Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo Dies at 82

Mario Cuomo, a former three-term governor of New York, died on Thursday at the age of 82. He died from heart failure at his home with his family by his side, according to a statement.

Ironically, he passed on the same day that his son Andrew started his second term as governor of the state.

A son of Italian immigrants, Mario became an eloquent spokesman for a generation of liberal Democrats during his time in office. He served from 1983 through 1994. He became nationally recognized for his ability to weave the story of his humble upbringing with ringing calls for social justice.

By the same token, he was equally known for the presidential races he stayed out of in 1988 and 1992.