After clipping the outstanding New York Times Obituary on Frank Robinson, I decided to inventory my digitally “clipped” obituary collection.

There are 69 of them, including some reflections or reminiscences that are not “obituaries” in the strict sense.

A few decedents warranted two from different sources. But only one, Hugh Hefner, warranted three, two of them negative commentary on one of the truly toxic figures of the 20th Century. I leave for others the debate about whether one ever may licitly exult at another’s death, confessing only, and with minimal shame, that the pathetic lecher’s death left no hole in my heart.

Two (here and here) involved a name I knew, Michael Cromartie, but with no appreciation for the man’s self-effacing greatness.