Former three-term Governor Mario Cuomo, who rose from humble beginnings in Queens to become a standard-bearer of American liberalism, has died at the age of 82.
The office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mario Cuomo's son, released a statement Thursday night, saying in part, "The family of former Governor Mario M. Cuomo announced that the Governor passed away from natural causes due to heart failure this evening at home with his loving family at his side."
The news came just hours after Andrew Cuomo was publicly inaugurated for his second term as the 56th governor of New York.
The elder Cuomo, who served as the state's governor from 1983 to 1994, catapulted himself onto the national scene with his keynote address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention.
His family said he passed away at his Manhattan home, from "natural causes due to heart failure." He had recently been hospitalized to treat a heart condition.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said in his speech at One World Trade Center Thursday that his father was unable to attend because he was ill. He also said he and his family had spent New Year's eve with the senior Cuomo.
Governor Cuomo had also changed his initial plans for his swearing in ceremony to take place in Manhattan as opposed to Albany.
Elected officials expressed their condolences at the death of the political heavyweight.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer released a statement Thursday night, saying in part, "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."
In a statement, former Governor George Pataki said, "Libby and I extend our deepest condolences to Matilda, Governor Cuomo and the entire family on the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo. Governor Cuomo was a proud son of immigrants and a compassionate leader who possessed a soaring intellect. He was a great New Yorker who will be missed."
In a statement by President Barack Obama on the passing of Mario Cuomo, he said:
"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."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio office says while flags are already at half-staff in honor of the two fallen NYPD officers, they will remain at half-staff for 30 days in honor of the former governor.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.