Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla, an ethnic Serb born in Croatia, eventually became an American citizen and died in New York in 1943 at the age of 86. Despite a long and brilliant career, having several patents for inventing AC current, he's perhaps best known for getting screwed over by Thomas Edison, and dying heavily in debt.

In the early 1900s, he was in line for the Nobel prize at least twice. It is speculated that he refused the prize at least once because Edison and Westinghouse were also nominated; and they all had such dislike for another that they refused to share the prize. Tesla was also the original inventor of the radio, but the US Patent Office decided to rescind his patent and instead grant it to Marconi, who is now generally recognized as the inventor of the radio.

Recently Tesla has gotten the recognition he certainly deserves, being referred to as the "Father of the 20th Century".

Tesla is ultimately responsible for radio, radar, microwaves and electricity, all as we know them today.

As to the Edison screw-over, you should read the article "7 Great Men of History, and Why you should Hate Them" If you have more time and interest, you should read "Tesla: Man Out of Time" by by Margaret Cheney.