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Subscribe to RSSOne of the city's most outspoken politicians, Ed Koch was known for his no-nonsense, colorful personality. A lifelong Democrat, he became New York's 105 mayor, a job he said he wanted for life. He died of congestive heart failure Friday morning at the age of 88. NBC's Ron Allen reports.
Former New York City Mayor Edward Irving Koch, a man as colorful as the city he helped save from financial ruin, died Friday of congestive heart failure. He was 88.
His brashness and thumbs-up confidence – and “How’m I doin?” greeting – became symbols of Gotham chutzpah over his three terms at the city’s helm. And while New Yorkers did not always answer Hizzoner’s trademark question in the affirmative, Koch couldn’t have cared less as he tried to govern a city that many thought was ungovernable. He finally left City Hall in 1989.
“I’m the sort of person who will never get ulcers,” he told reporters in 1978. “Why? Because I say exactly what I think. I’m the sort of person who might give other people ulcers.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, who locked horns with Koch through his time as mayor, praised the man he criticized as forthright in a statement on his passing.
“He would not patronize or deceive you,” said Sharpton, an MSNBC host, remembering that his first arrest for civil disobedience was at a 1978 sit-in protesting a Koch policy. “He said what he meant. He meant what he said. He fought for what he believed in.”
Born in the Bronx in 1924, Koch and his family soon decamped to Newark, New Jersey, where he spent his childhood. After graduating from high school at the age of 16, Koch returned to the city he loved and enrolled at the City College of New York, but his undergraduate studies were interrupted by World War II when he was drafted in 1943.
After serving as an infantryman in Europe, Koch enrolled at New York University Law School. He built up a law practice before he entered politics to support Adlai Stevenson’s presidential campaign in 1952.
Koch’s own political career began in earnest in the early 1960s, organizing for the Democratic party in Greenwich Village on Manhattan’s west side. In 1963, he ousted Tammany Hall chief Carmine DeSapio, winning a post as a district leader.
Ed Koch served 12 years as mayor of New York, from 1977-1989. He passed away on Friday at the age of 88, succumbing to congestive heart failure.
From 1969 to 1977, Koch served as a congressman representing New York’s 17th Congressional District. He mounted an unlikely run for mayor in 1977, ultimately defeating better-known candidates including incumbent Abraham Beame and congresswoman Bella Abzug.
Throughout his career, Koch was known for his Bronx-flavored bon mots. “If you agree with me on nine out of 12 issues, vote for me,” Koch once said. “If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.”
And he brought his forceful personality and attention to detail to the job of mayor, said New York City historian Fred Siegel.
“His campaign slogan was ‘Why not try competence?’ and he demonstrates it. He really knows the budget, he’s on top of things,” Siegel said of Koch’s first years in office. Later, however, Koch “lost interest in the details of running the city,” Siegel said.
Koch’s aspirations went beyond the five boroughs, but more illustrious offices eluded him. A bid for governor in 1982 was felled by Mario M. Cuomo.
Yet the same personality that helped bring Koch national fame also divided some New Yorkers against him over time.
In 2012, Koch recalled walking to the Brooklyn Bridge during a 1980 transit strike to exhort commuters. “I began to yell, ‘Walk over the bridge! Walk over the bridge! We’re not going to let these bastards bring us to our knees!’” Koch recalled.
“His mouth got in the way of his policies,” said investigative journalist Wayne Barrett, who chronicled the Koch years.
The mayor, however, remained forever close-lipped about the most private areas of his personal life, even as some speculated about his sexuality.
While opponents occasionally tried to make political hay of the whispers, Koch responded with silence: “Whether I am straight or gay or bisexual is nobody’s business but mine,” he wrote in his 1992 autobiography.
Koch’s final term was tarnished by corruption, as a scandal involving Queens Borough President Donald Manes threatened to ensnare the mayor, but never did. He lost a shot at a fourth term to the more reserved David Dinkins.
“The people have spoken,” Koch said on the occasion of his losing, “and they must be punished.”
But Koch, who became the first city mayor to host Saturday Night Live in 1983, did not allow his national profile to dim after losing the luster of the mayoralty. He also published a collection of newspaper columns critical of Rudy Giuliani in 1999 titled “Giuliani: Nasty Man.” And for two years in the late Nineties, he wore a black robe on the television show “People’s Court.”
On Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo – the son of former governor Mario -- paid tribute to the man who won’t be leaving New York, even in death. (Koch bought one of Manhattan’s last burial plots for $20,000 in 2008.)
“No New Yorker has – or likely ever will – voice their love for New York City in such a passionate and outspoken manner than Ed Koch,” Cuomo said. “Mr. Mayor was never one to shy away from taking a stand that he believed was right, no matter what the polls said or what was politically correct.”
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement that the city had lost “an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader and champion.”
Senator Charles Schumer lauded Koch as a man of whom New Yorker’s could be proud: “Every atom in his body lived, breathed, spoke, and exuded the city. He helped save the city and, perhaps most important of all, gave it confidence when it was beginning to doubt itself, which helped pave the way for the growth and prosperity we’re still experiencing today.”
Koch died around 2 a.m. Friday after battling a variety of illnesses. He had been hospitalized in September with anemia and in December with a respiratory infection, before his final hospitalization this week.
A funeral service will be held on Monday.
MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski reports that Ed Koch, the former three-term mayor of New York City, died of congestive heart failure, at the age of 88.
Leave a Comment:
God Bless and keep you Ed.
My condolences to his friends, family and many admirers.
Mayor Emeritus Ed Koch- condolences for one and all- an irreplacable mensch. With fond memories-farewell.
My deepest condolences to his family my thoughts are with you.
Please know that Mr Koch left his foot print on this earth and in his own way helped to make this world a better place...For that we are forever thankful.
He was quite a character. He even did a bit of acting and wasn't bad at it. He lived life to the fullest.
RIP. We could use many more like him.
Loved this dude. He always was a great spokesman for the city, and the wonderful diversity that it had to offer. Also, he was always the first to poke fun at himself, to help the city any way he could.
RIP, you were the face of NYC for many, many years.
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mayor Koch at several Ribbon-Cuttings on new schools we built in NYC...He was a gentleman and took the time to come into the school and actually thank the Construction Team whose hard work and sweat made the blueprints a reality.....
Unlike the Bloomberg I met at similar events, decades later...5-minute 6 o'clock news video-sound bites surrounded by his 5 big burly heavily armed Security Detail....Night and Day folks, Night and Day...
It's interesting that in one of his last public statements, he lamented that he knew P.0bama would renege on his commitment to Israel, he just didn't think it would happen this soon....Shalom
Koch was one of a kind - honest, smart, cagey, funny, and fiesty as hell - and yeah, we really need more elected officials like him. You might not have agreed with him but you knew that he spoke truly, and even his worst enemies had to give the man respect for his integrity and guts. I remember watching him on SNL years back and laughing my tuckus off. May his family have peace and comfort.
You fit the label of the "liberal with sanity," and you took a fair approach to what could otherwise be a dividing point amongst the people and politicians. You were one of the good ones, and you should be remembered as such. I also loved watching you on The People's Court...mainly because you were for THE PEOPLE. God Bless You, Mayor.
So wonderful that all comments thus far are classy and give praise to the man and his accomplishments. He had a sense of humor. He helped turn the financial problems of that great city around. Yes, we do need many more like him ! God bless you Mr. Koch !!
Koch was NYC's biggest cheerleader. He was unusual for a politician in that he always spoke his mind and did what he thought was right. He did not care what polls said and did not govern to the poll numbers, he did what he thought should be done and let the results speak for themselves. He was brash, outspoken, and in your face but was still respected by everyone - even his political enemies. No one could ever accuse him of using political speak to not answer a question or avoid an issue. We need more leaders with an attitude and the competency Ed Koch had. RIP.
I kind of liked the guy. Met him a few times when he would just randomly walk around the South St Seaport and walk up to people and talk to them. You didn't have to agree with his politics for him to listen either. He was definitely someone who typified NY at the time.
Even though he was a Democrat and I am not, I liked his style, wit and respected his views and balance. His interest was the people and his city. Swift travels Mr. Mayor.
Ditto.. RIP
If any of us could only accomplish a fraction of what he did for us, his city, our country, and the world. His character will be difficult to replace. May he always be remembered as a person of kindness, inspiring us all to do good for what means the most for us and our children.. PEACE!
From what I have read Senior Koch did a lot of good.
But where was he to instill his values on his sons who have since run a muck destroying any and everything that their money can buy.
