Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch died early this morning (Feb. 1) at New York Presbyterian/ Columbia Hospital. He was 88. It was reported earlier this week that he was admitted to the hospital for anemia and received a blood transfusion. Koch died of congestive heart failure early Friday morning at 2 a.m.
Koch became New York City's Mayor in 1978 and served three terms. He was a lawyer and then later a U.S. Congressman, prior to that.
Koch was known as a symbol of New York City as he was very outspoken and feisty as most New Yorkers are. He had a lot of chutzpah. Koch's brash demeanor and wit made him unique; he said exactly what was on his mind. He once said, "I'm the sort of person who will never get ulcers. Why? Because I say exactly what I think. I am the sort of person who might give other people ulcers." On political issues, he would often lock horns with Al Sharpton. "He would not patronize or deceive you. He said what he meant. He meant what he said. He fought for what he believed. May he rest in peace." said Sharpton in a statement.
When Koch took office as mayor, New York City was in a state of disarray. During that time, unemployment was high, as thousands of New Yorkers were laid off. This included firemen, police officers, school teachers and sanitation workers. Crime was on the rise, the subways were filthy, filled with graffiti and grime, and many of New York's bridges were falling apart.
By inroducing budget cuts, Koch helped to restore the city and with his love and pride of all things New York, he boosted the city's spirits. When he left office in 1989, the city was in a much better condition than it was before he took office.
"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." said current New York City Michael Bloomberg in a statement.
When word of Koch's death was released, some mourners took to Twitter to express their feelings of loss. Senator Marty Golden said on his Twitter account, @SenMartyGolden "I join with all NYers in mourning former Mayor Ed Koch. A true champion of NYC who will be missed. Thank you Mr. Mayor and rest in peace."
Another mourner, @DJJAZZYJOYCE tweeted, "I am a Bronx Native New Yorker & I would like to send my condolence to the family & friends of Ed Koch! May he rest in peace!"
