List of Famous people who died in 1940

Henry Hurd Rusby (1855–1940) was an American botanist, pharmacist and explorer. He discovered several new species of plants and played a significant role in founding the New York Botanical Garden and developing research and exploration programs at the institution. He helped to establish the field of economic botany, and left a collection of research and published works in botany and pharmacology.

Johan Coenraad Braakensiek was a Dutch painter, illustrator and political cartoonist. He is the grandfather of Jan van Oort.

Rajaram III of the Bhonsle dynasty, was Maharaja of Kolhapur from 1922–1940, succeeding his father Maharaja Shahu. A benevolent ruler, he was instrumental in the uplifting of the dalits and depressed castes in his state. He also established the Kolhapur High Court, modern housing developments, an updated water-supply system, free primary education and higher-level female education. As he only left a daughter at his death, he was succeeded by a distant relation, Shivaji VII.

Helen Marguerite Clark was an American stage and silent film actress. As a movie actress, at one time, Clark was second only to Mary Pickford in popularity. With the exception of five films, most of her films are considered lost.

Vítězslava Kaprálová was a Czech composer and conductor.

Birger Wasenius was a Finnish World Champion in speed skating. He was born in Helsinki.