Numerous politicians are publicly mourning the death of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.
Cuomo died of heart failure Thursday at the age of 82, the same day his son Andrew Cuomo was inaugurated for his second term as governor of New York.
Former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton expressed their sadness over his death, saying his life “was the very embodiment of the American dream.”
“New York has lost a giant,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement, adding, “He established the gold standard in New York State for how public servants should act, and set an example that the rest of us continue to aspire to today.
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg called him “one of America’s most eloquent voices for liberalism and one of the most important figures in modern New York politics.”
“Our country and our region lost a giant today with the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo,” New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement. “He was a strong, eloquent leader who loved New York and its people. As an Italian-American, he was also a role model for future generations that anything was possible through hard work and education. Finally, he was a great husband, father and grandfather.”
New York Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer also expressed their condolences.
Former New York Gov. George Pataki, who defeated him in 1994, tweeted Thursday night: “Our deepest condolences on the passing of Gov Cuomo a proud son of immigrants, possessed of a soaring intellect & a great New Yorker.”
Cuomo served as the 52nd governor of New York for three terms, from 1983 to 1994. He also served as lieutenant governor and secretary of state of New York.
