Political leaders are making statements on the death of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, a Democrat who led the Empire State for three terms and died at 82 the same day his son was inaugurated for the second time.
Governor Andrew Cuomo
The family of former Governor Mario M. Cuomo announced that the Governor passed away from natural causes due to heart failure this evening at home with his loving family at his side. He was 82 years of age. The Fifty Second Governor of New York State, Governor Mario Cuomo served as New York’s Chief Executive from 1983 through 1994. He was credited with simultaneously improving the business environment of New York and the quality of life for its citizens, despite a national recession at the time. Governor Cuomo presented eleven consecutive balanced budgets, reduced taxes, and implemented comprehensive governmental ethics and fiscal reforms. From the time Cuomo took office, New York experienced an increase of hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of businesses. Proclaiming the Decade of the Child, Mario Cuomo ushered in a multi-faceted effort to improve the lives of all New York’s children.
His administration became the first in the country to develop an Energy Plan and to sign into law controls on acid rain among many undertakings. Prior to his election as governor in 1983, Governor Cuomo served in the public and private practice of law for 18 years, simultaneously teaching as an adjunct professor for more than ten years at The St. John’s School of Law. Mario Cuomo first gained public recognition for his resolution of the Forest Hills housing controversy in 1972. He was appointed to serve as the Secretary of State of New York in 1975 and in 1978 he was elected as Lieutenant Governor. He later received national attention for his 1984 Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. 2014 marked 60 years of marriage to first lady Matilda Raffa Cuomo, a graduate of The St. John’s University Teacher’s College.
The Governor is survived by his children, Margaret (Howard Maier), Andrew (Sandra Lee), Maria (Kenneth Cole), Madeline (Brian O'Donoghue), Christopher (Cristina Cuomo), as well as 14 grandchildren: Christina Cuomo Perpignano, Marianna Cuomo Maier, Cara Kennedy Cuomo, Mariah Kennedy Cuomo, Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, Emily Cole, Amanda Cole, Katherine Cole, Samantha O'Donoghue, Kristin O'Donoghue, Tess O'Donoghue, Bella Cuomo, Mario Cuomo, and Carolina Regina Cuomo. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
President Obama
"Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. An Italian Catholic kid from Queens, born to immigrant parents, Mario paired his faith in God and faith in America to live a life of public service - and we are all better for it. He rose to be chief executive of the state he loved, a determined champion of progressive values, and an unflinching voice for tolerance, inclusiveness, fairness, dignity, and opportunity. His own story taught him that as Americans, we are bound together as one people, and our country's success rests on the success of all of us, not just a fortunate few. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to Mario's wife Matilda, his children, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Maria, Margaret, Madeline, and Chris, and his family, friends, and New Yorkers who loved him dearly."
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
"New York has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo. I had the privilege to serve in the State Legislature while he was Governor, and I admired his love of public policy, politics and people. He was tenacious about the issues he was passionate about and was a truly gifted orator. The Democratic Party was stronger because of his leadership on a national level. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Matilda, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family."
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman
"Today is a sad day for all New Yorkers. In addition to being one of our state's truly great governors, he was an inspiration for generations of New Yorkers who answered the call to service in response to his vision of fairness and equality for all of us. I would not be involved in New York politics were it not for Mario Cuomo. He is, and will always remain, one of my heroes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I hope that they will take comfort in the fact that he will be missed and mourned by millions, including the countless New Yorkers whose lives he forever bettered."
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
"From the hard streets of Queens, Mario Cuomo rose to the very pinnacle of political power in New York because he believed in his bones in the greatness of this state, the greatness of America and the unique potential of every individual. From soaring oratory that stirred the very soul to painstaking coalition building to advance policies and accomplishments, he was a colossal political mind and represented the very best of public service; he leaves an indelible legacy on the state he loved. My prayers and thoughts are with the Governor, the whole Cuomo family, and all who knew and loved Mario. Our hearts go out to Governor Andrew Cuomo who gave a great speech today that I am certain his father was proud of."
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo. His outstanding service to our state and his commitment to the ideals that founded our nation inspired a new generation to devote their lives to public service. I learned from Governor Cuomo's example, and his extraordinary legacy will continue to guide my own work on behalf of New Yorkers. I will always be grateful for his wisdom and generosity. Governor Cuomo will be remembered as one of the great, inspirational leaders of our time. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cuomo family."
New York State GOP Chair Ed Cox
"As a three term Governor, Mario Cuomo lead New York and spoke to America with principled eloquence. Born to Italian immigrants during the Great Depression, he lived the American Dream and believed that in America, but especially in New York, people could overcome great odds to achieve their dreams. Whether in the courthouse or in the statehouse, Mario Cuomo dedicated himself to working on behalf of all members of our 'New York Family' with integrity, intelligence and a deep appreciation for the problems of the less fortunate. A great New Yorker and a great American has passed; he will be missed. Our sincerest condolences go out to the Cuomo family for their loss."
Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos
Tonight, I join with my fellow New Yorkers and with his countless admirers around the world in mourning the passing of my friend and mentor, Governor Mario M. Cuomo. My thoughts and prayers are with former First Lady Matilda Cuomo, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family during this difficult and sorrowful time. Truly, New York has lost one of its most beloved and charismatic sons and a leader of extraordinary integrity, eloquence and grace. Like many Americans, I was deeply inspired by Mario Cuomo’s “Tale of Two Cities” speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. His words ring as true today as they did more than 30 years ago. Having had the privilege of working with him, I always admired Mario Cuomo’s relentless efforts to extend the compassionate hand of government to those most in need. From “the Family of New York,” to “the Decade of the Child,” Mario Cuomo continuously sought to unite New Yorkers to achieve the common good. So often the voice of conscience, Mario Cuomo was one of the great leaders in the history of the Empire State and perhaps our greatest communicator. May he rest in peace.
Assembly Speaker Silver
“My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Cuomo and his family as they mourn the loss of his father Mario, a former three-term New York Governor and leading voice of the Democratic Party. Mario Cuomo was a legendary figure in New York politics who chose public service for all the right reasons. He could have run for President or been appointed to the Supreme Court, but he chose to stay and serve the people of New York. Mario Cuomo used his gift for oratory to speak about his beliefs and ideals with great passion and, in doing so, made a significant impact on the political history of our state and nation. Mario Cuomo was Governor when I first became a member of the State Legislature, and I always had a deep and profound respect for him. With his passing, New York has lost a dedicated leader and committed public servant, and one of the great orators of our time. Mario Cuomo will be deeply missed.”
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy
“Today, America lost a man who inspired so many with extraordinary vision, soaring oratory, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values. Governor Mario Cuomo’s words inspired public officials and community leaders across the nation that we can and must do better – for everyone. He leaves a legacy of government that does not turn its back on those who are struggling. Mario Cuomo indeed defined what it means to be a Democrat. We offer our condolences to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family on their loss.”
U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mario Cuomo, a friend for more than 40 years and an inspiration to me throughout my years in public service. I worked closely with him during the four years he served as Secretary of State. Elected governor for three terms, Mario Cuomo led a revival of New York’s economy and increased services to children and families throughout the state.”
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino
“I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of former Governor Mario Cuomo. He will forever be remembered for his love of our great state, his immense talent as a gifted orator and as the proud son of Italian immigrants. He was a man of integrity and faith who worked every day to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cuomo family during this difficult time.”
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro
“I first met Mario Cuomo as a high school student in 1993. While our political philosophies were quite different, his thoughtfulness, focus and eloquence during our brief exchange was inspiring. Mario Cuomo was quite possibly one of the greatest orators of our time, and an iconic symbol of the American Dream. My thoughts and prayers are with Matilda Cuomo, Governor Andrew Cuomo and their entire family.”
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus
“Governor Mario Cuomo, a political powerhouse who served the public for three terms, left a lasting imprint on our great state and nation. Like others of my generation, the earliest memory I have of a New York Governor is Mario Cuomo.”
Rockland County Executive Edward Day
"Governor Mario Cuomo left an indelible mark on the state he so loved. He served with confidence, foresight and integrity, always putting New York first. On behalf of every Rockland County resident, I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Cuomo family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this most difficult time."
Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan
“Governor Mario Cuomo was a highly respected statesman with integrity and vision who inspired the people of the state and the nation with his progressive policies and eloquence.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney
With the passing of Mario Cuomo, New York has lost one of its greatest leaders - one that I was proud to call a mentor and a friend. As a 17-year-old kid, I found myself watching the Democratic National Convention in July of 1984, when Mario Cuomo delivered his Tale of Two Cities speech. For kids like me, whose folks were middle class Catholics, Mario Cuomo was like a trumpet sounding for the values of faith, hard work, family and inclusion -- values we believed in and depended on.
Later, as a young lawyer at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, I had the extraordinary good luck of occupying the office next to his when he joined the firm in 1995. He spent hours with me, sitting across the desk in his corner office or over lunch. Once, after the 1996 presidential election, he asked me what I thought of it. I said, "We won." He then asked, "What have we won?" It's a follow-up question I've never forgotten, and one I ask myself frequently.
The answer he taught me: "We've won a grant of time, a short opportunity to do some good." That was Mario Cuomo. His example and big-heartedness continue to inspire me as well as countless other New Yorkers. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, but for generations to come, his legacy will stay with us. Randy and I offer our deepest sympathies to Matilda, Andrew, Margaret, Maria, Madeline and Christopher and the entire Cuomo family. I pray that our former Governor rests now in eternal peace.
NYSUT
“Mario Cuomo was a first-generation American and son of a grocer who grew to become an extraordinary figure in the history of our great state and our great nation. NYSUT mourns his passing and offers condolences to his son, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and the entire Cuomo family at this difficult time.”