Also my apologies if the current Koch boys are not his sons--but I have a feeling they are.
Look out, sillyshrinks, you can get pretty muddy running in all that muck!
During the early & middle 1980's, I was a season box holder at Shea Stadium. My seats were on the first base side of the field section, right along the walkway that split the lower tier of the ballpark. (Anybody whoe went to Shea knows what I'm talking about.)
Koch would attendMets games back in those days, usually on Friday nights, and he would come through the lower field section from right field on that walkway, down the first base line, all the way to home plate, much to the delight of the home crowd. I would stick my hand out to him for a high-five each time he passed, and each time he acknowledged me with a handshake, a high five, or a smile.
"Hizhoner" was a charismatic figure who made us all feel good to be New Yorkers. I was sorry to see him lose that 1989 primary to David Dinkins. Especially since Dinkins would go on to lose the Mayoral election in '93' to Rudy BULLYani.
So now, instead of asking the masses of Gotham "how'm I doin'?",Ed can ask the big guy "so, how'd I do?"...and I'm sure there will be a positive response.
RIP Mayor Koch, you will be missed.
Good old Ed "How'm I doin?" Koch. He was not the best mayor the city ever had (That honor would arguably go to Rudy Giuliani) but he certaintly wasn't the worst, and I don't think anyone really disliked him. I always thought of him generally as a nice guy.
@ spider-737231
Koch was a bachelor, so probably those are not his sons. I really doubt he'd have had sons who acted like they have. He would've done some good butt ripping on them.
May he rest in peace and condolences to his family!
sorry guys, I lived in New york under the Koch regime. he's the reason i moved to New Jersey. He sent taxes through the roof. he worked with big real estate to crush the little guy, including street vendors like the hot dog guy, all to enrich the guys who owned the concessions in the big buildings. The south Bronx was in tatters under his rule. I could go on but i'll stop there. Bottom line, he is just as big a rat as any NY politician on either side of the isle. ding dong the witch is dead. The ex mayor dines with bin laden, Saddam and and Nixon tonight in Hell.
@quite one : many believe he was gay.
@ george pauljohn
I saw that in other articles.
I also looked on Wikipedia, just out of curiosity, and they also show:
Ed Koch's final resting place is at Trinity Church Cemetery in upper Manhattan. His tombstone is inscribed with the words "My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, I am Jewish."
The Koch boy's father is Fred Koch, not Ed.
Sharpton says they didn't always see eye to eye. That shows how good Koch was.
Damn. God you missed , wrong NYC Koch!
He was a good man and a great mayor during some hard times in NYC. God rest his soul, and he will be missed.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Mayor. Many times I saw you on TV, including at St. Patrick's on Christmas Eve. You weren't just the Mayor, you were the very spirit of New York.
New York--the city of beggars--filth--yankees--scum immigrants from Haiti--land of the gays and welfare queens----New York is the dredges of the earth & filth---a land of horedom --but I di watching the Bowlery boys or the the end kids from Brooklyn---God bless the south and our southern heritage---may New York be cursed for sending newly arrived immigrants--and sent them to the southern states to kill women--men--children--to burn homes--cotten fields-----Thanks Abe Lincoln
What's your REAL name? John Rocker??? Bi**h @ss...
Just can't forgive John Rocker for telling the truth can you?
And it's spelled Bitch ass.
My sympathies to his family. Rest in pease, Mayor Koch.
R.I.P. Mayor Koch.
He was one of those who the phrase "they don't make em like him anymore" fits perfectly. Love him or hate him you always ended up respecting this man. Condolences to his survivors. He lived his life his way and thats all we all can wish for in the end
LOVE THAT.......love him,hate him you always ended up respecting him....
Why can we have more politicians like him in this days ,instead two face phony individuals .May God place him in well deserved place for all the real people server on this earth .I'm sure his family will miss him .
RIP mr. Mayor KOCH.
reminded me of daniel patrick moynahan, great public servants who were more interested in public service than partisan service. when they spokr you listened and often were better informed.
He was one of a kind and much admired around the country and the world. People around the world would quip, "If you are going to run a large tough city then you got be like Ed Koch of NYC - a bigger than life toughie!"
Good to have had your around Mr. Koch...rest in peace, and condolences to the family!
I remember the Hon. Mayor Koch as an outspoken, honest and hard working leader of the people. I believe he was the first politician in American history who could not be bought or bribed. Well done Mr. Koch.
