Life & Style On this day in history, October 1, 2013, techno-thriller novelist Tom Clancy passes away at age 66 Tom Clancy, author of such bestselling novels as “The Hunt for Red October” and “Patriot Games,” and a lifelong Republican who counted President Ronald Reagan among his fans, died at the age of 66 on this day in history on Oct. 1, October 1, 2023