List of Famous people who died in 1961

Patrick "Paddy" Brennan was a Canadian lacrosse player who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Canadian team which won the gold medal. He was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1966.

Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was the ruler of Bahrain from 20 February 1942 until his death in 1961. His title was Hakim of Bahrain. He was succeeded by his son Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in December 1961.

Princess Isabelle of Orléans was a member of the French Orleanist royal family and by marriage Duchess of Guise.

Otto Ruge was a Norwegian general. Ruge was Commander-in-chief of the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces after Nazi Germany's assault on Norway in April 1940.

Melvin Jones was Secretary-treasurer of Lions Clubs International.

Lionello Venturi was an Italian historian and critic of art. He edited the first catalogue raisonné of Paul Cézanne.

Nita Naldi was an American stage performer and silent film actress. She was often cast in theatrical and screen productions as a vamp, a persona first popularized by actress Theda Bara.