List of Famous people who died at 72

Cheng Man-ch'ing or Zheng Manqing was a notable Chinese expert of t'ai chi ch'uan, Chinese medicine, and the so called three perfections: calligraphy, painting and poetry. He was born in Yongjia, Zhejiang Province, Republic of China (ROC). His birthday was on the 28th year of the Guangxu emperor's reign, 6th month, 25th day, which corresponds to July 29, 1902. Cheng died March 26, 1975; his grave is near the city of Taipei. Because of his skills in these five areas, considered among some of the traditional skills and pastimes of a Confucian scholar, he was often referred to as the "Master of Five Excellences." Because he had been a college professor, his students called him "Professor Cheng."

Yusuf Kenan Sönmez was a Turkish politician.

Liang Xingchu was a People's Liberation Army lieutenant general. He was born in Ji'an County, Jiangxi Province. General Liang commanded the 38th group army during the Korean War. He died in Beijing.

Abdul Hakim Al-Taher was a Sudanese theater director and actor.