President Obama, Clintons Hail Mario Cuomo
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Rahav Segev/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The death Thursday of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo at age 82 brought forth a flood of tributes recalling a man President Obama called “a determined champion of progressive values.”
Cuomo died of heart failure on the same day his son, Andrew Cuomo, was inaugurated for a second term as governor of New York.
Here are the statements from Obama and the Clintons on the life and legacy of Cuomo:
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.”
Bill and Hillary Clinton:
“We are terribly saddened by the passing of our friend Mario Cuomo. Mario’s life was the very embodiment of the American dream. When he placed my name in nomination at the 1992 Democratic Convention, he said government had “the solemn obligation to create opportunity for all our people.” In his three terms as Governor of New York, he honored that obligation. It was Mario Cuomo’s great gift and our good fortune that he was both a sterling orator and a passionate public servant. His life was a blessing. Our hearts and prayers go out to Matilda, Andrew, Margaret, Maria, Madeline, Christopher, his grandchildren, and all who were blessed by his life.”
Saddened by the passing of Mario Cuomo – a passionate public servant and the embodiment of the American dream. http://t.co/YP6Liuuj2N
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) January 2, 2015
Cuomo’s funeral service will be on Tuesday.
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