We must get the American public to look past the glitter, beyond the showmanship, to the reality, the hard substance of things. And we’ll do it not so much with speeches that will bring people to their feet as with speeches that bring people to their senses.- Mario Cuomo
New York flags will be flown at half staff for the next 30 days following the death of Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, ordered by Mayor De Blasio.
Mario Cuomo had spent December in hospital battling a heart condition. On Thursday he passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Manhattan.
Born June 15, 1932 in Queens, New York to Italian immigrants Cuomo graduated at the top of his class from St. John’s School of Law in 1953. He rose through New York’s political ladder becoming the Lieutenant Governor in 1974 serving under Governor Hugh Carey. Before he rose in politics though Cuomo was an athlete playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the minor leagues. He stopped that career after getting hit in the head with a baseball according to the National Post.
Cuomo ran campaigned in 1977 to become Mayor of New York, a bid that he lost to Edward Koch. In 1982 when Hugh Carey stepped down as Governor, Cuomo ran beating Koch.
Cuomo was a strong Democrat in an era of right wing politicians like former President Ronald Reagan. During his tenure Cuomo fought against controversial ideas like the death penalty and stronger gun control laws. He was known for his fight for social issues including child rights and abortion. Despite his own strong religious views Cuomo felt the state had no right to ban abortion. Under his leadership the first New York seat belt laws were created. He was re-elected in 1986 and 1990 by landslides.
Despite his own religious views Cuomo felt the state had no right to ban abortion. He created the first New York seat belt laws.
Although a favorite to run for President of the United States Cuomo never ran for the position.
After his political life Cuomo returned to practising law. He was well known for speaking out on social issues.
Son Andrew was sworn in just hours before his father passed away in New York for his second term. Newsday quotes Gov. Cuomo:
“He couldn’t be here physically today, my father. But my father is in this room. He is in the heart and mind of every person who is here. He is here and he is here, and his inspiration and his legacy and his experience is what has brought this state to this point. So let’s give him a round of applause,” Andrew Cuomo said.
CNN reports:
“Our country and our region lost a giant today with the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo,” New Jersey 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.”
Cuomo is survived by his wife Matilda and their sons Andrew and Chris and daughters Maria, Margaret and Madeline.
