Three-term New York Mayor Ed Koch died today at the age of 88. Though a lifelong (and larger-than-life) Democrat, in 2004, he vigorously endorsed George W. Bush over fellow Democrat John Kerry because he felt everything was “trumped by the issue of terrorism.”
Koch will be laid to rest at Trinity Church Cemetery, where a marker has stood since 2009. On it is the Star of David, a Hebrew prayer, and this inscription:
“My father is Jewish. My mother is Jewish. I am Jewish.”
(Daniel Pearl, 2002, just before he was beheaded by a Muslim terrorist.)
Ed Koch served as an infantryman in World War II, where he earned two Battle Stars.
Rest in peace, Mr.Mayor.