in Valletta.

Joseph G. Borg - Former Attorney General, died November 22, aged 80.
Dr Borg served as Attorney General between 1983 and 1988. He was also former president of the Graduates Movement of the Azzjoni Kattolika.

Salvinu Schembri - Former Malta national team captain, died December 15, aged 85.
Considered as one of Malta's finest footballers, Mr Schembri wore the boots for Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Ħamrun. He led the national team in Malta's first international match in 1957. Inducted in the Maltese Olympic Committee's Hall of Fame in 2004.

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