Former congressman and Buffalo native John LaFalce has died.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement announcing Lafalce's death on Saturday.

The Canisius High School graduate served in the state senate and assembly in the early 1970s before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1974.

He would serve and represent parts of Western New York from 1975 until his retirement in 2003.

Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags to be flown at half-staff on state buildings on Monday in LaFalce's honor.

“Congressman LaFalce was as Buffalo as they come," Schumer said in a statement. "He had one of the biggest brains and the biggest heart. John was a legislative giant and a dear friend going back to our time serving together in the House. He would see a problem, whether in his beloved city of Buffalo or across the country, and dedicate every fiber of his being to making sure it was solved. His dedication to public service and passion for helping others knew no bounds. He loved Buffalo and always defended Western New York. He was a good and loyal friend, and I will deeply miss him. My prayers are with his loved ones and Western NY as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

State Sen. Sean Ryan also released a statement, calling LaFalce "a tireless public servant, a dedicated advocate for his constituents, and a champion for our community."

In a statement, Rep. Tim Kennedy said LaFalce "will be remembered as a man of great faith, conviction, and passion, who was always speaking up for his constituents."

LaFalce was 85.