MEMORIES OF NEW YORK'S GOVERNOR MARIO CUOMO

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NEW YORK'S FAVORITE GOVERNOR

Story By: James Edstrom

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Mario Cuomo

Three-time governor of New York Mario Cuomo, died on Thursday at his home in New York City. He was 82 years old.

His death came on the day his eldest son, Andrew Cuomo, delivered his inaugural addresses in Manhattan and Buffalo, New York, after being sworn in for his second term as governor.

The governor's office said in a statement the elder Cuomo, who served as New York's 52nd chief executive from 1983 through 1994, had died of "natural causes due to heart failure at home with his loving family at his side."

On a personal note, I have met Mario Cuomo many times. The last time I saw him was a few years ago at dinner at Tony Di Napoli's restaurant on 43rd street. Many celebrities were there, including Honeymooner Joyce Randolph, Angela Lansbury, Bruce Vilanch, Walter Cronkite, Joe Franklin, Hollywood legend Celeste Holm and many other politicians and stars from the past. He was smiling all night long and this is how I will remember him.