Ed Koch, the three-term mayor who was known for his colorful, yet often confrontational manor that helped him lead New York City through some of its toughest times, has passed away. He was 88.
Koch has battled a number of health issues over the years, like fluid buildup around his lungs that made speaking difficult and causes shortness of breath according to the New York Daily News.
The former mayor also battled pneumonia this past December, and was hospitalized and treated for anemia in September.
"He was a great mayor, a great man, and a great friend," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a press statement. "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."
Koch took office in January 1978 with a city to fix. New York City was in a rut, thousands of cops, firemen, and teachers had been laid off. Bridges and subways needed to be rebuilt, and crime was at an all-time high according to the Associated Press.
Through budget cuts, Koch was able to restore the city's credit, and revived the city's spirit through his "unflagging enthusiasm for all things New York" according to USA Today. When he left office towards the end of 1989, many issues were still left on the table, but city was finally heading in the right direction.
"Part of the thing that was most refreshing and most appalling about Koch is that he will stand for what he believes in," said Reverend Al Sharpton, in 2005 according to ABC News. "He will not say what you want him to. And he will not be intimidated either way."
Koch arguably became more popular after leaving City Hall. He hosted a radio show, reviewed movies and even appeared occasionally on the television show "The People's Court," succeeding Judge Marvin Wapner.
The former mayor graduated from the City College of New York and the New York University School of Law. Koch was a practicing attorney when he entered politics according to ABC News.
"I had no goals at that time, other than to meet people. Make friends," Koch told New York's Paper magazine. "I'm an achiever. I'm a good organizer, and I became a street spokesman for the Village Independent Democrats club. I was out every night on a soapbox."
In 2008, Koch purchased a plot at the Trinity Church cemetery, after learning that the church allowed Jews to be buried there. It is the only active cemetery in Manhattan.
Related Articles:
Detroit Freeway Pileup: 2 Children, 1 Adult Killed In 30-Car Crash On I-75 (VIDEO)
Cam Newton Car Accident: Hoax Claims Panthers Quarterback Broke Both Of His Legs, Fans Take To Twitter To Voice Their Support (VIDEO)
Caleb Moore Dies From Injuries After X Games Crash, Is ESPN To Blame? (VIDEO)
Chicago Auto Show 2013: New Mopar 2013 Dodge Dart Introduced By Chrysler, Will Be Displayed Next Week (PHOTOS)
Super Bowl Commercial 2013: Lincoln, Jimmy Fallon Release First-Ever Twitter Inspired Ad Before The Big Game (VIDEO)
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
