March 24th, 1911 - December 18th, 2006.

You should all recognize this man, at least his last name and his body of work. Joseph Barbera was the other half of the cartoon legends Hanna-Barbera. Barbera can be co-credited for such immortal cartoon characters as Tom & Jerry, Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear, the Flintstones, the Jetsons and numerous others.

Barbera died of natural causes in his California home, with his wife Shiela by his side.

As a fan of animation, and being one who grew up watching his cartoons since before I could think coherently, it is sad to hear this news. His legacy is an extensive one and his work will entertain and inspire generations for many, many years to come.