Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch Passes Away

Former New York mayor Ed Koch passed away this morning at the age of 88.

Koch had been hospitalized in the past few months for various ailments, including fatigue and shortness of breath, and is believed to have died of congestive heart failure, according to The Associated Press.

The outspoken Bronx native served as a Congressional representative from 1969 to 1997 and was then elected as Mayor of New York City.

Koch's reign as NYC's mayor lasted until 1989, as the beloved politician was twice reelected as mayor by overwhelming majorities of 75 and 78 percent, respectively.

Beyond his affection for politics, the treasured New York politician was an entertainment lover and made cameos in dozens of films and television shows over the years, including appearances on Saturday Night Live.

Combining his love for politics and entertainment, Koch was also a judge on The People's Court for a few years in the late '90s.

An animated moviegoer, Koch premiered his own weekly movie review web show in 2009 entitled Mayor at the Movies. A documentary based on his life, simply entitled Koch, was originally set to be released today.

Koch maintained a reciprocated love with New York over the years, which was demonstrated in 2011 when the Queensboro Bridge, which connects Queens with Manhattan, was officially renamed "Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge" in his honor.

The Big Apple lover stated in 2008 that he had selected a burial plot in Manhattan's Trinity Cemetery, saying to The Associated Press, "I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone. This is my home. The thought of having to go to New Jersey was so distressing to me."