RIP Mr mayor
RIP Mayor Koch... thank you for your service and love of our beloved city... God knows you were doing good things, no need to ask anymore.... you will be missed
A good man, a great mayor. Served New York City well, through some difficult issues.
Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace, he has earned his rest. Godspeed, Mayor Koch
Thanks for your Service Sir, RIP.
RIP Mr. Koch. May your memory touch those who are in "power" now. Your legacy will live forever.
Just another 50-50 dude......pissed off as many as he made happy.
That's the way of all things - if he gave a damn about who he pissed off he wouldnt have gotten anything done. (Kind of like all of the DC clowns now - both sides - all pandering to who will vote them in.) Ed just did what needed, voters be damned, and you know what...? It worked out even for those who he pissed off. Hence, three terms.
50-50? You mean there was ever a person that pleased 100%. That's a dumb comment. RIP Mr Mayor. You got things done.
"Just another 50-50 dude......pissed off as many as he made happy."
That's a pretty dumb and sad way to characterize his career.
The guy walked the walk, and turned the city around. Not many politicians will ever add 1/10 of a percent of the value that Mayor Koch added. And he did it with some class, even poking fun at himself.
As JB said above, "you got things done." Few politicians will ever earn a comment like that (ultimate praise) from on of their constituents.
Far from being 'just another 50-50 due.' He was a great mayor who made his office easy and fun. He was a doer. NYC was fortunate to have him as Mayor and resident. Good, good man.
RIP Mr Mayor. Old york will miss you. Even the crime rate was astronomical, and job and housing were scarce. Old york was a helluva a town back in Mayor Koch's office.
Mr. Koch is/was a man Bloomberg can only wish he was.
Mayor Koch & Mayor Schaefer (Of Baltimore, MD) where men that cared about their cities. And as one poster said already "They don't make 'em like that anymore"
RIP Mr Koch
He was a democrat from the same mold as Truman, "Scoop" Jackson, and JFK, who held nation before party and never averted his eyes from reality. RIP.
+1
Yo Independent, what you don't know about the "mob" could fill a phone book. Go spew your venom somewhere else and have some respect for the dead.
Procrustes-2100316,
Thank you for you incredibily immature photo. It makes it very easy to disregard your childish ramblings.
Budini--If Obama were half the man Koch was this nation would be far less divided and far more prosperous.
I agree with Independent thinker. Never glorifying corruption, if that is the case..Whether any of you like it or not. he, and we all are going before Ammit, after this life.And that is after the heart is weighed.He then will know in his soul, what he did right, and what he did wrong., and how much of one, over the other.I know there were a lot of Blacks,Hispanics, and other minorities who would have a not so happy picture of the man. How thankful are we, that before we pass on to the other world, we don`t have to worry about mortals judging us., All though we do our best in trying to paint this angelic virtuous picture of the dead, in all classes and walks of life.I never knew the man, personally.He seemed like a nice man. I`ve heard things on both sides of the coin.again, I`m no Judge of the dead. I respectfully with hold any judgmental comments. Thank you. Nathan H. Pilson.
r.i.p , my heart goes out to family, friends and loveones
He was a mayor New Yorkers could be proud of!
I know that I was proud of Mayor Koch.
You're doing great Mr. Mayor. Thank you and Rest In Peace.
What wasn't there with Ed that you couldn't work with? He told you without guile or subterfuge what his position was on an issue whether you agreed with it or not and invited you to debate it...that`s how a politician should work!
The current POTUS could learn some valuable lessons from Ed's playbook...
As a child growing up in Brooklyn, I always remember him saying, "so how am I doing?" Well, Mr. Mayor, you're doing better than good right now and better than most. May you rest in peace and my condolences to his family.
When Ed gets to the gates at Gan Eden, or Olam HaBa, being Ed, he'll probably ask, "So how'm I doing." It's safe to say the reply will be, "Just fine, Ed, come on in."
Mayor Koch did the things that so clearly needed to be done. Sounds simple . . . but of how many people can that be fairly said? Precious few. He was the essential mayor for his time, and the City was fortunate to have him. Rest in Peace, Mr. Mayor...
We lost of the best New York ICON. Bhagwan be with you.
not likely
He had a small part in the film "The Muppets take Manhattan" in 1984 .
He was the one dress in Communist Red right?