Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch Dies; Share Your Condolences
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Former NYC mayor Ed Koch died early Friday of congestive heart failure. He was 88.
Photos: Ed Koch Through The Years
Only four people have ever been elected mayor of the city of New York three times: Fiorello LaGuardia, Robert Wagner, Michael Bloomberg and Edward Irving Koch — a man whose personality was as large and as lively as the city he governed.
His popularity grew during the transit strike of 1980 where he was seen crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot with the commuting public — deftly staying out of the negotiations while showing solidarity with affected New Yorkers.
In City Hall, Koch embodied New York for the rest of the world. He won a national reputation with his feisty style and his trademark question, "How'm I doing?"
Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued the following statement Friday:
"Earlier today, New York City lost an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader and champion, Edward I. Koch. He was a great mayor, a great man, and a great friend. In elected office and as a private citizen, he was our most tireless, fearless, and guileless civic crusader. Through his tough, determined leadership and responsible fiscal stewardship, Ed helped lift the city out of its darkest days and set it on course for an incredible comeback. We will miss him dearly, but his good works – and his wit and wisdom – will forever be a part of the city he loved so much. His spirit will live on not only here at City Hall, and not only on the bridge the bears his name, but all across the five boroughs."
"I'm expressing my condolences on behalf of all 8.4 million New Yorkers, and I know so many of them will be keeping Mayor Koch and his family and friends in their thoughts prayers. As we mourn Mayor Koch's passing, the flags at all City buildings will be flying at half-staff in his memory."
Please share your memories of Koch and your condolences with us below.
Rest in Peace Mr. Koch.
