R.I.P. Ed Koch (1924-2013)
Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch died on February 1, 2013, at the age of 88. Koch had been in and out of the hospital in recent months. He was admitted Monday to New York Presbyterian Medical Center and was moved to intensive care on Thursday when his condition deteriorated. There he soon lost consciousness and died at approximately 2 a.m. Friday morning.
Current New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg call Koch an “irrepressible icon” and the City’s “most charismatic cheerleader and champion” in a statement that went on to say: “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, but his good works – and his wit and wisdom – will forever be a part of the city he loved so much. His spirit will live on not only here at City Hall, and not only on the bridge the bears his name, but all across the five boroughs….” The mayor said that flags at all city buildings will fly at half-staff in Koch’s memory.
Edward Irving Koch was a Democrat and served as New York City’s mayor from 1978 to 1989. A new documentary, directed by Neil Barsky, made its debut at the Museum of Modern Art on Tuesday, January 29th. Koch was going to attend until he fell ill.
The 6′ 2″ politician, known for his catchphrase “How am I doing?”, had parts in 11 movies and was the first mayor to ever host “Saturday Night Live.” He was also the author
A lifelong bachelor, Koch was offended by questions concerning his sexuality and once stated: “No, I am not a homosexual. If I were a homosexual, I would hope I would have the courage to say so. What’s cruel is that you are forcing me to say I am not a homosexual. This means you are putting homosexuals down. I don’t want to do that.”
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