NEW YORK—Former Mayor Ed Koch died early Friday morning, according to the Associated Press citing spokesperson George Artz. Koch was 88.
The time period he was mayor, from 1978 through 1989, was the beginning of the city’s climb out of serious crime, though corruption remained, especially in Koch’s last of three terms.
Later in life Koch became involved in the arts, writing a children’s book and critiquing films. In 2011, the City Council voted to rename the Queensboro Bridge the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement that the city has lost “our most charismatic cheerleader and champion.”
“Through his tough, determined leadership and responsible fiscal stewardship, Ed helped lift the city out of its darkest days and set it on course for an incredible comeback,” Bloomberg said. “We will miss him dearly, but his good works—and his wit and wisdom—will forever be a part of the city he loved so much.”
Flags on all city buildings will fly half-staff in Koch’s memory.
Koch had an illustrious life. After running for a fourth term for mayor but losing, he became a partner in a law firm, and an adjunct professor at New York University. He also lectured at a range of venues.
