Portrait painting of
Mario Cuomo
(1932 – 2015)
NEW YORK – Former Governor Mario Cuomo passed away from natural causes due to heart failure this Thursday at home with his family at his side. He was 82 years of age and had been in failing health in recent months. .
Mario Cuomo’s passing came just hours after his son, Andrew, took the oath of office for a second term as governor.
“We’re missing one family member,” Noted Andrew Cuomo. “My father is not with us today. We had hoped that he was going to be able to come; he is at home and he is not well enough to come. We spent last night with him, changed the tradition a little bit. We weren’t in Albany last night; we stayed at my father’s house to ring in the New Year with him. I went through the speech with him. He said it was good, especially for a second-termer.”
The 52nd Governor of New York State, Governor Mario Cuomo served as New York’s Chief Executive from 1983 through 1994. His supporters credited him with simultaneously improving the business environment of New York and the quality of life for its citizens, despite a national recession at the time.
Among other career highlights, Governor Cuomo presented eleven consecutive balanced budgets, reduced taxes,
proclaimed the Decade of the Child, ushering in an effort to improve the lives of all New York’s children, became the first state administration in the country to develop an energy plan and to sign into law controls on acid rain among many undertakings.
Mario Cuomo rose to national prominence after giving the keynote address at the 1984 Democratic national convention in San Francisco. He seriously considered running for president many years later, but ultimately decided not to run.
Lawmakers of both parties have been quick to praise the late governor’s dedication to New York State:
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.
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.”
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.”
