New Yorkers Sing Sinatra Tune As Koch is Laid to Rest

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Photo/Wikipedia

New York's beloved former Mayor, Ed Koch was laid to rest today as hundreds of fans lined the streets of the Big Apple in honor of the man known for his big heart, warm smile and sense of humor.

The lawyer, politician, political commentator, and later, reality television judge on "The People's Court," was born Edward Irving Koch on December 12, 1924 in New York City.

Koch served as Mayor of New York City from January 3, 1969 until January 3, 1973. He is one of the City's most popular, well-liked politicians. Koch died February 1, 2013 while in the Intensive-care unit at New York's Presbyterian Hospital of congestive heart failure. The former Mayor's health began deteriorating six months prior to his death.

Funeral services for Koch were held at Temple Emanu-El on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. According to his Wikipedia page, in 2008 Koch purchased a burial plot in Manhattan's non-denominational Trinity Cemetery and Mausoleum. The former Mayor said, "I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone. This is my home. The thought of having to go to New Jersey was so distressing to me."

 Mayor Ed Koch was the 105th Mayor to serve New York City.

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