Ed Koch, former Mayor of New York City, passed away early Friday morning due to congestive heart failure. He was 88.
Koch was known for his blunt, unique style which defined New York City "chutzpah." Many credit Koch, who served as mayor from 1978-1989, with pulling the city out of fiscal misery. However, he has been criticized for failing to do enough for the homeless or adequately respond to the city's HIV/AIDS crisis that sprung up during his tenure.
Upon hearing the news, many Twitter users in New York City and elsewhere sent messages of condolences or otherwise reflected on Koch's life and mayoralty:
[View the story "Twitter Users Bid Farewell to Ed Koch" on Storify]