A couple more recent deaths in comedy, from my youth:
<a href = "http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/arts/television/30korman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">Harvey Korman</a>
and
<a href = "http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/26/arts/television/26martindick.html">Dick Martin</a>