- Dec 3 Mike Brady, American golfer (US Open 1911, 19 runner-up; 9 PGA Tour titles), dies at 85
- Dec 11 John Mills, New Zealand cricket batsman (7 Tests, 241 runs, 1 x 100), dies at 67
- Dec 20 Gabby Hartnett, American Baseball Hall of Fame catcher (MLB All Star 1933–38; NL MVP 1935; Chicago Cubs) and manager (Chicago Cubs), dies of cirrhosis on his 72nd birthday
- Dec 28 Roy "Link" Lyman, American Pro Football HOF offensive tackle (4 × NFL C'ship; First-team All-Pro 1930, 34; Chicago Bears), dies in a motor accident at 74
Roberto Clemente (1934-1972)
Dec 31 Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder (15 x MLB All Star; World Series 1960, 71 [MVP]; Pittsburgh Pirates), dies in a plane crash at 38
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