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Politicians, Public React To Ed Koch Funeral

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Bagpipes played Monday as the casket of late former Mayor Ed Koch was carried out of Temple Emanu-El on the shoulders of NYPD pall-bearers and and was followed by mourners both connected and common.

Sen. Charles Schumer said the funeral ceremony was a fitting tribute.

"Well, it could have gone on 24 hours and everyone would have stayed and kept laughing. There's so much to say about Ed Koch, and it's all him," he told WCBS 880 reporter Peter Haskell.

Politicians, Public React To Ed Koch Funeral

"He did a lot of tangible things. But it was the intangible, making us believe in the city again and never losing that faith," former Gov. George Pataki told Haskell.

"I'll tell you, it was such an appropriate service. It brought tears to your eyes and it made you laugh," Pataki said.

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"He's gonna be remembered for not only his good sense of humor, but of the accomplishments," said former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand spoke of how effective he was.

"He was someone who brought both the business leaders and the advocacy groups to find out how do we solve New York's problems," she said.

"Through his stewardship, he saved the city of New York," said New Yorker Peter Gleason, who wanted to pay his respects.

All the arrangements were made by Koch.

What did you think of the service? Sound off below.

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